MCC Hartford February 2024 Newsletter

Lenten Blessings, dear friends.

On Ash Wednesday (February 14), the season of Lent officially begins and we are, once again, invited to join Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem; a place where he  will experience the anguish of the Passion and then the glory of resurrection on that first Easter morning. The 40 days of Lent provide a time of reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth. It is a time of prayer, service, and giving as we travel with Jesus along dusty roads in worn sandals with Jerusalem looming in the distance.

This year, Lent begins on Valentine’s Day. How fitting! Jesus was all about love. He healed with love, preached about love, died choosing love, and rose from the grave to love some more; proving undeniably that love never dies.

So, how will we journey to Jerusalem this year? With Israel waging war in Gaza (Palestine), how will we walk this dusty road; knowing that Jesus was a Palestinian Jew who was raised in Israel? We are reminded that violence was not new to Jesus just as it is not new to us. And, it was a long road to Easter joy; fraught with conflict, injustice, and violence. Perhaps God is sending a timely message this year---with the calendar. That no matter the times, circumstances or experience, Love is the beginning, the end, and the new beginning that God has been promising and creating over all-time.

So, grab your sandals, my friends. We have places to go – and, like Jesus, let us choose love all along the way in what we say and do as we continue Jesus’ ministry of healing, preaching and sharing the Good News of God’s unconditional love. In this way, we can make Easter joy a lived experience every day in some way and everyone become our spiritual ‘Valentine.’ May it be so, Amen.

Happy Valentine’s Year and blessings on the Lenten journey,

Pastor Aaron

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MCC Hartford February 2024

Schedule of Events

Note: All events are in-person except as noted.

To join events offered via Zoom, please use the link provided below.

Wednesday Bible Study will be on “winter break” during the month of February

Join us in March when the study resumes.

Sunday February 4 – the Celebration of Black History Month Begins!  Also:

1.     Sunshine Sunday: Join us as we welcome a cup-full of ‘sunshine’ from our friends in Florida with Lay Pastor Jackie preaching.

 2.     Birthday Celebration: On the first Sunday, we celebrate the birthdays of those born during that month. So, join us in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ after the worship service! And, yes, BIRTHDAY CAKE will be served after the service!

Wednesday February 14 – Ash Wednesday (season of Lent begins) – AND---- Valentine’s Day Yes, it is all about love.

Important note: If you are in need of pastoral care, a prayer or support please contact the pastor by text/phone at (203)209-1504 or through email at: aaronmillerpastor@gmail.com.

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Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/719817716

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Please note… Pastor Aaron will be on Sabbatical the month of February.