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Hen House Weekly E-News
September 25, 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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In his book, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis investigates the question: What does it mean to be a Christian? This is part of his answer: “Now we begin to see what it is that the New Testament is always talking about. It talks about Christians ‘being born again’; it talks about them ‘putting on Christ’; about Christ ‘being formed in us’; about our coming to ‘have the mind of Christ.’ Put right out of your head the idea that these are only fancy ways of saying that Christians are to read what Christ said and try to carry it out… It is not a question of a good man who died two thousand years ago. It is a [real Person, Christ, here and now] really coming and interfering with your very self; killing the old natural self in you and replacing it with the kind of self Christ has… If all goes well, [Christ will turn] you permanently into a different sort of thing; into a new little Christ, a being which, in its own small way, has the same kind of life as God; which shares in [God’s] power, joy, knowledge, and eternity.”
On her website, Lutheran Pastor Jennifer shares this quote and writes, "Lewis’ point is this: being a Christian doesn’t mean believing certain things about Jesus. It doesn’t mean following Jesus’ teachings as a kind of moral guidebook. Being a Christian means being transformed by Christ. Becoming a new person, a new creature: becoming a little Christ."
This Sunday we will reflect on Paul's teachings to the Church in Philippi about having the same mind among us as was in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:1-13). Paul didn't mean that we all must agree on everything, but that we all seek to grow in and live from the mind of Christ (becoming little Christ's). Paul teaches us that we can't do this on our own but that God is at work in us and among us. The image above shares the First Nation's Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament of Philippians 2:1-2 reminding us that God is always at work in us and among us helping us to Love with one heart and one Spirit to walk together side by side on one path, the path of Christ (even as we don't always think the same). Join us on Sunday as we explore this together.
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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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Are you Curious - Save the Date!
Have you ever wondered about the origin of the Mason fireplace in the backyard of our church? Come to our Worship service on Sunday, October 4 and hear the history of this firepit and enjoy a picnic lunch after the service. There will be brats and authentic Swiss case wieners from Hoesley's in New Glarus -- all cooked on this beloved landmark. One of our members is from the group that originally built the fireplace with their fellow Youth Fellowship friends and he will take us down memory lane recalling the day it was built. Hope to see you there!!
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Remembering Dolly Parton on 9-25
This issue of the Hen House News is being published on what many now consider to be Dolly Parton Day (Nine 2 Five). So it is a good time to announce that on Sunday, October 25 our Worship music will be led by Dolly Parton as we sing along with her to favorite old hymns.
Watch for more information as the date nears, and invite any family or friends who you think would appreciate this service. The focus of the day is on Jesus' call to love God, self and neighbor which was the way Dolly chose to live. We honor her commitment to love and the love many have for Dolly by including her voice in our Worship service that day.
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Annual Crop Walk
Sunday, Oct 18
First UCC Belleville
12:30 Registration
1:00 Walk
Zwingli will walk as a group and collect as a group. If you choose to donate to Crop Walk make your check out to Zwingli UCC Paoli and in the memo put Crop Walk. If you are walking contact Kriss Ace.
We are excited to be invited to walk with First UCC again this year!
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September Special Offering
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a Special Mission Offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion in the United States.
In 2025, the Neighbors in Need Offering supported 26 grant recipients across the UCC who were engaged in projects of direct service and advocacy. Learn more at www.ucc.org/nin
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You are invited to a Workshop
Sunday, Sept. 27, 1-3 pm
at First UCC, Belleville
First Church invites us all to attend an engaging and thought-provoking workshop exploring race, justice, and the ways they intersect with our faith. Led by Rhonda Hill, the founder of Race & Faith, Inc. in Milwaukee, this workshop will help us explore the progression from Actor to Ally to Accomplice as a practical and theological framework for engaging justice work. Rhonda has spent more than a decade focusing on issues of racism and poverty. Her commitment to raising awareness about racism is reflected in her previous work with the Milwaukee Social Development Commission, the YWCA, the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the ELCA, and most recently, the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee. She holds dual master's degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Theology. She comes highly recommended. Please register asap by calling or texting 608-630-2831. Please provide your Name, Number attending, and Home Church. Several members of Zwingli are planning to attend and will look forward to seeing you there.
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October Repair Cafe!
Our Next Repair Cafe is on Saturday, Oct 10 (drop in between 10 am - Noon). For more info go to our website. Share this info with family and friends. If you are on FB, please mark interested or going on our FB Event page and post/share/invite family and friends. Unfortunately Dwight can't be there to sharpen your knives/scissors this time around.
We thank Paqui (Rich's wife) for making this awesome 'retro' design flyer for us!
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Free Devotional Gift from
Bread for the World!
Bread for the World is pleased to continue our commitment to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. As in previous years, we are offering a set a reflections and prayers that together form a devotional titled Nourished by God’s Grace: Hispanic Heritage 2026. We are especially happy to partner with the Latino Christian National Network (LCNN) to write and produce this year’s devotional. This devotional offers the views and concerns of diverse ecumenical leaders about many of the greatest challenges of the day. We also try to honor the great contributions made by Latino/Hispanic people.
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Alert for those with Medicare Advantage Policies!
If you have a Medicare Advantage Policy, this video gives you info about what to watch for and what to do in the coming weeks to protect yourself for the coming year. More than 1 million seniors are being dropped from their Medicare Advantage plans for 2027. In the video, researcher Neal K. Shah walks you through exactly what to do before December 7 so you are not blindsided on January 1. Watch for letters from your insurance company in the coming weeks and read them! You might need to take action in the ways Neal teaches in this video. Neal K. Shah is a Johns Hopkins- and NIH-funded caregiving researcher and CEO of CareYaya, and has helped thousands of families navigate aging, dementia, and serious illness. If you find you are at risk and need support, don't panic because there is a possible silver lining if you take action, and contact your local Senior Center or the Aging and Disability Center of Dane County asap.
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Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ (1501 Gilbert Road)
invites Zwingli to this event:
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Wednesday, Sept 30, 5pm pizza; 6pm film, at Orchard Ridge UCC church in Madison - If you're wondering what was happening or what's happening at the border now, here's your opportunity because we (ORUCC) will be hosting the screening of the film "The Samaritans." The Samaritans are a humanitarian aid group that provides water, clothing, and medical aid at the border, so.this is an opportunity in particular for folks who have been at the border in recent years. In addition to the film itself, this is an opportunity to meet David Damiano Figueroa, the producer of the film. The event begins with pizza at 5pm with the film at 6:00pm, followed by Q&A . Bring your questions for an update on what's happening now at the border.
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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: Protect the Right to Vote: Reject the SAVE Act. 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! | | | | |
