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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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The Council is so excited about our Outdoor Worship this Sunday (weather permitting and at this point it's looking positive)! Many thanks to members for doing all the prep and set up work to make it happen as smoothly as possible. We will have metal chairs there for those who don't have lawn chairs. We will also have 'ushers' to help you walk safely on the uneven grass (and we encourage you to bring canes if needed). If weather is poor, we will worship indoors.
Outdoor Worship is a special opportunity to recognize that we are part of God's creation, and to enjoy the beauty around us. This Sunday, we will take a new look at the story of the Good Samaritan (or Compassionate Samaritan) in Luke 10:25-37, from the lens of the Old Testament prophet Amos 7:7-8.
To help us prepare, I share this reflection/prayer by Steve Garnaas-Holmes (unfoldinglight.net):
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I am setting a plumb line
in the midst of my people.
— Amos 7.8
How easy it is to be off balance, to be askew, to not see straight.
How easy it is to let my own leanings distort what I think is upright.
When I build a great tower and see it is off plumb, do I have the courage to destroy and rebuild?
God, help me to discern justice, to see love, to stand straight. Give me faith to hold a plumb line to this world — to be a plumb line: to stay true, to bear witness, held in your hand, suspended by your grace.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plumb_bob_with_string.jpg
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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: Israel-Iran, India, Pakistan, Haiti, Sudan, The Congo, Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, Syria, Lebanon. Prayers for all those suffering from the broken ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and for another ceasefire soon. Prayers for the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Prayers for those countries, 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.
| | | | The National United Church of Christ invites you to help support the relief and long-term recovery of those affected by these severe storms, and other communities that have experienced similar events across the US here: https://ow.ly/eciJ50Wm0HR (select “Severe Storms” as the designation.) | |
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Food Pantry Drive Sunday July 13 thru July!
This Sunday, July 13, we are inviting the congregation to bring items for food pantries in Belleville, Oregon, and Verona. Donations go down in the summertime, but the need is maybe greater as children are not getting meals in school. So, we invite you to help Zwingli make a difference by bringing your donations. We will continue to receive donations through July so if you can’t bring them this Sunday, please bring another time.
Louise Brunkow shares the Birthday Cake Pan idea for a food pantry donation for those families who are celebrating a birthday (it’s a popular item): aluminum cake pan with clear lid from dollar tree, any cake mix, can of frosting, candles, napkins, plates, balloons … that will fit in the pan.
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We congratulate Dave Batker on winning Best in Show in the Senior Craft Competition at the Stoughton Fair!
| | Pastor Karla will be on vacation from July 23 - August 20. Petra Streiff will be on call for pastoral care needs. She is also arranging preachers for the weeks while Karla is gone so watch for more information. Zwingli is blessed to have Petra share her pastoral gifts and training with us -- thank you Petra. | | |
Friendship Time Schedule ready for Sign Ups!
The schedule for Fall to Spring Friendship Time is posted on the bulletin board. Please sign up to host when you know what dates you are free! It will begin on October 5.
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September 7 Fall Welcome Sunday – with Potluck!
Join your Zwingli family on September 7 for our Fall Welcome Sunday -- when our Fall programming begins. We will follow Worship with a favorite Zwingli activity -- a Potluck! Hope you can make it. Please bring a dish to share – and invite friends and family!
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Calendar
July 13 -- Outdoor Worship / Ice Cream Social / Food Pantry Drive
August 24 -- Council Meeting
Sept. 7 -- Fall Welcome Sunday with Potluck!
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Donations for Pine Ridge Reservation
Jeanette Bossingham is so grateful to Zwingli for making so many donations for Pine Ridge Reservation over the years. Her trip there this year is planned for September and she is inviting us to bring our donations to the Church by Sunday, Sept. 7.
She gives these suggestions for donations (all sizes are okay): sweats (tops and bottoms), jeans, shoes, boots, socks, winter jackets and hats and mittens/glove, sweaters, bedding for twin size beds, school supplies. Jeanette says, “Mitakuye Oyasin” (we are all related). Please bring items in plastic bags and put Jeanette's name on the outside of the bag (and place them on the chairs near the mailboxes).
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We are updating our website to include pictures so that when people visit it, they see the community life we offer. If you prefer not to have your picture on our website or FB, please let Pastor Karla know.
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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: Fight for Disability Housing Accommodations, Blessed are the Peacemakers: Call for Nuclear Disarmament and Tell Congress to stop supporting Human Rights Violations in the Philippines. 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 | | | | |
