John 14: 8-27
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper
Recently I found myself in the company of Julia, the daughter of one of my friends. Julia is somewhere in the neighborhood of three years old, and quite an extravert, requiring those around her to pay attention to her or suffer the consequences. I enjoy other people’s children a lot, for all the obvious reasons – including the fact that they are not my children, and so as I was talking with my friend I was enjoying Julia’s frequent interruptions. I decided to share with Julia one of my little secrets. I can remove my index finger from my hand. You know this little trick, right? You bend your thumb back and your bend your index finger back, and you join them together, and when you move your thumb, it creates the illusion that you have taken off your finger. (more…)

Luke 24: 44-53
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper
One of my favorite worship experiences each year is during Lent when we observe Good Friday. At that service, we dramatically extinguish seven candles as we recite the seven last words that Jesus spoke. It’s a powerful experience, to hear those words as the room gets gradually darker and darker… (more…)

On Sunday, May 6, a group of us from United Methodist Church of Hartford participated with many others from around the greater Hartford area in the 24th Annual Walk Against Hunger. The three mile walk through the historic West End began and ended with music and festivites at the Hartford Financial Services Group. A great time was had, and in total the event raised nearly $430,000 for Foodshare. Much thanks to Saratan Peters, our group’s team leader, to Beth Ann Sennett for her leadership, and to John Swanson for the terrific t-shirts. Thanks also to all who walked and who contributed.

John 14:23-29
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

Billy Collins served as the poet laureate of our nation for two years and was the poet laureate of New York after that. His poetry is somewhat unique in that he doesn’t like classical poetic forms and he tries really hard to make his poetry accessible to the common person – though he doesn’t like the idea of accessible poetry – he prefers to say his poetry is hospitable. Anyway, he wrote a poem that is sometimes read on this day, that captures something of the spirit of mother’s day, and also displays Collins’ good sense of humor. I wanted to share it with you this morning: (more…)

John 13: 31-35
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

When I was in college, I seriously considered joining a fraternity. Two of my closest friends had decided to join one of the fraternities on campus, and they had talked to me about the benefits of membership. I had attended all the parties, including the pre-parties and the post-parties. I had heard about some of the initiation rituals that were doled out on pledges. I knew the reputation the fraternity had on campus. I was pretty aware of what the fraternity was all about. And I decided, after much conversation and thought, not to pledge. I still got to go to all the parties and meet all the people and have a great time. But I never formally joined the fraternity. (more…)

Our United Methodist Women’s trip to Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School on May 1st informed, intrigued and enthused us. Mrs. Dee Cole, principal, spent over an hour taking us around the facility. We learned about the learning/teaching process at the school. The meld of the old building and the new construction is fascinating. Currently our church has several members serving as tutors at the magnet school. To learn more about Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School or to get involved, please click here.