|
Hen House Weekly E-News
November 28, 2025
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!
| | |
This Sunday begins the season of Advent in the Church calendar -- a season which invites us to a slower, more reflective pace to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Advent is a season of four Sundays before Christmas in which we center our hearts and minds on the true meaning of Christmas, in preparation for the Coming of Jesus' Kin-dom in our hearts and in our world. It's a time of waiting, which is very countercultural in our society so it can be quite challenging -- but the spiritual rewards are worth taking this time for weekly Worship, and daily devotional and prayer time. If you are looking for a resource, I invite you to check out these:
For the first Sunday of Advent this year (November 30), I share with you this reflection by Steve Garnaas-Holmes:
| |
|
"This world is God’s good creation; yet all is not well. We are a broken people. As the year descends into darkness and winter approaches, we feel in our bones the coldness and need of the human family. Evil abounds. Cruelty is policy. Injustice reigns. Racism, greed and sexual violence crowd the news. Hope flickers among dark shadows. We cry to God with Isaiah, “O, that you would tear open the heavens and come down!” (Isa. 64.1).
But in our longing we do not just gaze at the sky. We get ourselves ready. We don’t just wish; we prepare. We trust God is at work in the midst of the mess with a transforming, life-giving power. Like Mary, we say Yes to that power unfolding within and among us. We become the change we want to see in the world. We become people of peace and gentleness, of love and courage. We become candles shining confidently in the darkness.
The Advent season is a time not just to ramp up to Christmas, but to open up to God. It’s a time to let God’s light spark in us, to let God’s Presence deepen in us. It’s a time of stillness, a time of prayer, a time of opening.
As we wait in the darkness, God’s light dawns in us, and we become people of joy. We are ready for new life. We are ready for Christ to walk into our living rooms. We are ready to bear Christ into the world. We become God’s love, enfleshed, vibrant, and powerful. Though we may fear people’s resistance, we are not the only ones who are crying, “O that you would come!” We bear love and grace and justice into a world that awaits us with hope. Welcome, Advent."
| | | | |
Weather Cancellations this Winter
With a winter storm headed our way, we want to remind you that if the weather looks bad, be sure to check your email or FB on Sunday mornings. We will send out an email or post a message by 8 am on Sunday. We do have a list of those who don't have access to email or FB (Zwingli UCC - Paoli) prefer a text or phone call (if you aren't sure if you are on this list, please contact our pastor to check).
| | |
Stewardship Celebration Notes!
On Sunday November 23, we listened to Faith Wittwer share her story of growing up at Zwingli (it was fun to watch her imitate the way she and the other children pretended to drive their tractors during recess at VBS). She shared her reasons for supporting Zwingli in hopes that it would inspire others to consider why Zwingli matters to them. Following her testimony we dedicated our intentions (including pledges and/or Time & Talent Forms) for the coming year. It's not too late for you to turn in pledges and Time & Talent forms if you choose. We thank members Sue Bovre, Kriss Ace, and Faith Wittwer for sharing their heartfelt inspiring testimonials with us (you can find Sue and Kriss' in last week's HHN). For those who were not at Worship to hear Faith's testimony, here it is:
"There are three stages of life: BIRTH - TAXES - DEATH
I was brought into this church as a baby, and baptized here. My grandparents and parents were members of Zwingli UCC - Paoli.
My first memories are of attending Sunday school as a youngster. Marilyn Judd was my teacher. We got a new little booklet of bible stories every week. We also colored pictures of Jesus, the Disciples, and angels (doubtful we colored within the lines). And we would sing! “This Little Light of Mine”. And we always said a prayer, thanking the Lord for our parents, brothers, sisters, food, and our homes.
When I was about 5-8 years old, we had Vacation Bible School during the summer. Now that was fun! Rev. Beil would tell us stories about Jesus and his good works. We’d color pictures (maybe within the lines?), make handprints in clay for our parents, and enjoy a sack lunch at noontime. We also knew that recess was right after lunch. I would play with Mike and Jack Zweifel, and Roger Hendrickson pretending we were driving our milk trucks to a tree, dump our load of milk and return to the Creamery for our next load - complete with sound effects of shifting gears, and airbrakes. It seemed so natural to pretend we were actually milk truck drivers!
Next was attending church on Sunday’s. I got all dressed up in my church dress and good shoes. I really can’t say I remember Rev. Beil’s sermons at that point in time. Now I got a quarter for my weekly allowance. I had to put ten cents into my piggybank, and a dime into the collection plate. I got a nickel to spend at Roosli's feed store. Dad would take me to Roosli's with him, and I would buy a mounds candy bar for five cents. And, I still like mounds bars to this day!
As I grew older, I attended church regularly. I remember the summer ice cream socials. More fun with my church friends! In 8th grade, I went to Confirmation class, which I really didn’t enjoy. Seemed like more schoolwork (only church related) to me. But I did enjoy seeing my friends there.
In college, I took a class on Judaism. It was so interesting! I really grasped the difference between the Old and New Testaments. I now understood how ancient Moses and Abraham were. When I’d come home for a weekend visit, I would go to church with Mom. Dad rarely went to church, except for Christmas and Easter. He had too many cows and chores to deal with, as did so many other area farmers. I really started to grasp the meaning of church at this point in my life - community, family, sharing, good deeds, living by the Commandments.
