Welcome to a faith filled church practicing a religion filled with grace
Searching for a place where you'll feel loved, inspired, and challenged? Then H.U.M.C. may be for you. Come check us out! Sunday Service is at 9 a.m.
Our Church
Our Church
A church can be an intimidating place. We want you to know you're welcome here. Hospitality is a big thing for us. We want to to assist you with any questions you may have.
I want to personally invite you to come experience God's presence at Hartford UMC. Our goal is to impact the world we live in by making disciples. We do that by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Come and be a part of life at Hartford United Methodist Church.
In Jesus name, Pastor Doug
9:00 A.M. service
The 9:00 a.m. service is an indoor, in-person worship service in the sanctuary. Also it is live streamed on our Facebook page: the Bridge at HartfordUMC
Semilla New Church Plant
We are pleased to be partnering with Pastor Miriam Peralta De Garcia and Pastor Cesar Garcia-Rodriguez in the new church plant. The service is at 11:30 p.m.
May we make them feel welcome
Gifts and Giving
Your support and contributions will enable us to further our mission as a church.
You can give through PayPal below,
Venmo ( www.venmo.com/u/TheBridgeat-HartfordUMC ),
Give+ app on your phone,
or your bill pay at your financial institution
Weekly Scripture
September 21st - Psalm 146:3-5
Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
September 28th - 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
October 5th - Psalm 116:1-19
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came over me;
I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“Lord, save me!”
5 The Lord is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The Lord protects the unwary;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return to your rest, my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.
8 For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.
10 I trusted in the Lord when I said,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11 in my alarm I said,
“Everyone is a liar.”
12 What shall I return to the Lord
for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, Lord;
I serve you just as my mother did;
you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord—
in your midst, Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord.[a]
October 12th - John 15:14-16
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
Missions
Our Church Missions
Our church is mission minded. We have been involved with Cooperative Food Pantry and The Backpack program. We are also involved with the United Methodist Church monthly mission focus on both local, regional, national, and world mission programs.
Cooperating Ministries open 3-6 pm every Thursday
The Cooperating Ministries Food Pantry is made up several churches in the area that works together to provide food for those in need. It is housed here at Hartford United Methodist Church. They distribute food every Thursday from 3 pm - 6 p.m. They are able to provide the food because they get generous donations from many people in our town, the Pokagon Fund has awarded them grants, The Four Winds Casino also helps out at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, Catholic Charities also donates food to the food pantry, along with many of our local farms will give produce and fresh fruit when they are able to. They have been lucky to get donations from Burnett packing and the local Harding's store as well.
Cooperating Ministries gave out 219 bags last week.
Backpack Mission
The Backpack Mission is a program that involves volunteers from the church and members of the Hartford Public Schools to provide food for children and their families for the weekend. Money for this program is donated by concerned community members to help with food scarcity for our elementary students and their families when school breakfasts and lunches are not provided on the weekend. If you would like to volunteer with packing the bags weekly, delivering the bags to the elementary, or donating so that we can provide the food to our children just contact the church or send your monetary donations to the church and designated it to the backpack program.
When we started the program we were filling 83 bags per week .
Monthly Mission
For the Month of October our Mission Offerings will be going towards World Communion Sunday . We will accept offering for the month of October.
What is World Communion Sunday?
World Communion Sunday celebrates the unity and diversity of the universal Christian community. As we gather around the Lord’s table, we recognize our unity in Christ, joining with others worldwide in Holy Communion. Embracing this commitment, United Methodists are dedicated to nurturing diverse leadership within the church by allocating funds for scholarships and leadership training for under-represented students.
Contributions fund scholarships for U.S. and international students, as well as grants for global inclusion, diversity, equity, and access training. Last year, over $360,000 was raised to advance these educational initiatives:
- Fifty percent of the funds collected go toward
scholarships for undergraduate and graduate
students of color pursuing ordained ministry.
