Luke 4: 21-30
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

No one has ever tried to throw me off a cliff. I can be pretty annoying, but I’ve never quite upset someone that much. Yet Jesus had a unique skill. He could upset anyone. To the point that they literally wanted to kill him. Even in his hometown!

To be fair, Jesus provoked his attackers. His word suggest that God’s word is not always heard in the places that it should be heard. That God doesn’t always help the people who think they are holy. That God sometimes goes outside of the community of faith, outside of the powers and orders that be, outside of the closed doors of our little world – that God works where and when and with whom God chooses.

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Luke 4: 14-21
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

As many of you know, I am a bit of a nerd. I like computers, and I like Apple products in particular – I’m sorry, this is not intended to be an advertisement – I am trying to make a relevant point, honest. Next week, nerds like me are looking forward to a big announcement from Apple regarding a new product, the nature of which is unknown. The famed CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, often makes these big presentations at the start of the year, which he calls his “keynote” address. And these big presentations often announce new products and chart the plan of the company for the next several months. Steve has perfected the keynote over the years, with flashy projected images and big-name musical artists backing him up. And in the weeks leading up to the events, nerdy websites are full of rumors and hopes and dreams about what might be revealed at the next keynote. (more…)

John 2: 1-11
Rev. Bryan Hooper

As many of you know, I have just returned this weekend from my honeymoon. My wedding and honeymoon all went very well, and so far, I am a happily married man. To be honest, I haven’t really had to do much to adjust to married life yet, being that I just got home, so I’ve been a bit more focused on the wedding and the aftermath of weddings. Weddings are a lot of fun. Or, I should say, receptions are a lot of fun. At my reception we had a DJ playing loud music and I watched people dance, being that I’m not much of a dancer, though I did dance some. And after the DJ had played for a while and it was late and our time with the DJ was over, we thanked him for his work. But then he went up to the microphone and announced that my friend Jerry had hired him to play for an additional hour – so the party went on. After that hour, however, we pulled the plug on the DJ and went to bed. (more…)

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Rev. John Merz

Happy two thousand ten. Or 20-10. There’s seems to be some debate on what to call it. Whichever, I’m happy to be with you all on this “warm” sunny Sunday. Ok, that’s a little bit of wishful thinking on my part. So, how many of you made New Year’s resolutions this year? And how many of you have still kept to that resolution these long 10 days into the new year? (more…)

Isaiah 60:1-6
Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. Robert M. Walker

So here we are on Epiphany once again and hearing the story of the journey of the Magi to offer adoration to the infant Jesus. It’s a compelling story with intrigue, suspense, danger and great joy. Perhaps that’s why almost every Christmas pageant includes the Three Kings or Wise Men. (more…)

Upon her death, Pat Coombs, a long-time member of our church, established a scholarship fund to help people of all ages to enhance their lives through higher education. This fund is administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, through their scholarship program. While there is a preference for members of our church, others will be considered as well. A church committee will work with the Hartford Foundation to make sure that the right candidates are selected. If you are interested in this scholarship, you may download an application below. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with Pastor Bryan. The deadline for applications this year is March 30th. We are grateful to Pat Coombs for remembering her church in her will, and we encourage you to consider your church as you plan your estate. A gift such as this can make a real difference for years to come.

Pat Coombs Scholarship Application

Pastor Bryan T. Hooper and Baylah Tessier-Sherman were married on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2010. Pastor Bryan has been pastor at United Methodist Church of Hartford since July of 2005, when he moved here from New York City. Baylah, an epidemiologist in New Haven, is an active member of Hartford’s West End Community. Best wishes to Bryan and Baylah!