“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which God has called you… and God’s incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength God exerted when raising Christ from the dead."
(Ephesians 1:18a, 19-20a)
MCC HARTFORD APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER
Lent and Easter Greetings, dear friends.
In April, we continue our Lenten journey and then turn toward Jerusalem to reimagine the events of Holy Week as the Easter story unfolds once again. We can imagine Jesus was filled with emotion and exhausted from the nonstop 3 years of ministry; walking, preaching, healing, feeding, teaching, turning over tables, and praying—all with constant demands, challenges, and opposition from those he met along the way. Does this sound and feel familiar? We are likely exhausted too and, like Jesus, our traveling over the past 3 months (and more) has felt long and filled with opposition, uncertainty, and (at times) animus and even hate. Sadly, the message of God’s love for ALL has not always been welcome in a world that seeks to marginalize differences and finds ways to profit from it.
On that first Palm Sunday, Jesus enters the holy city of Jerusalem and is met by a crowd waving palm branches joyfully shouting “Hosanna!” By the end of the week, Jesus will be betrayed, wrongfully arrested and convicted. “Hosannas” turn to shouts of “crucify him;” which leads to Jesus’ persecution and then death at the hands of the state. Oh, how dreadful it would be if that were the end of the story—when the Good News becomes Good Friday and political and religious power conspire to end the life of Love’s messenger. This would have left a timeless message –one of defeat and that love can be silenced and sealed in a tomb. Bullies win.
Thankfully, we know the story continues. Easter is also called ‘Resurrection Sunday’ and God’s love is triumphant---for love cannot be contained, suppressed or silenced. Yes, dear friends, we celebrate an EMPTY tomb! Jesus once dead now lives. And, the message that DID become timeless is that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead – now lives in US. Take a moment to let that soak in.
WE have been given new/resurrection life (each and every day) and a power that we likely have not fully understood, claimed, and proclaimed. May that be what this Easter and Easter season release in us---resurrection power. Divine power that is a gift of love and what we need to continue as the Love messengers of today who share the GOOD News of God’s unconditional love--for us ALL. Hope is ours, knowing that death is not the end of the story--it is a beginning. LOVE wins.
May it be so dear friends.
In Christ’s love always,
Pastor Aaron
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MCC Hartford April 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! (Note: there will not be Bible Study on April 16 & April 23—due to Holy Week/Easter)
Sunday April 6 – Two Celebrations!
Sunshine Sunday with Lay Pastor Jackie preaching
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!
Thursday April 10– Board Meeting on ZOOM starting at 6:30pm as we do the business of the church. All are welcome.
Sunday April 13 – Palm Sunday service at 10am
Blessing of the Palms and celebrating the beginning of Holy Week
Thursday April 17 Holy Thursday (Zoom only) at 6:30pm
Sharing our meal (as Jesus did) across tables and homes on Zoom.
Friday April 18 – Good Friday (in person AND on Zoom) Tenebrae Service at 7pm
Remembering the Passion, crucifixion, and death of Jesus—through scripture, song, and prayer
Sunday April 20 - Easter Breakfast from 8:30-9:30am BEFORE Sunday Service at 10am
Join us as we celebrate the Good News—that Jesus Christ has risen and the tomb is empty!! Wear your Easter hat or bonnet and help make our celebration joyous and festive! A love offering would be appreciated.
For more details about Holy Week, please see the special Holy Week schedule of events included below.
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
2025 Holy Week
Schedule of Events
Sunday April 13 Palm Sunday Service at 10am
Join us as we celebrate the “Blessing of the Palms” and remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into the Holy City of Jerusalem that begins Holy Week. Palms will be distributed and “Hosannas” definitely lifted as we walk alongside the donkey Jesus is riding.
Thursday April 17 (Zoom-only)---Holy Thursday at 6:30pm
Just as Jesus shared a simple meal, we will share our meal with each other and remember the events of the Last Supper the night Jesus was betrayed and arrested. There will be songs and conversation as we gather together to remember this holy night. In preparation, please: have something to eat and drink as we gather to share a meal in communion. Do dress comfortably. We invite you to be barefoot or wear sandals as we re-imagine how Jesus and the disciples reclined, relaxed, and enjoyed a meal together over conversation. Come and share the experience!
Friday April 18 - Good Friday (in person AND on Zoom) Tenebrae Service at 7pm
Each year, we remember the events on this day, the arrest, trial, conviction, followed by the crucifixion and death of Jesus----through scripture, song, and prayer. Note: voices will be muted on Zoom during this service.
Sunday April 20 - Easter Breakfast from 8:30-9:30am BEFORE Sunday Service at 10am
Join us as we celebrate the Good News that Christ has risen, indeed!
1. First, with an Easter Sunday breakfast from 8:30-9:30am. The menu is: waffles topped with (choice) whip cream, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas. Also, rice and beans, ham, scrambled eggs, and sausage. A ‘love’ offering is most welcome!
2. Easter Sunday worship starts at 10am. Wear your favorite Easter hat or bonnet!! Let us gather to share the joy of Easter with one another. Yes, dear friends, the tomb is empty! There is unbridled hope, miracles abound, and new life is beginning…once again.
