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Hen House Weekly E-News
May 1, 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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This season of Eastertide has been taking us into stories from the Gospel according to John. We've explored what it means to be connected to the vine, to Jesus. We've also walked on the road to Emmaus with the followers who were grieving and confused -- and discovered that just as the Risen Christ was with them, so he is with us in our own seasons of sadness and grief. Last Sunday we explored the identity of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the 23rd Psalm and the invitation to trust in God for goodness in life and to be with us in the valleys.
This coming Sunday we will explore a very well known scripture passage (John 14:1-14). In this passage, Jesus tells the disciples that he is the way, the truth and the life. What does this mean for us? Many have come to read this passage in a way that is exclusive of other faith traditions. But is that what Jesus was saying? And in believing that, have we missed a deeper meaning? Join us as we explore this scripture on Sunday. I also invite you to check out the article this photo comes from. Poet Steve Garnaas-Holmes offer this koan for us to reflect upon (a koan is a concept from Zen Buddhism which refers to a paradoxical question, statement or story that's designed to provoke deep contemplation and insight):
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Thomas said, “How can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
No one comes to Abba God except through me.”
—John 14.5-6
A zen koan.
People have used it to imagine Jesus answering a question he wasn’t asked.
He was not being asked which religion will get you saved.
Not comparing one ism with another,
after all, he was Jewish, talking to Jews.
It’s not that there is one religion, one “way” and no other way;
there is no “way” at all. No set of rules. No formula. No ism.
Not even Christianity.
There’s only relationship. Presence. Love.
He’s not selling a religion, he’s offering himself.
Jesus is not trying to convert you.
He’s inviting you to love him.
“John,” the story’s author, sees Jesus as the embodied love of God,
the Word made flesh.
God’s koan.
Love is what Jesus means by “me.”
The only way to God is through God’s love.
Love is the way, the truth, and the life.
Forget religion.
Christ hides in all of life and whispers,
“Love me.”
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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
- 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 Ville Grill in Belleville: 10:30 am
| | The May - June copies of the Upper Room are now available. Pick them up on the bookshelf near the mailboxes. | | |
Fundraiser
We have a wonderful fundraising opportunity for our church: selling brats at Miller & Sons Supermarket on Saturday, May 30 from 9am to 3pm.
We need 15 volunteers to help make this a successful event! There will be 2 shifts: 9am – Noon and Noon – 3pm. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the gathering space at the back of the sanctuary or you can contact one of the organizers: Faith, Kriss, Debbie, Louise or Cherry. Please consider asking friends and family to volunteer alongside you.
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New Member(s) to be received May 24, Pentecost Sunday
We are excited to be welcoming at least one new member this month! If you are interested in joining Zwingli on May 24 (or another date), please contact Pastor Karla. We welcome all those who want to journey with Zwingli whether or not they join, and are delighted when they decide they want to commit to being a member of Zwingli.
| | During this Easter season we have been blessed with new paraments, an altar cloth and a stole for our pastor. We thank Gail Dahlk for the donation of the beautiful embroidered fabric (from the Swiss Miss is New Glarus) and Debbie Versnik for using her sewing skills to create the altar cloth, paraments and stole! | | |
Star Word Exploration for May
(https://www.fpclexformation.org/star.html)
- Start a playlist on Spotify or whatever music streaming source you prefer. As you search for and discover songs, both religious and non-religious, that are about your word, you may find quotes, thoughts, or imagery that speaks to you and deepens your understanding of your word.
- Write or speak aloud a prayer using your word.
- At the end of the month, think back on the last four weeks. How/where did your word pop up? How did it lead you in your spiritual life? Did you notice something you might not have otherwise noticed without this word?
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An Invitation from the Wisconsin Council of Churches to Support the National Day of Action: A Day Without Immigrants
May 1 | Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Racine
Our sacred traditions call us to welcome the stranger, defend the dignity of workers, and stand with those who are marginalized and targeted. Today, immigrant communities—our neighbors, congregants, and co-workers—face growing fear, separation, and injustice.
Faith compels us not to remain silent.
On May 1st, communities across the country will rise in a National Day of Action: A Day Without Immigrants—a collective witness declaring that immigrants are essential, and that their dignity is non-negotiable. In Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Racine we will gather truth, courage, and hope. This is more than a protest—it is a moral testimony. It is a visible expression of faith in action.
As people of faith, we affirm that no human being is illegal. We reject the criminalization of our immigrant siblings and call for policies rooted in dignity, justice, and belonging — including ending harmful enforcement programs and creating pathways to citizenship for all.
Learn about the movement and events happening in Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, and Racine here.
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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 one is: Urge Congress to Prevent Increased Funding for ICE. 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! | | | | |
