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Hen House Weekly E-News
May 29, 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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Last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost AND the reception of a new member! It was a wonderful celebration. As you read on in this Hen House News look for the article to learn more about Loretta Farr and her connection to Zwingli (you might even have known her Mom or her grandparents -- and probably do know her Aunt Jeanette!).
The first Sunday after Pentecost (this coming Sunday) is traditionally known as Trinity Sunday. We all grew up learning ideas about what the Trinity is, but probably not understanding it well. That's because it is the Mystery of God! It's been described to us in so many ways and this short video sees the challenges and humor in the way the Church has tried to understand the Trinity over the centuries. What I'm learning is that it's okay not to have a clear understanding but to live with the mystery! I hope you'll join us on Sunday as I share an ancient teaching of the Trinity that I didn't learn until just recently (and maybe you've not heard it either). It's an understanding that is more about how to live within the embrace of our Triune God. Bring your dancing shoes! (a little humor you'll understand after you listen to my message).
For now, I invite you to prepare for Sunday by looking at the Trinity With Community image above depicting the Trinity and the community our Triune God creates and invites us to be part of --- and also reading this reflection by poet Steve Garnaas-Holmes (unfoldinglight.net):
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Holy Trinity
The Holy Trinity, as someone has said,
is not two men and a bird.
It isn’t a doctrine, it’s a mystery:
not a puzzle to be solved
but a wonder to behold.
The Trinity is an icon you gaze at
free of the distracting hubris of understanding,
an image of God’s shape-shiftiness,
God’s three-dimensionality
(the three dimensions being Here, There, and Everywhere),
God as This and the Opposite of This
and None of the Above.
The Trinity is
the sound of three hands clapping.
There are not three separate people: there is One.
There are not billions of things in the universe:
there is One.
The Trinity is an image of God as loving community
(God is crazy about themselves)—
the Lover, the Beloved, and the Love flowing between,
the Three-In-One in which you are the fourth member.
The Holy Trinity is the gate of heaven
which is always closed,
preventing you from trying to figure out a way in,
so instead you just give up and fall in love.
I mean, look at them. How could you not?
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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 current administration.
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Sundays and Pastoral Care While Pastor Karla is on Vacation June 8-21
We are blessed to have several gifted members and friends taking over for Pastor Karla while she is away this June.
Worship
June 14 -- Petra Streiff preaching and leading Worship
June 21 -- Kriss Ace preaching and leading Worship.
Pastoral Care On Call
June 8-15: Petra Streiff (cell) 608-395-9178
June 15-21: Mary Gafner (cell) 608-214-2143; (home) 608-938-4400.
Many thanks to Petra, Kriss and Mary for supporting Zwingli and our pastor in this way.
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Fundraiser
Don't forget the fundraising opportunity for our church on Saturday, May 30 from 10am to 2pm at Miller & Son's Supermarket in Verona!! We will be selling brats and bake sale items. Please note the time change: Volunteers will be there at 9 am for set up and after 2 pm for clean up, but no brats will be sold from 9-10 am and 2-3 pm!
If you signed up to provide bake sale items, please bring them to the church at 1pm Friday, May 29. DO NOT cut them in advance. Kriss and Cherry will cut and wrap them for you.
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Zwingli Welcomes a New Member!
We celebrate that on Sunday, May 24, Loretta Farr joined Zwingli! She is a child of Zwingli! Her mother, Nancy Anderson (Jeanette Bossingham's sister), had Loretta baptized at Zwingli where she also attended Zwingli Sunday School and Bible Camp. It was exciting to see how many people in church on Sunday remembered her grandparents, Ole and Helen Anderson, who brought Loretta to church often after her family moved away.
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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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On Sunday, June 14, right after our church service, we will start the annual church cleaning. If many of us can participate, the job will go much faster! Please bring your buckets, rags, and cleaning supplies with you.
Thank you,
Your Church Council
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From our Sister Church
Zwingli UCC in Monticello!
Saturday, June 6, 9AM-2PM.
Pre-school to 5th grade children
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And if you just looooove VBS and would like to help, click on the link below to sign up,
VBS Helpers
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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 ones are: Support peace in Colombia. 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! | | | | |
