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
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
August 18 - Matthew 4:12-17
August 25th - Matthew 5:1-12
August 25th - Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus Begins to Preach
12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”[a]
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
August 25th - Matthew 5:1-12
August 25th - Matthew 5:1-12
August 25th - Matthew 5:1-12
Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
September 1 - Matthew 5:17-20
September 1 - Matthew 5:17-20
September 1 - Matthew 5:17-20
The Fulfillment of the Law
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Promote current deals
September 1 - Matthew 5:17-20
September 1 - Matthew 5:17-20
Giving to the Needy
6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Prayer
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Fasting
16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.al.
Missions
Our Church Missions
Our church is mission minded. We have been involved with Cooperative Food Pantry the Weekend Backpacks for our local elementary students, and providing lunches for our seniors in the area two days a week . We are also involved with the United Methodist Church monthly mission focus on both local, regional, national, and world mission programs.
Cooperating Ministries
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.
Backpack Mission
The Backpack Mission project is in need of funding. If you can help we would appreciate it. The Backpack Mission was developed and created because many of our teachers and administrators saw that some of our children did not have enough food in their homes on the weekends when school was not in session. We have a group of volunteers that pack up the bags and deliver them to the school on Friday so that the students can take them home on Friday. They provide food for breakfast and either lunch or supper for those two days. We have been extremely blessed by those who support this program: The Pokagon Fund, Burnett Packing, The Hartford United Methodist Church Mission Team, and local individuals who contribute money so that we can purchase what we need through Feed America. We have also received help through feed the children on occasion as well.
Bringing Every Senior Together
Bringing Every Senior Together (B.E.S.T. program) is a program for all area seniors in which they can come to the church for coffee, companionship, meals and activities. We meet every Monday and Thursday. The doors open at 11 a.m. for coffee and companionship. The meal is at noon which is by donation. Then following the meal the seniors are invited to stay and do a variety of activities. This program was blessed with a grant from the Pokagon Fund to help offset the cost of the meals. We are so thankful for their support .
Monthly Mission
For the Month of September our Mission Offerings will be going towards Rural Life . We will accept offering for the month of September.
WHAT IS Rural Life SUNDAY?
Rural Life Sunday calls Michiganders to celebrate the rural heritage of The United Methodist Church and affirm the people and communities who work with and on the land we live on. There’s also an opportunity to recognize ongoing crises affecting rural areas of our world today.
Photo Gallery
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