Matthew 6: 25-33
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

Today is the first Sunday in Advent, which in the church is the season that begins the year. So even though we still have a month to go before 2009 ends, we are now at the start of a new year as a church. The church calendar gives us four Sundays before Christmas – four Sundays that start off our year – and four Sundays that prepare us for the special moment that Christmas brings, when we remember the birth of Jesus. (more…)

John 18: 33-37
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

This reading is often called “Jesus before Pilate.” It describes the questioning of Jesus by the Roman Prefect of Judea, the governor who held Jesus’ fate in his hands. Pilate was the authority that could set Jesus free or send him to the cross. And so, before his crucifixion, Jesus appears before Pilate and is questioned in a trial of sorts. (more…)

Cheryl R. Wadsworth has been named Music director/Organist at United Methodist Church of Hartford. In addition to her work at the church, Cheryl is in her 15th year as Pipe Organ/Suzuki Piano faculty member in Hartt’s Community Division. She also serves on the Executive Board of the Hartford American Guild of Organists. She won the Julia R. Sherman Award for excellence in organ performance at the Yale School of Music and has organized many festivals of organ and/or choral works in the Hartford region.

Mark 13: 1-8
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

I moved to New York City from Austin, Texas after I graduated college. For me, New York had been the backdrop of movies and the setting of television shows. I loved the idea of it – but my family didn’t travel much and I never got to visit – so I just up and moved there. My first trip to New York was when I moved in. I knew nothing about the city – but at first I was quite confused. (more…)

On Thanksgiving Sunday, November 22, we again participated in decorating our altar with fresh fruit and vegetables. Members brought fresh vegetable and fruit to the altar, walking up the aisle and placing their contributions in the basket before the church service. Afterwards, the produce was given to the Day Break Adult Day Care Center.

The Living Endowment Committee recently held its annual meeting. Funds to purchase a new snow blower and leaf blower for the church were approved. The Committee also voted to allocate funds to assist with banners for the December “Brightest and Best” program….The Living Endowment Fund supports our church by making unique, one-time purchases of needed items and in other creative ways using the earnings of the Fund. You can join the Living Endowment by making an initial contribution of $100 or more. Speak with Peter Antos for more information.

Mark 12: 38-44
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

I am amazed each year when we do our Consecration Sunday. I am amazed most of all by the generous support you all give to our shared ministry and mission. Leading up to Consecration Sunday, we strive to remind you that giving is part of discipleship – that we want you to give to your church in response to what God is calling you to do. This is quite different than asking you to fund a budget or to pay for programs – we ask you to look within, to pray, to consider the movements of the Spirit in your own life – and then to give out of your own sense of calling and discipleship. (more…)

The United Methodist Church is now in “full communion” with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. This means that “we acknowledge each other as partners in Christian faith, recognize each other’s understanding of the Eucharist and Holy Baptism, remove existing obstacles to the sharing of clergy and agree to work together to further Christ’s mission.” The following is a more complete discussion of this event, written by Dr Dennis Winkleblack and first printed in the New York Annual Conference Publication “The Vision.” (more…)

Something to think about…

(from The Ongoing Adventures of ASBO Jesus)

The Children’s Hour Halloween Costume Parade and Party enlivened Wesley Hall on Halloween afternoon. About thirty children and their parents attended the event. Activities included a parade, Thomas the Tiger Halloween DVD, pumpkin painting and decorating cookies for eating. There were wonderful costumes and great children! Thanks to the Outreach Commission and The Children’s Hour staff for a successful program for the children of our church and neighborhood.