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Hen House Weekly E-News
April 3, 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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Dear Friends,
Happy Easter! It was such a joy to celebrate together on Easter Sunday! Many thanks to all those who contributed to the celebration through music (Becky and our Zwingli singers), contributing flowers (and Kriss and Cherry for purchasing them and setting them up), and to Debbie and the Dahlks for our new Easter paraments (The Dahlks gave the material to the church and Debbie created the paraments and a new stole for our pastor). I hope you all had lovely Easter celebrations with family and friends!
We are now in the church season of Easter in which we explore more deeply what Easter means in our world. On Easter Sunday we reflected on what it means for Jesus, who was mistaken by Mary as the gardener, to truly be a gardener of Resurrected Life in our lives and world. This coming Sunday gives us another garden themed teaching in John 15:1-9 where Jesus reminds us that He is the vine and we are the branches.
Since I have been attending our Wisconsin Conference Annual Meeting this week (along with Zwingli delegates Petra Streiff and Louise Brunkow), on Sunday I will be sharing with you a sermon given to all churches to use this weekend -- making it easier on pastors who will be busy attending Conference. I'm so grateful to share with you the sermon written on this John 15 passage by Rev. Nicole Herda, Pastor of St. Peter's UCC of Kiel, Wisconsin.
To prepare for Sunday, I share with you this prayer by Steve Garnaas-Holmes (unfoldinglight.net). Reflect on this in your own life. How have you found this to be true? When are the times when you have not felt connected to the vine? In what ways are you seeking to be more connected to the vine of Christ?
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Christ, you are the vine.
We are your branches.
We are all part of one another.
I am rooted in you,
your life flowing through me.
In you I flourish.
It is not by my talent or capacity,
but your love in me, by which I bear fruit.
When I am wounded your life renews me.
When I am weak other branches sustain me.
When I lose my way your hold on me restores me.
Your Spirit bears fruit in me, and I offer it to the world.
Prune in me what does not bear fruit,
and nourish what does, by your grace.
You, the thriving vine,
I your love-bearing branch.
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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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Celebrating the Resurrection on Easter Sunday!
Many thanks to our photographers for these photos from Sunday morning (Debbie, Faith, Loretta, Karla). Loretta caught the Easter sun breaking through the clouds beside the church early that morning! Special thanks to our Zwingli Singers: Petra, Kriss, Loretta, Jeanette, Louise, Debbie, with Becky on the piano!
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An April Reflection on your Star Word
(from https://www.fpclexformation.org/star.html)
- Where do you find the hope and good news of the resurrection in/through your star word?
- Start a Pinterest board related to your word. See what comes up when you put your star word in the search bar; it could expand the way you think about it significantly.
- 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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Chili/Soup/Potato Bar & Dessert Luncheon: April 16 -- 11 AM - 1:30 PM
The chili, chicken noodle soup and baked potatoes will be made in-house. We need donations of desserts and kindly ask for a $20 donation if you choose not to provide a dessert.
Please have desserts at the church by 10:00 AM on April 16.
Questions? Contact any committee member:
Kriss Ace, Louise Brunkow, Cherry Pulver, Debbie Versnik, Faith Wittwer
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"Our Town"
Friday, April 17 | 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
First Congregational Church,1609 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53726
Thornton Wilder’s quintessential American play “Our Town” will be presented by First Congregational members on Friday, April 17, the playwright’s birthday. Wilder has strong ties to the community. He was born in Madison in 1897 and was baptized at First Congregational. Bring with your friends and neighbors. Free admission. You are invited to bring a non-perishable food item and/or socks to be donated to a local charity.
Playwright Thornton Wilder's family were members of First Congregational in his formative years at the turn of the century. He was born in Madison on April 17, 1897 and the family moved to China when he was nine. His father was superintendent of the Sunday School. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Wilder's death, First Congregational's Director of Christian Education, Jeff Rabe is bringing "Our Town' to the First Cong Stage. This stage-reading will have the feel of an old fashioned radio show, complete with sound effects.
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Palestinians and Israelis Share Their Stories of Loss and Peacemaking
The Wisconsin Conference UCC will be providing ZOOM workshops through 2026. You are invited to participate and hear the stories of these courageous people who have paid the highest price in losing a loved one to the Conflict -- and choose peace. One of the participants who joined us in Feb shared a testimony: “It was encouraging to see people that were perceived as enemies being able to open their hearts and minds to each other after sharing their common experiences. This exchange revives my trust in humanity and my hope for peace and understanding not only in Palestine but throughout the world." Dale Bakke
The April ZOOM Workshop is scheduled. Workshops are not recorded. Please sign up if you are interested in attending.
To sign up for the April 20, 6:30-8 pm ZOOM workshop featuring speakers Robi and Layla go to: https://tinyurl.com/ListeningRegistrationApril
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Nonviolence in Action: An Interfaith Conversation on
Building the Beloved Community
April 23, 8:00 am – 5:15 pm | Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison
The Interfaith Peace Working Group, an ecumenical partner of the WCC, will host a day of conversation and learning on the role of nonviolence in the life of people of faith on Thursday, April 23, at Bethel Lutheran Church (312 Wisconsin Ave, Madison). The theme of the event is “Nonviolence in Action: An Interfaith Conversation on Building the Beloved Community.”
Keynoters will be Shane Claiborne, an activist and founder of Red Letter Christians, and longtime peace advocate Kathy Kelly. Participants will be able to choose from eight workshops. Cost to attend is $20, which includes lunch.
Learn more and register here.
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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: Blessed are the Peacemakers: Say NO to Historic $1.5 Trillion Pentagon Budget. 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! | | | | |
