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MLK Day in Greater Hartford: ways to show up, learn, and serve (Jan. 19, 2026)

  • Pastor Ben
  • Jan 10

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 19, 2026. Every year, this week gives us a simple invitation: don’t just remember Dr. King—practice what he preached. Pick one event. Bring a friend. Bring your kids. Or show up solo and meet someone new.

And if you know of other MLK Day events in the Greater Hartford area, drop them in the comments so we can keep building a shared list.


Before MLK Day

Thu, Jan 15 — Deliver food boxes to homebound seniors (West Hartford)

A hands-on way to serve neighbors who can’t easily get out.

Fri, Jan 16 — Hartford Public Library kids’ craft: “I Have a Dream”

A great, low-lift way for families to talk about justice and hope.


Monday, Jan 19 — MLK Day events

West Hartford — Annual MLK Celebration (Town Hall Auditorium)

A classic community program focused on Dr. King’s life and legacy.

Hartford — Wadsworth Atheneum: MLK Jr. Community Day

Art-making, performances, and free admission all day.

Hartford — Connecticut Science Center: Open on MLK Day

If you want something family-forward that still fits the day, this is an easy win.

New Britain — NBMAA: “Access for All” Community Day (theme: “Choose Love”)

Free admission, performances, art-making, and guided gallery conversations.

East Hartford — Town of East Hartford MLK Day Commemoration

A public, civic gathering for reflection and unity.

Windsor — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration (Town Hall Council Chambers)

Includes a keynote and offers an in-person or livestream option.

Simsbury — MLK Day Community Celebration + short march

Program at First Church of Christ, then a short march to the memorial and a presentation at the library.


Later that week

Thu, Jan 22 — Hartford Symphony Orchestra: MLK Tribute Concert (“The Fierce Urgency of Now”)

Free concert with optional registration.

MLK Week of Service — United Way of Central & Northeastern CT (Literacy Kits)

A practical “do something” option if you want service that’s simple and scalable (groups or DIY).


A couple close-by (if you’re up for a short drive)

Fri, Jan 30 — UConn: MLK Living Legacy Convocation (Storrs)

An evening program with music, spoken word, and poetry.

Tue, Feb 3 — University of Hartford: 2026 MLK Observance

Free and open to the public.


Quick encouragement (and a simple ask)

If you’re not sure where to start, pick one event that matches your season of life:

  • Family-friendly: HPL craft, NBMAA, Science Center

  • Civic + reflective: West Hartford, East Hartford, Windsor, Simsbury

  • Arts + meaning: Wadsworth, HSO concert

  • Hands-on service: United Way (or the West Hartford food delivery)

And seriously—add other events in the comments (with a link if you’ve got it). I’ll check back and we can keep this list growing.


 
 
 

February 2023 Church Meeting

  • Writer: Ian Russell
    Ian Russell
  • Mar 1, 2023

Our congregation gathered for a church-wide meeting on February 26, 2023. For those who missed it or want to review what was discussed, here are my notes:


Financial update:

Dave Lathrop (Board Treasurer) shares a brief financial update. We have a deficit, not an emergency. Expenses are down about 25%, but income is also down about 25%. We've saved a significant amount by swapping out LiveControl.


Pastors update:

Pastor Ben and Pastor Michael are optimistic about the future of Riverfront, but also realistic about the challenges we face. They see our members and regular attenders as a strong core group. They're also seeing tremendous growth in maturity.


Marketing/Outreach Discussion

Jessie B suggests partnering with the gay and lesbian chamber of commerce.


Diana S shares that there’s a real need for what she and Laura experienced, being able to be out in church.


Pastor Ben notes that we are a quadrant 4 church: affirming, contemporary worship style. That was Pastor Nancy’s heart from the beginning.


Jessie suggests sharing Diana’s testimony (and others) as a video that will resonate with others.


Deb M comes from a progressive and affirming but more liturgical style and not enough Jesus. That was the draw. She also shares that a lot of adoptive parents were/are here and that was part of how she found community.


Laura S asks if we’re networked with other churches outside Hartford area. Many people may be looking for something closer.


Ben mentions the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB) - also notes we can be a catalyst to create a network.


Kurt M adds that he’s having a hard time with the “COVID hangover.”


Jessie suggests having scheduled lunch or other social gatherings.


Deb says she encounters lots of progressive, spiritual people who don’t want to touch church with a 10-foot pole.


Rich G expresses interest in leaning into the “family” side of RFC. Also the COVID community conversation.


Michael M says we live in a society full of loneliness and hurt and alienation. We are a community of people who can welcome them with love and fellowship. Mentions he’s going to teach a Bible study on Mark.


Ben notes that because of our small size, things can just happen without a ton of bureaucracy.


Jessie suggests doing YouTube interviews or written testimonials. Deb offers to interview people.


Michael is excited about music. Very powerful, very healing.


Ben suggests using the Changing the Sheets podcast as a front door, as well as "checking in" on social media.


Diana says we need to focus on our greeting ministry - signs, physical presence here.


 
 
 
Contact

Mailing Address:

RIVERFRONT FAMILY CHURCH

c/o Immanuel Congregational Church

10 Woodland Street

Hartford CT 06105

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Email: office@riverfront.church

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