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Hen House Weekly E-News
April 24, 2026
Why Hen House? The friendly chatter before Worship on Sundays reminds us of a Hen House! Since Jesus identified himself as a Mother Hen and, as an historical farm church, we enjoy being God's ‘Hen House’ and welcome everyone (town, urban, and rural) to our Worship and other programs - and invite you to even make Zwingli your Church home. The United Church of Christ values all people!
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The 23rd Psalm is a favorite of many people. Is it a favorite for you? Some find it challenging because they don't identify with the image of being sheep or needing a shepherd. Yet it was a very meaningful image for the first century people because there were sheep and shepherds everywhere! The image above by painter Ted Roberts (tedroberts.co.uk) beautifully reveals the great love good shepherds have for their sheep.
What meaning might the concept of Jesus as the Good Shepherd have for us today? What does it mean for us as we walk through valleys of 'death' (losses in our lives)? How do we discern the voice of the Good Shepherd from the thieve shepherds in our world? Join us this Sunday as we reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-10) and take a deeper look at what Psalm 23 tells us about what it means to follow Jesus based on the shepherding practices of the first century. In preparation, I share this prayer by Steve Garnaas-Holmes based on Psalm 23 to bless you:
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Shepherd me, Jesus.
You know the still waters I need to drink from,
the green pastures my soul needs.
Lead me there.
I think you will lead me to what I desire
but that’s wrong! What I desire is you.
Lead me there.
Lead me out of my fears and wants
into the path of your life.
The paths of righteousness
lead through the dark valley, don’t they?
Lead me anyway.
I will follow you,
not my fear.
Even there I shall not want.
Friend, you set a feast for me—
and invite my enemy!
You lead me to come and sit—
and I am in your house,
and my cup overflows.
Beloved, your goodness and mercy have married me.
May they shepherd me
all the days of my life. Amen
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Prayer List
Today, we invite you to keep in prayer:
Those suffering from drought, famine, accidents, fires, storms, flooding, tornados, excessive heat, violence, homelessness, illness, war in their communities.
Nations in crisis: US/Israel - Iran ‘War’: Civilians and troops and the political will to choose non-violent conflict resolution, France, Mexico, Cuba, U.S. - Venezuela tensions, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Haiti, Sudan, The Congo, Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. Prayers for those countries, companies, farmers, and consumers who are affected by the escalating trade war. The people of Pine Ridge Reservation and all Native Peoples.
For wise, compassionate leadership in our Executive, legislative and judicial branches of govt, and citizen action. For Civil Servants, immigrants, international students, and others facing uncertainty under the policies of the new administration.
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Calendar
- April 26: Adult Ed following the worship service
- May 3: Worship with Communion followed by Friendship Time
- May 10: Mother’s Day
- May 16: Repair Café: 10 - Noon
- May 20: Brunch Bunch at River Grill in Belleville: 10:30 am
| | The April 16 Luncheon fundraiser was much fun and very successful! We thank all those who attended - it was great to see so many from Zwingli as well as our Paoli-Belleville-Oregon communities! We thank all those from Zwingli who donated money or goodies or volunteer time! We especially thank our planning team who worked very hard to make this event happen: Faith Wittwer, Cherry Pulver, Kriss Ace, Debbie Versnik, and Louise Brunkow. | |
An Invitation From the National United Church of Christ
Join us April 25th as we kick off 250 days of Kindness! We are proud to join the USofKindness (USK) and accept the USK 250 Acts of Kindness Call to Action for 2026.
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we invite churches, congregations, and individuals to join us in elevating the kindness already happening and inspiring even more across our communities. Whether you’re a faith leader, a member of a congregation, or someone seeking to make a difference, your acts of kindness matter.
One act of kindness can change a life; 250 million acts of kindness shared could change a nation. Learn more at: www.USofKindness.org
Zwingli Council invites all of us to continue your acts of kindness in our community, add new acts, and share ideas you have for Zwingli to show more kindness in our community and world. One of these will be our May 16, Repair Cafe!
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Opportunity to Support Wisconsin Flood Victims
Wisconsin Conference UCC Minister Rev. Franz Rigert writes: Over the past week, Wisconsin has endured torrential rains and several tornadoes. Relief efforts are taking place in several areas where UCC congregations are playing a vital role. In Waupaca and Outagamie counties, Fremont and New London were devastated by floods that displaced families and severely damaged homes and businesses. So far, we are not aware of any damage to UCC churches. Several congregations have stepped up in amazing ways to provide supplies, relief funding, food, and shelter. St. John’s UCC in Black Creek is sheltering 12 community members and coordinating a response with various local resources. The Rev. Moira Finley forwarded pictures of cots and tables set up in the church and of supplies gathered at a nearby firehouse.
The Conference has established a flood relief fund and welcomes contributions. All gifts will be forwarded to local organizations providing disaster relief.
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Repair Cafe - May 16!
We are excited to offer our 3rd Cafe! If you have any repair skills you would like to share, let Pastor Karla know. Meanwhile, please share this Cafe' info with your friends and family who might need some support. They can learn more about the Cafe' and what we can fix or try to help them fix on our website at https://www.paoliucc.com/about-us/repair-cafe.
If you would like to help provide refreshments and/or show hospitality to our visitors, please contact Petra or Faith. This is a ministry of Zwingli to our neighbors -- and for the sustainability of our planet. Thank you for supporting it with your prayers and/or in volunteering as you can and as you feel led.
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Graduations?
We are moving into graduation season! If you know of any graduates of our Zwingli family who we should recognize and celebrate, please contact Pastor Karla.
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Join the Wisconsin Conference UCC all-Conference read of 'Nice Racism'
Annual Meeting also marked the formal launch of the Conference-wide read of "Nice Racism," Robin DiAngelo’s examination of how well-meaning progressive white people perpetuate racial harm. A three-session virtual book study will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays May 5, 12 and 19. You can purchase "Nice Racism" on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Register for the book study.
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Flicker Wild Church
Next Sacred Fire Circle – Beltane/ May Day – Sunday, May 3 @ Winterfell Acres. Circle start time around 3pm. Potluck on the farm to follow.
Please bring a seasonal dish/beverage to share, and as always, dress for the elements and bring a chair or blanket for the circle.
Contact Daniel Cooperrider with questions (dcooperrider@gmail.com)
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Opportunities for Citizen Advocacy through letters to Congress
The United Church of Christ offers us the opportunity to learn more about bills before Congress and voice our opinions to our legislators. They make it very easy to send an email. Check out the many topics on their page: https://www.ucc.org/action-center/. The most recent ones are: No ICE in Our Churches: Protect Sensitive Locations and Provide Robust Support for Disaster Recovery. Scroll down the page to find others that you might want to express your opinion about.
| | The Southern Region of the Wisconsin Conference UCC publishes Shalom, a monthly e-newsletter featuring events and happenings within the Conference, including Zwingli. Click here to check it out! | | | | |