To learn more about how to apply or donate to
the World Communion Scholarships, please email
scholars@umcmission.org.. - Thirty-five percent of the funds collected provide
grants to support training for worldwide inclusion,
diversity, equity, and access. The In-Service
Training Grants support the recruitment, training,
and retention of people of color in leadership roles
across all levels of church ministry. Learn more about
In-Service Training Grants here. - Fifteen percent of the funds collected support
leadership development among partner churches
and communities in Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin America,
Eastern Europe, and communities of color in the U.S.
For information on applying or to learn more,
please email scholars@umcmission.org.
One of the beautiful things about The United Methodist Church is that, together, we can accomplish far more than we could on our own. Together, we invest in a more inclusive, globally representative church leadership.
Photo Gallery
Tammy playing at the United Women of Faith Christmas party 2025
United women of Faith Christmas party 2025
United women of Faith Christmas party 2025
United women of Faith Christmas party 2025
United women of Faith Christmas party 2025
United women of Faith Christmas party 2025
United women of Faith Christmas party 2025
The United Women of Faith at the Annual Christmas Bazaar
It was a great success for them and would like to thank everyone who donated or purchased items
If you are ever in need of Rada ware please contact the church and they will direct you to the person in charge.
The High School students
spent their May Day
with us doing backpacks
They filled the 137 bags for this week.
They also cleaned the church
inside the church
and outside of the church
We appreciated all of the students
and staff's hard work
We just wanted to say thank you for everything.
Parent Night Out on December 2nd
Back to School Bash August 23, 2023
Passing out school supplies
Passing out Bibles
Signing families up for Backpack food.
On Monday August 7th We started a three day Vacation Bible School
Popcorn for evening snack
They raked not only the entire front yard they did the side yard as well.
On Friday, September 23rd we had our first movie night.
The small crowd agreed it was something they would like to do again.
The team was happy to take part on this first day activity.
On August 24, 2022 Our church attended the Back To School Bash.
We passed out water bottles and suckers.
Susie and Deanna getting the table ready for the Bash
Karymn and Cristela ready to give out the suckers to everyone.
Preparing the bottles for the Back to School Bash.
Preparing the bottles for the Bash.
Preparing the suckers for the Back to School Bash.
The happy couple cutting the cake.
Pastor Wayne annouces them husband and wife.
Pastor Wayne Babcock performed the ceremony.
On July 23, 2022 Pastor Doug and Deanna were wed.
On Thursday, July 7, we had the Feed America Mobile Truck here at the church
With the help of the truck and our own food pantry ---
We have been truly blessed that we could help that many families
The Feed America Mobile Truck is here each month on the first Thursday of the month. But you can get food every week here on thursday night.
The ladies are preparing for the rummage.
The rummage is donated by church members and friends of the church.
The rummage sale will be Friday(june 17th) and Saturday( June 18th)
It is great to have this tradition back.
Please join us for this fund raiser.
The 2nd prayer walk to the police department and the schools.
Praying for our officers that serve
Praying for those who serve the community.
Praying for the high school seniors, students and teachers.
Walking to the middle school to pray.
Praying for the Middle school students , teachers, bus drivers.
Some of our graduates from the class of 2022
Tammy and Dave presented each of the graduates with a gift
What a great addition to our food pantry for those in need of food.
The volunteers sorted the food so that it was ready to be distributed on Thursday nights
On the average the Cooperating Ministries are giving food to 100 familiies each week throughout the year.
Place the heart on the cross to symbolize that God loves you.
Station 12: Justin was able to give communion.
Station 11: The pool with the water in it was where we put the rocks that represented our sin -- and how it was taken from us from his death.
Station 10: The sand bag represented the 75 lbs of aloe, Frankincense and myrrah that was used to wrap Jesus's body in inside of the tomb.
Station 9: Represented the light of Jesus being taken as he died on the cross and his spirit leaving his body.
Station 9: Autumn was there to relight the candle for each participate.
Station 8: Larry would give each of us a nail that was made to take home as a remembrance.
Station 8: We take a hammer and beat a nail into the cross to symbolize what they did to Jesus to crucify him.
