From the Pastor

We had a wonderful celebration of Rural Life Sunday last week! Many thanks to the many hands and hearts who contributed to making it special. It was my first ever Rural Life Sunday -- and a beautiful experience to honor the life many of you have lived for most or all of your lives.  


This Sunday will be the last Sunday in the Easter Season. We will explore one of my favorite Biblical Stories in which Paul sings hymns while shacked in a prison (Acts 16:25-34 - the image above is of a children's book by by Terry Whalin (Author), Andy Stiles (Illustrator)! 


Since it's the first Sunday of the month we will celebrate communion (all are welcome to Christ's table, and we use grape juice and delicious gluten/dairy free bread). 


Following Worship we invite you to Friendship Time in our lower level -- a chance to visit with each other and enjoy refreshments! This will be the last Friendship Time until September.


It is also the Sunday in which we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus, and await the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (June 8). I want to share this Ascension Day prayer by Steve Garnaas-Holmes (unfoldinglight.net) to bless us as we prepare for Sunday:

He was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

    —Acts 1.9

         God raised Christ from the dead

         and seated Christ at God’s right hand in the heavenly places.

         The mystery of God’s will… is to gather up all things in Christ.

                        —Ephesians 1.20, 10

Christ, risen and ascended,

you are no longer one person, but the whole.

Christ, you are raised bodily,

and your Body now is us,

and all Creation.


Loving One,

may I live this day

as your body, your flesh and blood.

As the only purpose of my hand

is to be my hand, to move as I will,

so my only purpose today

is to be your hand, your eyes,

to touch and to bless,

to create and to heal, as you will,

as your Spirit moves me,

one with my whole Body,

gathered in your grace,

the flesh of Christ,

the flesh of Creation,

the body of your love.

Blessings,

Karla

We will receive the Strengthen the Church offering on June 8.

Vacation Bible School for families

all ages welcome!


In joyful partnership, Grace UMC and First UCC Belleville invite you to ‘Waves of Wonder” Family Nights, a special Vacation Bible School for families, children and adults (and grandparents) of all ages!


Four evenings of fun, faith, and friendship will include a light dinner, music, bible stories, crafts and games. We hope you will join us for all or as many sessions as works for you. Bring your family and friends!


5:30-7:30 pm June 5, 9,11,and 12

at First United Church of Christ, 130 E Church St., Belleville

For more info or to register: phone: (608-424-3572) email: office@bellevillefirstucc.org

Looking for an opportunity to express your opinion on US public policy?


As a member of the United Church of Christ, Zwingli is supported with resources by our national offices. Among these resources is an Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington DC. This Office gives information to understand the issues and legislation -- and the ability to easily express our opinion to our political leaders. Go to this website to access these opportunities to express yourself (if you do not have a computer, check out your local library). 


We will update this announcement with new opportunities (as they are added - bolded) so you can know the current issues you can respond to. You can also get alerts in your inbox by signing up here. Currently, there are opportunities to express your opinion on:  All People are Created in God's Loving Image (inclusiveness in the military), Love the Least of These: Protect Children, the Sick, and the Poor, Help Protect our Right to Speak Out Against Injustice: Urge Congress to Vote NO on the Budget Reconciliation Bill, End the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza. For Mother's Day: Tell Congress NO CUTS for Federal Support to Mothers and Children, Tell Congress It's Time for Moral Courage, This Earth Day, Support Environmental Justice for all! As You File Your Taxes, Say Yes to Peace, Tell Congress to pass a Moral Budget, Support for Humanitarian Aid and Peace-making is non-negotiable; Protect Govt Funding; Protect DEI; Protect Medicare and Food Stamps; Protect Trans, Nonbinary and Intersex Civil Rights; Protect Everyday Consumers; Have a Heart for God's Planet; Foreign Aid; Federal Funding Freeze; Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking; Immigration Policies; Trans Protection; Voting Rights; Affordable Internet; Indian Boarding Schools; and Military Aid to Israel. We know that some of you want to put your faith beliefs in action and hope those of you who wish to advocate find this resource useful.


 
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Zwingli United Church of Christ

www.paoliucc.com

https://www.facebook.com/zwingliuccpaoli/

zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

PO Box 530, Belleville, WI 53508


 
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"A small church with a big

and open heart!"


Pastor

Rev. Karla Schmidt

pastor.zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

608-572-4557



Kathie Wagner, Administrative Assistant

zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com

Phone: 608-845-5641