Welcome to Autumn
MCC Hartford October 2026 Newsletter
Autumn greetings, dear friends.
As the seasons change once again, so will our lives. The things of summer will be put away (beach umbrellas, shorts, grills, et al) and replaced with warmer clothing, pumpkin hunting, leaves changing color, and more. Soon children will be dressed in Halloween costumes excited to “trick or treat.” My prayer is…this season is filled with treats --- no tricks.
The season changing requires us to ‘let go’ of summer and hold onto the memories made as we welcome in this new season and all its potential to change us in ways, too. Each season, we grow in wisdom through experiences and the relationships with ourselves, God, one another, and the world around us. We welcome change in our pockets yet I wonder if we are as thankful for the changes that happen in our lives? Truth: nothing stays the same --- we, like the trees, display our beautiful colors differently every season and year. And, we too must ‘shed’ the leaves that have served their purpose just as trees do. My prayer is that we let go of that which has had its season in our lives to make room for the ‘new thing’ God is doing. Then, with hopeful anticipation, let us embrace the changes that are coming; knowing that God is the artist ---always creating -- and simply changing canvases with each season.
So, let us release the previous season with gratitude and welcome the new season grateful for all its possibilities. May it be so---without ‘tricks’ and with many ‘treats.’ Amen!
Welcome Autumn! Gratefully and faithfully, Pastor Aaron
Hope to see you in church or on Zoom -- Sundays at 10am!
MCC Hartford October 2026 Events
Note: all Zoom meetings use the same link as Sunday worship (provided below)
Wednesday Bible Study Join us on Zoom from 7-8pm as we reflect on and have spirited discussion about a particular scripture passage 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.
Sunday October 4 – 4 things!!
Sunshine Sunday Join us for a bit of Florida’s sunshine. Lay Pastor Jackie is preaching!
Birthday Sunday Celebration The first Sunday of each month, we celebrate the birthdays of those born during that month. So, join us in singing and, yes, there will be cake!
Blessing of the Animals Traditionally each year on the Feast of St. Francis, there is a “blessing of the animals” those pets/animals who share (or have shared) our lives.
St. Francis is remembered as the patron saint of animals and of ecology, who gloried in the beauty of the world God created. There are many tales (tails?) of St. Francis’ affection for animals and their trust in him. This day, we will thank God for the gift of companionship and the beauty which animals and pets bring into our lives and homes, then ask God’s blessing upon them. So, bring a picture of your pet (living or not) to church or to share on Zoom. We will also lift their names.
Invitation to complete Board Member applications Do you feel ‘called’ to serve in leadership on MCCH’s board of directors? (deadline for submission is Oct.18)
Sunday October 11
Celebrating “National Coming Out Day”
Membership Class will be offered after the worship service
Thursday October 15 – Board Meeting on Zoom at 6:30pm as we do the business of the church. All are welcome to attend.
Monday October 26 at 2pm EDT – MCC Trans and Nonbinary Global Support Gathering
The last Monday of each month, our pastor hosts this gathering to support our MCC siblings here and around the world -- who identify as trans or nonbinary. If you attend MCC Hartford, identify in this way, and want to join us---please use the same Zoom link as MCC Hartford’s Sunday worship.
SAVE THE DATES
Sunday November 8 – Congregational Forum (after worship service)
Sunday November 15—Annual Congregational Meeting (after worship service)
Friday November 20 at 7pm—Transgender Day of Remembrance service (in person & on Zoom)
NOTE: If you are in need of pastoral care, a prayer or spiritual support please contact the pastor by phone at (860)724-4605 or through email at: aaronmillerpastor@gmail.com We care about you and we have a team of Lay Ministers who are here to support.
To join MCC Hartford’s Sunday worship service via Zoom at 10am as well as all church events use Zoom, link: https://zoom.us/j/719817716
Please note: recording of Worship services and church events is prohibited!