Pastor Doug made the whip and we had playing on the computer the beating scene from "The Passion"
station 7: This station was to remind us the beating Jesus took.
Station 6: Symbolizes Peter denying the Lord three times before the rooster crowed.
Station 5: symbolizes Pilate washing his hands from the matter
Station 4: 30 pieces that Judas took for betraying Jesus
Good Friday Stations: Station 1 - what great things that God Created in our world
Pastor Doug Welcoming everyone to Maundy Thursday.
Autumn was the narrator for the skit of the Upper Room.
Jesus (Larry Woodley) preparing to wash Peter's Feet. ( Justin Cardenas)
Jesus:………………………………………. Larry Woodley
Simon (Peter): ………………………..…..Justin Cardenas
Andrew: …………………………………Wayne Babcock
James: …………………………… Roger Danneffel
Judas: ……………………………………….Butch Drumm
Philip: ……………………………………Nick McGlothlin
Bartholomew: …………………….…………. Bob Kuenhle
James (son of Alphaeus): ……………….…..Dale Kaucher
Simon (Zealot): …………………………….Kenneth Smith
Judas Iscariot: ……………………………….Pastor Doug
Shirley and Mickey Cochrane
Roger and Holly Danneffell enjoying Maundy Thursday's Soup and Salad meal
Maxine Melvin
Janet Melvin
Nancy Spoula
Pastor Wayne Babcock
Forground: T. J Mason and his daughter, Becky & Larry Woodley, Deanna Kniss
Table behind: Jill & Justin Cardenas, Doug Nelson, Nick McGlothlin and Des
Autumn schmaltz, Rosemary Heinisch, Wanda Maston, Ronda Kaucher
Dale Kaucher, Becky and Larry Woodley, T. J. Mason and his daughter
Nick McGlothlin, Destiny Chacon, Jill Cardenas, Doug Nelson
Our first Easter Egg hunt was held Saturday April 9th.
We had to move it to inside of the church because of the snow that fell over night.
We are grateful to all of the people that made this possible including Becky and Larry Woodley who chaired this activity.
Justin enjoying the Men's breakfast and fellowship.
The men put on a great breakfast for themselves and a few guests.
The fellowship and devotion amongst the men and guest are so important.
The Food Drive for the Super Bowl and you can tell --the Rams won the food drive as well.
The Pastor and several of the members enjoying the game.
Some of us were enjoying the game while a few enjoyed having the puppy here for the evening.
The guys were intense about the game.
This is what happens when the Pastor leaves his phone laying about and the secretary finds out there is no pass code.
Even on a cold snowday from school are teams are hard at work filling backpacks for the students at school.
This is Team 1 filling backpacks on their snow day on 1.6.22 Without our three teams we would be lost and these backpacks would not be filled.
The volunteers of the food pantry started to sort all of the can goods
The Students food drive was a great success
The Hartford Public High School did a great job collecting food for the Food Pantry
And they should lead us to our next destination.
The group walking to our last spot.
A good time by our group as we walked from the church to the fire department, police department and the school.
Our group at the school praying for the school employees.
Pastor Doug leading us a prayer at the school.
Janet getting the drinks ready for this afternoon
Lisa Buddemeier and Maxine Melvin dishing up the beans
Lisa still dishing up the beans
Myra cutting the cakes.
Ready for outdoor dining.
More out door dining
Silent Auction items
More silent auction items
More silent auction items
More silent auction items
The Church's flowers in the spring of 2021
Spring flowers
The flowers on the corner of the driveway.
Karen Williams cleaning the Memory garden
The flowers we planted last November in Memory of those who passed are coming up just in time for Palm Sunday & Easter.
What a wonderful tradition and honor to those who have been here before us.
This way their memory will be with us every time we see the flowers in bloom.
When they are in full bloom they will be gorgeous. Thank you again to Becky and Larry Woodley for planting these lasting memories.
