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Hen House Weekly E-News
July 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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I am now returned from vacation and looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday! I am so grateful to Kriss and Petra for leading Worship these past two Sundays (and Petra for being on call for me).
This Sunday we get to explore several images Jesus uses for the Kingdom of Heaven: mustard seed, yeast, treasure, pearl, and a net (Matthew 13:31-33; 36-43). It's been fascinating for me and I hope you will find it fascinating too! We will also explore Paul's teachings in Romans 8:28-29 and the new interpretation due to the discovery of a mistranslation of the word 'for" (if you want to learn more, listen to a 5 minute teaching by Professor N.T. Wright here)!
I hope you will join us on Sunday as we explore these scriptures and the special connection they have which gives us deeper wisdom and clarity for faith and life today! To help us prepare for Sunday, I share with you this reflection by Steve Garnaas-Holmes:
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All things work together for good
for those who love God,
who are called according to God’s purpose.
For those whom God foreknew
God also predestined to be conformed
to the image of God’s Beloved.
—Romans 8.28-29
This is who we are: particles of the light that is God.
This is our purpose, our destiny.
God intends this for everyone before we are created
(God foreknew us), and so all of us—
everyone, not just some special class,
is predestined to be an image of God’s love:
called, justified and glorified.
This doesn’t mean everything works out OK
for God’s favorite people.
It means when we align ourselves with God’s love
we are in harmony with the infinite force for good
that is in all things.
The universe is for us, not against us.
Even in our failure or suffering
God’s purpose advances through us.
The world and its rewards and punishments
knows nothing of this.
Your calling is to give them a hint.
The infinite delight of God works in all things
to help you do this.
Even if you fail,
glory is your destiny.
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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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Announcements
- August 16: Outdoor Worship / Rural Life Sunday / Ice Cream Social!
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Five Wishes!
The Wisconsin Conference UCC Aging in Grace Working Group provides resources to support for all of us as we age. If you would like to learn more about Advanced Directives or "Five Wishes", go here.
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The Palestine Justice Working Group of the Wisconsin Conference UCC invites you to two upcoming events:
Listen to the Voices of Palestinian and Israeli Youth! July 30, Noon!
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The Parent's Circle Family Forum invites you to a special conversation with the next generation of the Parents Circle – live from camp! The Peace Summer Camp program is at the heart of the Parents Circle, bringing together over 40 Palestinian and Israeli teenagers, most of them bereaved. This is not just any summer camp. Away from the immediate pressures of conflict, participants engage in team-building activities, facilitated workshops, and honest, meaningful conversations. Through personal storytelling and shared experiences, these teenagers experience powerful emotional breakthroughs and create deep relationships with peers from ‘the other side’. Operating during one of the most difficult periods in Israeli-Palestinian relations in decades, this camp demonstrates the extraordinary human capacity for connection across deep divides. Join their webinar to hear directly from the campers, counselors, and camp managers – live from camp!
To sign up go to: Live from the 2026 Youth Peace Camp - American Friends of the Parents Circle. Note: the webinar will be held in English.
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Palestine Film Night and Discussion with Bright Stars of Bethlehem
Friday, August 14 at 7:00pm
Midvale Community Lutheran Church
4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711
Experience two powerful short films that offer deeply personal perspectives on life in Palestine. Created by students, faculty and graduates of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, these internationally acclaimed films highlight stories of resilience, creativity, and hope. Following the screenings, there will be a time for conversation and questions. Bright Stars of Bethlehem executive director, Tracie Ortman, will share more about the organization's mission, its partnership with Dar al-Kalima University, which was founded by the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, and how you can help support this vital work in Palestine. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/MidvaleFilmNight
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Church History Project
Protecting the most important “life of our church history” items has come to the attention of the 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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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: Urge Congress to Hold Data Centers Accountable. 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! | | | | |
