We are excited to announce that on Sunday, September 18, 2022, a special congregational meeting of the Barrington Congregational Church, UCC, voted unanimously to call the Reverend Racquel Ray to be our next settled associate minister. Not only does this call conclude 31 months without a settled associate, it also marks the first calling of an Associate Minister of Congregational Life at our church. As such, Racquel will “focus primarily on the congregational life of the Church” being “responsible to nurture all members and groups of our community so they may feel embraced by God’s love, welcome in our community, engaged in Christian fellowship, moved to explore their faith, and inspired to do God’s work within our community and out in the world.” One area of particular focus for the position will be “to strengthen connections to [those] who may be underserved by this church such as seniors/elders, young adults, or families with young children.” This is a bright day for BCCUCC!
We celebrate that Racquel has been in ministry with us for the past year as our “acting” associate minister and is now able to move forward and carry out many of the plans and programs that she has set in motion. She has already seen a significant uptick in participation in Youth Group this fall and is preparing to begin Confirmation Class this weekend. Not only that, there is a rumor that she has enlisted her husband, Von, to take over coffee duties during coffee hour as she sees it as a vital ministry falling under the umbrella of congregational life.
Racquel earned her Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School at Yale University where she also earned a certificate of Educational Leadership and Ministry (Chaplaincy). She had previously earned her AA Ministry and BA Theology at Providence College School of Continuing Education.
Racquel lives in Barrington, RI with her husband, Von, of 28 years and their four children ages 26-6, Christian, Abby, Rebecca, and Lizzy. She is a United States Air Force Veteran, Certified Herbalist, and has been a formation minister for over 25 years. Her favorite books are Moby Dick and House of the Seven Gables because of Melville’s and Hawthorne’s poetic descriptions of old New England.
Racquel has served as a Yale University Wellness Champion, a Campus Minister at Albertus Magnus College, a Hospital Chaplain at St. Vincent’s Hospital, and a Chaplain to the John Clark Senior Living Community. She is an avid fan of dark roast coffee, organic gardening, crunchy food co-ops, and the Patriots. She is an ally and an advocate for Veterans, people who are differently-abled, those who identify as LGBTQ, kids and youth, parents, seniors, students, and marginalized peoples. She is passionate about accompanying those experiencing trauma and life transitions.
Racquel can be contacted at email or (401) 246-0111 ext 104.
Please be sure to welcome and congratulate Racquel as we celebrate the start of her tenure with us.
Yours in ministry and love,
Rev. Dr. Dale Azevedo
Senior Minister