Food Truck came for a visit on March 4, 2021
We served over 166 families
That means we gave out 9316 pounds of food
We are very grateful for Feed America and for all of the volunteers that helped to make this a successful give away.
We appreciate Miller Thermometer for their help in supplying these materials.
The Backpack Mission received a $2,700 grant from the Pokagon Fund.
Cooperating Ministries gave out over 230 boxes of food on December 17th.
And hopefully every year afterwards the memory of our love ones will continue to bloom for us to enjoy. The bulbs were planted in memory of the following people: Jim Brummit; Jean Walker; Bob Kling; Genevieve Conklin; Shirley Anchor; Richard"Dick"Smith; Bonna Vanderlyn; Helen Norden. Also other's that passed Matthew Efting, The mother of Dan Fitch
So Larry and Becky Woodley took the morning and planted them in our memory garden.
They worked with the Catholic Services, Hartford Lions Club
Also Hartford Hardings
and the Pokagon Fund.
They had people lined up starting at 1:30 and went until
7:00 p.m. Thursday night.
We continue to supply food to families of our youth at Redwood Elementary School for the weekend.
Instead of cut carnations for All Saint's Day it was decided that we plant bulbs in memory of those who passed this past year.
So in the spring we will have a constant memory of those who passed.
All Saint's day - Nov 1st -
Preparing for the Food Pantry distribution on October 29th.
The last few weeks we have had between 60-75 families each week.
The Cooperating ministries team had to restock after last weeks distribution.
Unloading the truck so that we can get ready for this week's distribution.
Oct. 28th the last tailgate get together with Joanne Evans as the host.
Even though it was a typical fall day for Michigan the spirits of these church family members were happy.
It was great how everyone chips in and brings the snacks and enjoys each others company.
It will be great when they can worship together this Sunday Nov. 1st inside for the first time.
The group gathered together for coffee and conversation.
Rev Wayne and many others enjoyed the time to just chat and reconnect over some yummy snacks.
Our hostess(Joanna Evans) finally taking a break to enjoy some food and conversation.
Moon Flowers in our memory garden.
The Electric fireplace gives it a warmer feeling.
With new accents a few pieces of new furniture to bring it together. ( Also paid for with grant money)
A new paint job for the room and hallway -- volunteer labor and using the grant money that we had.
Updated the Social hall using some of our grant money.
Some of the volunteers that worked the food pantry and Feed America Food truck on June 18th
Workers - getting all of the food together as the cars pulled through
Workers planning the process
Ready to distribute the food
Assigning the duties
The crew in full swing-- as cars pull through
God's beauty
What a change --with a lot of hard work.
Lois and Wayne beautifying the front of the church
Lois and Wayne removing the weeds before making it new again.
Social Hall has been cleaned and waxed
Nursery was cleaned and waxed
Halls were cleaned in preparation of hopefully reopening soon.
Jeff Anchor and Justin Cardenas and crew worked hard to clean our floors.
The Weekend Backpack Project is still serving our community.
Each week we have volunteers who are here on Sunday taking in donations at 12:00 .
The food provides meal for the two days on the weekend for breakfast and supper.
The food is ordered from feed America from monetary donations from you.
Also on Sunday they pack roughly 120-140 bags of food for our school families.
The food is then transported to the school-- again by volunteers on Thursday morning.
we would like to thank these people for their support:
Businesses: Burnette Foods Inc., Richter Insurance, Kellogg Hardware, Mann Metal, L.E. Barber Inc. (Benton Harbor, MI), Pokagon Fund (Pokagon Grant)
Associations: Hartford Foundation for Quality Education(Grant) , Lions Club, United Methodist Church - Greater Southwest Conference (Engage Grant)
Public Institutions: Hartford Public School/Redwood Elementary
Other: Congregational Kitchen (Allegan, Mi).
CM food pantry and Feed America Truck give away.
CM food pantry give away
Gardening in the prayer garden
Gardening in the prayer garden
Our youth in Junior Church.
Feed America Truck was here on April 30, 2020
We gave food out from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
They fed 153 families.
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