4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8,13)
Happy Valentine’s, dear friends.
February we once again fix our eye on that special day of love---Valentine’s Day! Of course, EVERY day can be a day of love and yet, traditionally, we set aside this one particular day (February 14) when we love abundantly and intentionally. I remember in grade school filling out dozens of Valentine’s Day cards for my classmates. We were required to give everyone a card, no exceptions. Wise teachers knew that any classmate forgotten or ignored would have been heartbroken. And, of course, there were candy hearts with love messages and chocolate ‘kisses’ that captured the sweetness of this special day.
When we look at scripture, there is so much love – it is hard to miss. A voice from heaven said “you are my beloved with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11) to Jesus during his baptism by John and, thousands of years before this, the Prophet Jeremiah quoted God saying “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3). These two quotes are among my favorites ---- for they describe God’s love as everlasting, unfailing, and kind AND it reminds us that we are God’s beloved; (no way to earn or merit it). God’s love is perfect love called “Agape” – which is love without exception, exclusion or condition.
Dear friends, this is God’s Valentine’s card to us; every one of us, every single day. We are given love so abundantly that we must share it. So, what Valentine’s Day card will you give…or BE---that will be take the form of unfailing kindness and from the well of divine love? Will it be a smile to a stranger? A random act of kindness or a kind word? This smile, act, or word holds the power to soften a heart and be healing in a world that needs more love, compassion, and kindness today.
So, join me, as we start another year of Valentine’s love that is abundant and intentional. No doubt, this will be sweeter and last longer than chocolate and candy hearts. Amen!
With love, Pastor Aaron
MCC Hartford February 2025
Schedule of Events
Note: All events are in-person except as noted. For Zoom events, please use the link provided below. Wednesday Bible Study Join us on Zoom from 7-8pm as we reflect on and have spirited discussion about scripture and what it might mean for our lives today. Please use the same link as Sunday worship (shown below). All are welcome! – the curious, the seeker, the adventurer, and each of us as learners and teachers. Faith is on the move!
Sunday February 2 – Two Celebrations
Black History Month Begins: each week we will lift up Black History and those who can still be a source of inspiration today.
Birthday Sunday: on the 1 st Sunday of each month, we celebrate the birthdays of those born during that month. So, join us in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ after the worship service. And, yes, CAKE will be served afterward during fellowship!
Tuesday February 11– Board Meeting via ZOOM starting at 6:30pm as we do the business of the church. All are welcome to join.
Friday February 14 – Valentine’s Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner from 5-7pm dinner will be served by “Chef Clyde.” Plan on lots of fun as we celebrate Valentine’ Day. WEAR RED! A ‘love offering’ of $14 (on the 14 th of February!) is recommended -- any amount is appreciated (yet not required!)
Name and Gender Marker Free legal clinics
If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community who is looking to legally change your name and/or gender marker on legal documents, we will be hosting 3 FREE legal clinics:
Saturday, February 15 from 12-3pm at: Meriden Pride (UU Meriden) located at 328 Paddock Ave, Meriden
Saturday February 22 from 12-4pm at: Woodmont UCC located at 1000 New Haven Ave, Milford
Saturday March 8 from 12-4 at First Church of Middletown located at 190 Court Street, Middletown
We offer help with navigating the name and gender marker change process, provide information, paperwork assistance, support, and pro bono legal help onsite. Marriage services are also available (please contact the pastor in advance). Now is a good time to get your legal documents in order and protect your family. Spread the word!
Sunday February 23 - Two Celebrations!
This is the last Sunday in Black History Month and it will be a great celebration--with special music. Then later, join us as we celebrate “Heroes, Sheroes, and Queeroes Among Us!” – those incredible LGBTQ+ individuals in our community who inspire us every day.
Event info: Date/Time: Sunday February 23 from 3:30-5:30pm
Location: The Keney Park Pond House, 323 Edgewood St, Hartford
Cost: tickets are $20ea and may be bought online: search "Journey Writers" at Eventbrite.com or pay at the door. Sponsorships are available (please see the pastor). Get ready for a powerful presentation from members of Journey Writers who have fought for the right to be their whole selves. The dramatic reading will conclude with a panel discussion with the writers. Our own beloved Regina Dyton is part of the program! Hope you can join us.
This is the 12 th anniversary of Rev. Elder Aaron as pastor of MCC Hartford. There will be JOY!
Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/719817716
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
