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Hen House Weekly E-News
September 18, 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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When in your childhood or adult life have you experienced life to be unfair? I bet we each have stories to tell about siblings, co-workers, friendships, and just looking out into the world and seeing people who seem to have it all (and we don't) or seeing how so many suffer due to injustices in our world (the big ways life is unfair)! On Sunday we will explore a troubling parable (Matthew 20:1-16) Jesus tells which teaches us about fairness in the Kingdom (Kin-dom) of God.
Author and pastor, Barbara Brown Taylor says that this parable is a little like the cod liver oil mothers used to give their kids to cure what ailed them: you know it's good for you, you trust the one who is giving it to you, but that doesn't make it very easy to swallow! This parable of the Kingdom of God is challenging to our modern sensibilities of fairness and meritocracy. I hope you will join us on Sunday as we explore this parable together. Meanwhile, the image is here (and includes a reflection) and I share with you this prayer of John van de Laar:
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Shared Blessings
By John van de Laar
Your generosity is extravagant, Jesus;
your grace and mercy so freely given,
your love and presence so readily available,
your Spirit and strength so reliable.
We are so grateful for all of these blessings that we enjoy,
and for the goodness they bring into our lives;
we praise you for your always coming Kingdom,
and the abundant life it offers.
But, Jesus, we are also fearful,
that your gifts may not be enough,
that things may change
and we may find ourselves in need,
and so we hoard your goodness,
and separate ourselves from others;
Forgive us for our little faith,
and our selfish grasping;
forgive us for our failure to understand
that your blessings are always meant to be shared;
teach us to stay always awake to your coming,
and always ready to invite others in
to the blessings you so freely share with us.
In Jesus’ Name
Amen.
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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.
In this 250th birthday of our nation, we pray for Democracy to grow stronger and healthier. 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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Zwingli's Facelift is complete!
Zwingli's 2026 Council is finally getting a group photo (L-R: Kriss, Karla, Cherry, Louise, Faith, Sue, and Brian)! Just in time to celebrate Zwingli's Facelift! Many thanks to the Council for their dedicated hard work on behalf of Zwingli and to our Facelift Team: Faith, Roger Butts and Troy Hefty Siding Company! Many thanks to those who contributed to the needed improvements!
| | You are Invited to join us for this Fall's Book Group. It's a short book and an easy read filled with inspiration. The author's focus is to give spiritual wisdom for the living of the challenges of our lives and world with courage, faith and resilience. Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church and author of The Power of Love writes, "Here is wisdom born out of a lifetime of listening faithfully to the voice of God. Here is wisdom we need for the living of these days." Refreshments will be provided at our meetings. You can also find a more extensive review on the Spirituality and Practice website. Please contact Pastor Karla with questions about the study and about getting a book: pastor.zwingliuccpaoli@gmail.com. | | |
September Special Offering
This month Zwingli will be participating in the Neighbors in Need offering which supports ministries of justice and compassion.
The following story highlights a United Church of Christ ministry that is supported at least in part by the Neighbors in Need offering.
Living faith boldly: Youth descend on nation’s capital for week-long immersion program. Seventeen high schoolers or recent graduates were a part of this inaugural program, which began by exploring UCC history and the biblical roots of its justice work. This was followed by discussion of Hill advocacy strategies, all led by the D.C. office staff. They also had meetings with some of their elected members of Congress. Click on this link to read more and see the photos: https://www.ucc.org/photo-essay-living-faith-boldly-youth-descend-on-nations-capital-for-week-long-immersion-program/
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September is Safety Month!
September is UCC’s designated month to review with congregants safety measures during inclement weather/health/cardiac events in our church.
Cherry Pulver and Faith Wittwer will present a short video of safety basics following worship on September 20. An evacuation drill will also be held during this presentation. Please plan to attend this important review!
Your Church Council
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Daniel Cooperrider, Convening Pastor of Flicker Wild Church invites you to Fall Equinox at their upcoming Sacred Circle & Wild Wander at Holy Wisdom Monastery. Details: circle gathering starting around 3pm on the fire-pit knoll above the upper parking lot in the prairie lands of Holy Wisdom Monastery, with a 3:30pm Circle Start Time. Consider bringing a chair of blanket to sit on, and as always dress for the weather. A Dinner option (5:30pm) will follow in the Monastery prepared by the Holy Wisdom chef team. Please RSVP with dinner attendance and dietary restrictions to Daniel by September 13. Dinner is $23 for adults and $15 for children and can be paid for here. If cost is a hindrance but you would still like to attend dinner, Flicker can help cover the cost, but please still rsvp.
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CRASE Event Coming Soon
Monday, September 21, 6 PM Swiss UCC in New Glarus will host a Green County Sheriff Civilian Response to Active Shooter event. This event will help us with safety and prevention planning in the event of being confronted with and active shooter. It is built on the “avoid, deny, defend” strategy. It is open to the public with the hopes not to create fear, but to help our community feel better prepared and more confident in knowing how to respond should an unthinkable emergency ever occur. Learning simple, life-saving responses strategies can help us be better prepared to protect ourselves and those around us. Everyone is welcome to attend this event.
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Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ (1501 Gilbert Road)
invites Zwingli to these events:
Sunday, Sept 20, 12:30pm-2:00pm at Orchard Ridge UCC church in Madison - An immigration update with Aissa Olivarez, Director of the Community Immigration Law Clinic (CILC), sponsored by the Dane Sanctuary Coalition. We're calling it "Meet the Moment" and plan to provide a local and national update on immigration, along with opportunities for involvement. We'll be inviting folks to sign letters for delivery to folks in detention. We'll also have people tabling for the Volunteer Driver Program, the Literacy Network, and Voces de la Frontera.
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Wednesday, Sept 30, 5pm pizza; 6pm film, at Orchard Ridge UCC church in Madison - If you're wondering what was happening or what's happening at the border now, here's your opportunity because we (ORUCC) will be hosting the screening of the film "The Samaritans." The Samaritans are a humanitarian aid group that provides water, clothing, and medical aid at the border, so.this is an opportunity in particular for folks who have been at the border in recent years. In addition to the film itself, this is an opportunity to meet David Damiano Figueroa, the producer of the film. The event begins with pizza at 5pm with the film at 6:00pm, followed by Q&A . Bring your questions for an update on what's happening now at the border.
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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: Commit to Just Peace: Reject Record Military Spending. 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! | | | | |
