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Hen House Weekly E-News
October 24, 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!
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Our Seven Stories series is winding down -- we have two Sundays left. It's been helpful to me to begin to recognize these different stories in our country and our world -- they are alive and well, and often harmful, so it is important to become aware of them. I hope it has been helpful to you as well.
Last Sunday we talked about Accumulation Stories and had so much fun during the sermon hearing what some of us tend to 'accumulate' in a society that creates a consumerism mentality within us! Many thanks to those who bravely shared what they tend to accumulate -- and your willingness to loan or give away some of your accumulations! The question is not so much about what we have, but are we willing to share it, do we live generously? When we or the systems of our society accumulate wealth and things but are not generously sharing the gifts we have been given, we are not living the way of Jesus. And a society where wealth is not distributed will always creates poverty.
This coming Sunday we will consider a very painful reality -- that of Victimization Stories. The truth is that the 5 other stories (Domination, Revolution, Purification, Isolation, Accumulation) tend to create victims (like those who live in poverty due to the Accumulation and Domination stories). The Jewish peasants of Jesus' day were living under the violent domination system of Rome, and the purification system of the Judaism of their day. They had to pay heavy taxes to Rome and were taught that unless they were pure enough, they were not acceptable to God. Sadly, the Victimization Story is still alive in our world today -- we see it on the news everyday and some of us have lived it personally. Yet, it isn't the last or final Word.
The 7th Story of Jesus is the Word that gives life to all those who suffer. In the Beatitudes, Jesus blessed those who suffered victimization -- and he blesses those victimized in our world today (Matthew 5:1-12). With his tender heart, he reminds us all of our true identity, beyond that of 'victim', that we are beloved children of God who belong to the Kin-dom of God -- and that God is always with us.
I've shared this song with friends who have suffered victimization hoping it gives them strength, and I share it with you in hopes that it gives you strength through any suffering you experience.
Join us on Sunday as we reflect on the Grace of God for those who suffer from victimization. And, if this is you, know that we at Zwingli hold you tenderly and prayerfully in our hearts.
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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: 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.
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.
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Oct. 26 - Adult Ed after Worship: Loving Across Divisions
Nov. 2 - All Saints Day; Friendship Time following Worship
Nov. 9 - Special casual interactive Worship Celebrating the Past, Present and Future of Zwingli (in basement with POTLUCK after Worship)
Nov. 16 - Native American Sunday with Jeanette and Judy
Nov. 23 - Last Adult Ed Class: Loving Across Divisions
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We will meet again on Sunday Oct. 26 to continue our exploration of Loving Across Division. In our last class we were deeply moved by the story and insights Valarie Kaur shared with us. This coming class will introduce us to the work of john a. powell, founder and director of the 'Othering & Belonging Institute' of UC-Berkeley.
Join us in the basement after church for an hour (or as long as you can stay) -- refreshments will be provided! Meanwhile, here's a 2 minute video about the work of the Othering & Belonging Institute: Bridging: Towards A Society Built on Belonging.
Blessings,
Karla
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All Saints Sunday, November 2
Join us for a special Sunday, Nov. 2. As we usually do on 1st Sundays, we will celebrate Communion -- and we will be remembering and celebrating those church members, family and friends we have lost in the past year. While Nov. 1 is officially All Saints Day in the Church, we will recognize All Saints Day on Sunday during Worship. We hope you can join us!
This year we are remembering two members of Zwingli and one former member who passed away within the past year. You will also be invited to come forward to light a candle for your family and friends, and speak their names to the congregation if you wish. Grief is a process and All Saints Sunday is an opportunity to grieve within the community as we remember, name and celebrate those Saints we've lost.
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Zwingli's Fall Stewardship Celebration!
As Christians we are called to be stewards of the gifts we have been given. This includes our Time, Talent, and Treasure! Our giving of ourselves in these ways matters because it keeps the Church going and because you and your gifts are blessings to the Church. Our Stewardship enables us to live our mission in this community and the world -- and be a welcoming community for those who are looking for a church home.
