“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)
MCC HARTFORD MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER
Spring is just around the corner, dear friends!
Each March brings signs of new life and, with this, hope rises. The earth is faithful in offering up seedlings, birds are joining the chorus, and warmer weather gives a heavenly hug. The prophet Isaiah challenges us to see God’s handiwork and artistry asking “do we not perceive it?” Sure, it is really hard to miss the crocuses with their brilliant colors and the new grass that will soon be a vivid shade of green. Yet, Isaiah’s question looms larger. God is doing something new in many ways (subtle and not so subtle). Are we looking----and seeing? Isaiah reminds us that God is making a way where there seems to be no way…through the wilderness and streams – even in the wasteland.
Sometimes it can feel this desolate and barren. We might wonder – where is God? The prophet reminds us there are many ways and paths that reveal God at work and if not now, we will see it later. Are we watching and waiting? We must keep moving --- faith calls us and the spirit leads us through --- all that is gloriously created as well as all that is wasted by human indifference, animus, power, and greed. What do we see along the way?
Scripture is filled with new beginnings, surprising new starts, and glorious transformations – not just human---but in all creation. And, it all stems (sometimes literally!) from the love of God. God speaks from the heavens in many ways, in many forms and expressions, and all from a heart of love; love that is without exception, exclusion or condition.
God is indeed doing a NEW thing. The question remains---do we not perceive it? And, when we do, will we then become witnesses to God’s message…one of hope—one of love? This love is like the spring blossoms (that will soon surround us)—also blossoming within each of us.
Dear friends, spring is indeed just around the corner and new things are about to “spring up.” My prayer is that in spite of what the world tries to have us believe each day—with its clamor, divisiveness, and dire predictions---that, instead, we focus on the crocus and make glamour replace the clamor. God is inviting us to ‘spring forward’ along with the clocks. It is time. So, get ready to be amazed – with a spring in our step and love to light our way. Amen!
Enjoy the journey and bouquet,
Pastor Aaron
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MCC Hartford March 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. Like spring, this is a time of spiritual growth!
Sunday March 2 – Two Celebrations
1. Women’s History Month begins.
2. Birthday Sunday: on the 1st 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!
Wednesday March 5 – Ash Wednesday This marks the beginning of Lent
Saturday March 8 -- Name and Gender Marker Free ID legal clinic from 12-4pm
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 a FREE legal clinic at First Church of Middletown located at 190 Court Street, Middletown CT. 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 you and your family. Spread the word!
Sunday March 9 – two things
1. Daylight Savings Time begins at 2:00am: Time to “spring forward” one hour!
2. ‘Sunshine Sunday” shared with our church family in St. Augustine FL with Lay Pastor Jackie is preaching.
Tuesday March 11– Board Meeting via ZOOM starting at 6:30pm as we do the business of the church. All are welcome.
Sunday March 30 --- (Special) Transgender Day of Visibility Worship Service
Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions as well as the joy and resilience of trans, non-binary, and gender expansive people everywhere by elevating voices and experiences from these communities.
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
