Rev. Matt Laney Named Senior Minister

Join in our excitement as we welcome the Rev. Matthew Laney!

Listen to Rev. Laney's Sermon, "Beauty Queens For Christ"

On Sunday, November 20, at a meeting of the congregation, the Rev. Matthew W. Laney was affirmed as the ninth senior minister in the 145 year history of Asylum Hill Congregational Church. "The energy and excitement in the church was palpable," said Vice Moderator Ruth Hofstatter. Rev. Laney preached to a full house at both Sunday services, prior to the meeting in which he was unanimously and enthusiastically elected.
Rev. Laney is a native New Englander, born and raised on the Penobscot Bay in Maine. He moved to New Jersey with his family during his teen years. He graduated from Kenyon College (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) in 1993 with a BA in Religion and minor in Theater. After graduation, he moved to Atlanta and worked with organizations serving the homeless and emotionally disturbed adolescents. It was in Atlanta that he met Ann Colloton, who was also working for a homeless support agency. Matt and Ann were married in 1996 and have two children, their daughter Halladay, age 9 (named after Rev. Laney's beloved great uncle) and son Camden, almost 7 (named for Camden, Maine, Matt's birthplace). Hally's favorite activities include art, swimming, reading, history, and imaginative play. Camden loves sports, games of all kinds, math, and eating pancakes. Both kids enjoy time with their dad playing Star Wars, Legos and reading.
"We are delighted to welcome such a dynamic and gifted worship leader to our congregation and to the Hartford community," said Carle Mowell, co-chair of the Senior Minister Search Committee.  Fellow co-chair, Ted Carroll, added that Rev. Laney "believes deeply in the motto of the church - to be a church in the heart of the city with a heart for the city."
"I'm deeply humbled and honored to serve Asylum Hill Congregational Church, UCC.  I look forward to continuing the church's extraordinary commitment to Hartford and supporting creative, dynamic ministries for all people. I don't know exactly where the Spirit will lead us, but I do know we're going to have a great time getting there!" said Laney.  
Rev. Laney will begin his ministry at AHCC in March 2012.