So for three Sundays (Nov. 9, 16, 23) we will hear testimonials in Worship by several of our members. On Sunday Nov. 9 our Worship will be a special casual interactive service in our lower level -- with a POTLUCK following Worship! So bring food!
On Nov. 9, you are invited to bring a few pictures and share them at your table, as well as share a brief story (2 min) with the entire group (optional) about the past glory of Zwingli -- something about the past mission of this Church that you celebrate (we will have a microphone so everyone can hear). For those who enjoy art, we will also have a little art project in which you can express what you celebrate about Zwingli NOW. Then we will be hanging your pictures up in the glass case in the entryway for everyone to view. Please put your name on the back of the picture so we return it to you!
Meanwhile, you will receive a letter from our pastor giving you more information about the Stewardship Celebration. Enclosed in the letter will be a Time & Talent Form for you to fill out (if you wish to - it's optional) so that we know where/how you want to be involved. Also enclosed will be a pledge card for those who choose to pledge (again optional). Please bring these forms and the card to church on Sunday, Nov. 23 when they will be dedicated in Worship. If you cannot make it that Sunday, you can bring them any Sunday before or after (or mail them to the Church). If you have questions, contact Pastor Karla or a Council member.
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Safety in our church environment is of utmost concern. The Dane Co Sheriff’s Department is scheduled to present “Emergency Preparedness Training” for all who are interested on Wednesday November 12, from 6-8 PM at our church. More details to follow in future Hen House Newsletters. Plan to attend!
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From the Wisconsin Conference UCC
Justice for Immigrants
Support conference ministers’ witness in D.C.
Wisconsin Conference Minister Franz Rigert later this month will join about 20 of his colleagues in Washington to meet with lawmakers, with a special focus on immigration. You can get involved, too, by writing letters to your representatives to make sure they get the message that “Love Has No Borders” -- the theme of the conference ministers’ witness urging lawmakers to choose love, compassion, and justice in their decisions. The UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington has created downloadable resources for congregations and individuals who wish to get involved.
Learn more about the “Love Has No Borders” campaign.
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Flicker Wild Church Outdoor Upcoming Gatherings
Our next Sacred Circle: Samhain/ All Saints', November 1 @ Winterfell Acres in Brooklyn. 2-3pm - begin gathering. 3pm Circle Starts. Community Potluck to follow. Bring a chair/blanket, a seasonal food/drink offering to share, and dress for the elements! One of the themes of Samhain/ All Saints' is to honor the ancestors. You're invited to bring an item/memento or two that is representative of an ancestor or lineage for you and we'll have a chance to share and make an ancestor altar together.
Save the Date - Winter Solstice - afternoon of December 21 @ Holy Wisdom Monastery.
For more information or to sign up to attend with others from Zwingli, contact Pastor Karla or Sue Bovre.
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For more information on Flicker Wild Church, go to their website at
https://www.flickerwildchurch.org/
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From the UCC:
Common Scams Targeting Older Adults and Ways to Protect Against Them
LSS Financial Counselor Michelle Style reveals how scammers take advantage of the trusting nature of older adults. Read this article for tips on protecting yourself from potential scams. Read More.
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Zwingli received a Thank You from the United Church of Christ for our Neighbors in Need Offering. So far Zwingli has donated $297. If you did not get a chance to give and still want to, it's not too late to write out a check to Zwingli with the subject line NIN. You can learn more about this offering here.
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Online Daily Devotional through the UCC
The Daily Devotional is a spiritually deep well, to which thousands of readers are drawn each day. The overall voice of the Daily Devotional is tended by the Stillspeaking Writers’ Group and supported by the staff of The Pilgrim Press. It is available on the UCC National website. If you would like to read it there or subscribe to receive it in your inbox, go here to access this inspiring and relevant free resource provided by the UCC.
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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 Pass the Truth & Healing Commission on the Indian Boarding Schools Policies Act. Scroll down the page to find others that you might want to express your opinion about.
| | If you would like to learn more about the work of the United Church of Christ Southwest Wisconsin Association, send a message to this email address to be added to their monthly newsletter: swacommunications@gmail.com | | | | |