I moved back to this area from Milwaukee in ’92. I gradually became more involved in the church - bazaar, chili soup luncheon, Council. I really related to Pastor Sara’s messages. She had a way of weaving everyday life scenarios into her sermons - tractors, rain, crops, illness, loss, helping the indigent,. And I’m happy to say so did Pastor Pleva, and so does Karla. It's all so relevant!
The church doesn’t pay any taxes. But it still needs money to pay the electricity, building maintenance, heat etc. In a sense, it does run much like any business. I really saw this when I was on the Council my first time. I saw how the Women’s Guild worked tirelessly to help support the church financially. The bazaar, chili soup luncheon, etc. I also saw how the Guild shared their good fortune. Donations were made to The New Glarus Home Auxillary, and others. These women cared, and shared their bounty. And our church shared money with One Great Hour of Sharing. I realized how that little dime I used to put in the collection plate helped others, as well as maintain the church family. I guess I learned the value of sharing at a young age after all.
Now we’re at a crossroads. I want our church to survive! But, it takes more money to continue our church into the future. We’ve been asked to increase our offerings as best we can afford to. If membership increases, this burden will decrease. It’s a tough time for our church right now.
I’ve been blessed with the ability to increase my giving - and I do. Sharing and caring as best I can.
Nothing stops each of us from dying someday. We can try medicine for the sick. My hope is that our church doesn’t die too. I believe our church exists to continue doing our work and good deeds for all. Sharing and caring. I’ll eventually die, knowing that I helped my church, community, friends, and family. I’ll be at peace with that, eternally. As long as I’m alive and able, I’ll continue to help our church survive.
And if Zwingli UCC must pass, I pray that we gave it our all. And it’s a celebrated, peaceful passing."
| |
|
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: Nigeria, U.S. - Venezuela tensions, Afghanistan, Haiti, Sudan, The Congo, Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. Prayers for those countries, farmers, companies 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 and now under this government shutdown.
| | | | |
Nov. 29 - Hanging of the Greens, 10:00 AM
Nov. 30 - Avent begins
Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Service, 7:00 pm
| | |
Hanging of the Greens--November 29
We will once again be adorning the sanctuary for the celebration of Advent and Christmas. We'll meet Saturday, November 29 (yes, the first Sunday of Advent is November 30) at 10:00 a.m. (of course!). Everyone is welcome! It's helpful if you sign up on the bulletin board, but you can join us even if you don't!
There are tasks that anyone can do, although we appreciate a few people who can climb ladders for the tree and some folks who can carry things down from upstairs. But, we also need supervisors and helpful hints! There will be coffee and a couple treats available as well. Come and help 'Deck the Halls'!
| | |
This volunteer organization helps families from Oregon, Stoughton, and McFarland areas who are struggling financially to receive gifts for their children and overall family needs.
Please consider hosting a family by going to their website: hostafamily.org or bring gift cards or money to church by December 7. Gift cards should ideally be $25-50 in amounts. It is best if they are to Walmart, Target, Pick and Save, Hy Vee or Kwik Trip.
Judy Batker will deliver gift cards/money later that week to LakeView Church in Stoughton.
| | |
Christmas Fund Special Offering
For more than a century, The Christmas Fund has been a beacon of love and care -- providing direct financial assistance to the healers in our lives: retired and active UCC ministers, faithful church workers, and their families. In 2024 alone, The Christmas Fund offered more than $1.7 million in support, touching the lives of 766 individuals across the UCC. This generosity made hope tangible. It meant: A couple could hear each other clearly again with the gift of hearing aids; A family found safety through a plane ticket out of a war-torn land, Mounting medical bills were eased during a time of deep crisis. Each gift represented more than financial relief -- they were a reminder of God's presence and the Church's love. This year, we are invited to join the Christmas Fund Community of compassion. On Dec. 21st we will dedicate your contributions to this special offering of the UCC. Please bring or mail your offerings to the Church by then if possible (although we will receive any that come later). In the subject line of your checks, write Christmas Fund.
| | |
Looking for Volunteers
Advent begins November 30 and runs for 4 weeks before Christmas, as an opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas, the birth of Christ.
As is the custom at Zwingli, we invite you (and a friend, your spouse, your family) to take one of the Sundays to light the Advent Wreath and share the reading. There is a signup sheet on the bulletin board (sign up soon as there are only 4 Sundays!). Pastor Karla will give you the information you need for your Sunday.
| | |
HEIFER PROJECT!!
The Heifer giving project is now underway. We are doing something we have done in the past which was donating towards one main item which is Water. You can put loose $$ or checks payable to: Zwingli UCC-Paoli - (put Heifer donation in the memo) in a box with a open slot on the display. All monies received will be added up at the end of December and sent in one check to HEIFER on behalf of Zwingli UCC-Paoli. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
| | |
Zwingli Brunch Bunch Update
We had a wonderful time together at Zwingli's first Brunch Bunch gathering! We missed those who were unable to make it this month. We will continue to meet monthly, resuming in January and taking a break in the busy month of December! Hope you can join us next year as often as you can!
| | |
Respiratory Virus Season is Here!
While the Dane County Public Health Dept says respiratory illness are low right now, we have heard of some folk getting sick so the season is beginning. Take good care of yourselves and if you are feeling ill, take proper precautions to prevent spreading what you have! This dashboard is updated every Thursday: https://publichealthmdc.com/your-health/respiratory-illness/dashboard
| | |
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: Provide Robust Support for Disaster Recovery and Relief Efforts. 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! | | | | |
