Door chalking is rooted in Old Testament scripture. In Deuteronomy 6, God says:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.“

This short ceremony, done on the 12th day of Christmas (January 5) or Epiphany (January 6), is a way of inviting God into our homes and asking him to bless the people we encounter throughout the New Year. We mark the front entrance to the home with sacred signs and symbols.

Click to download a PDF of the liturgy and prayers for the ceremony.

The Gospel Coalition recently shared 111 Great Songs for Advent. Singing is a great way prepare your heart for Advent. We hear so many “holiday” songs played throughout the season, but many of them (even though they are fun to sing too) don’t focus on the reasons Christians celebrate.

This eclectic list of classics and contemporary songs is sure to have something that will fill your heart with Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

Just hit the play button below for hours of uplifting music. (Even though only a few songs show, we promise that you’ll be able to hear many many more!)

It was such a “treat” to shower love (and candy) on the kids of Hartford Elementary school this year. We know that it’s been a challenging year for parents and school children this year as we’ve all been navigating the waters of COVID.

Here are a few photos you might enjoy!

Hartford Halloween FB

Hartford Halloween 1

Hartford Halloween 2

Hartford Halloween 3

Hartford Halloween 4

Hartford Halloween

Today’s young men are in crisis. The fatherless crisis has taken its toll. 

The problem of delayed adolescence is real.  Twenty-five is the new fifteen, young men are not coming of age in a timely manner and it has negatively impacted society and even the church.