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Hen House Weekly E-News
June 26, 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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Happy Independence / Interdependence Day!
Following a two week vacation I'm so grateful to Petra, Kriss and Mary for covering worship and pastoral care for me. Zwingli is so blessed with them and their gifts! I've missed you and am looking forward to being back with you this coming Sunday!
It's hard to believe June is almost over and July 4th will soon be here! This year it is a special July 4th since we celebrate 250 years of independence! While it's a time of celebration, we do well to also make it a time of reflection on the divided troubled state of our Union right now. One of the voices I've discovered is Professor Jeremy David Engels, a communications ethicist and mindfulness teacher who wrote the book, On Mindful Democracy: A Declaration of INTERDEPENDENCE to Mend a Fractured World. One commentator states that Engels "Reframes democracy not as a battle to be fought but as a practice of care, and not as a pathway to independence but a reminder of our interdependence." The teaching of Engels reminds me of Martin Luther King, Jr and his quest to build the beloved community. The image above also captures the July 4 spirit of interdependence -- you can find it and a bishop's reflection entitled Happy Interdependence Day here.
Our scripture for Sunday is the well known story from Matthew 25 in which Jesus talks about the judgement of the nations. In his own way, Jesus is talking about the interdependence of caring for one another in our world, about the beloved community. I hope you will join us on Sunday for Worship that celebrates July 4th as well as invites us to explore what it means for us to be on the journey of working together in our democracy to create "a more perfect union". In preparation, here's a prayer by Rev. Cameron Trimble for our Nation. To her prayer, I would add, "We belong to you, our Creator":
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A Prayer of Interdependence
O Spirit of Liberation,
On this day when a nation declares its independence,
we declare our interdependence.
We belong to one another.
We belong to the land.
We belong to the generations yet to come.
Where there is illusion, may we bring truth.
Where there is violence, may we bring compassion.
Where there is despair, may we bring fierce hope.
We give thanks for all who have labored, struggled, marched, and mourned
to bring freedom closer to reality for all.
And we commit ourselves now—not just to liberty—but to justice.
Not just to survival—but to beloved community.
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.
In this 250th birthday of our nation, we pray for Democracy to grow stronger and healthier. 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 current administration.
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Pastor Karla out of the office: July 6 - 19
Pastor Karla will be out of the office in early July. Once again member and Commissioned Pastor, Petra Streiff will be on call for pastoral care (608-395-9178).
On Sunday, July 12, Kriss Ace will lead worship and on July 19, Petra will lead worship. Many thanks again to both Kriss and Petra.
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Marques Bovre Tribute Band Concert at Dot's Tavern, July 3
Sue Bovre invites Zwingli and friends to another Tribute Concert for her son Marques (who grew up at Zwingli Church). Sue's grandson Quintin is the lead singer and original members of Marques' bands are part of the Tribute Band. The Concert is on July 3 from 5-8 pm at Dot's Tavern (6734 Henry Rd, Basco, WI)! For more info on Marques and his music check out the website Quintin created with all his Dad's music. Hope to see you at the Concert!
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NEEDED: VOLUNTEERS FOR BI-WEEKLY CHURCH CLEANING
Due to a medical leave of absence, Cathy Sonnenburg will be unable to clean the church from July - December 2026. Hiring a new cleaning service would be cost prohibitive at this time.
Therefore, the Council is asking for volunteers to take on this responsibility on a bi-weekly schedule. There will be a sign-up sheet for volunteers, along with a list of suggested cleaning needs on the bulletin board in the entrance hallway.
Cleaning supplies will be provided.
You may even consider tag teaming with multiple people to accomplish this need! Cherry Pulver has already taken on the responsibility of cleaning both restrooms on a weekly basis.
Please consider offering your time to this project.
In appreciation,
Your Church Council
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July Food Pantry Drive!
Zwingli Council invites you to bring donations of non-perishable food items or money (make checks out to Zwingli - pantry donation in subject line) on Sundays, July 5 and 12. This is one way we can support those in need during the summer when children are at home and families are often struggling more.
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Church History Project
Protecting our most important “life of our church history” items has come to the attention of your Church Council.
The Council is concerned were there a fire, or a devastating natural disaster, many of our historical documents, pictures etc. could be lost, destroyed. Many of these mementos are only stored in a closet, unprotected from fire, or a potential weather disaster. The Council is actively pricing disaster proof storage cabinetry, to safeguard our years of memories.
It would be greatly appreciated if a few people could volunteer to look at our old papers, photos, stored in the upper room closet, and basement - sort out what they feel is of most importance to save.
Please contact a member of the Church Council if you’re interested in this project. Severe weather season is upon us - it would be terribly sad to lose Zwingli UCC’s many years of memories. Thank you for your consideration of this project.
Faith Wittwer - Council President
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Resources for Celebrating the End of Life
The Wisconsin Conference UCC Older Adult Ministries Work Group has made resources available for Church members to use in preparation for their end of life, however soon or far away that may be. The articles listed as resources below can help you develop your end-of-life plans. If you are unable to access these or print them off and would like copies, please contact Pastor Karla or our Admin Asst Kathie to print it out for you. Pastor Karla is available to support you in making funeral or memorial service plans. The Older Adult Ministries Work Group prays you find these resources helpful.
Resources:
1. “Planned Funeral Information Sheet For Individual Use Only” from Pilgrim UCC, Grafton
2. “My Personal Planning Guide,” from Plopper Funeral Home
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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 one is: End Capital Punishment. 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! | | | | |
