An Essay of Our History

An Essay of Our History

An essay by Rev. Racquel Ray submitted for Doctor of Ministry work at Boston University, September 2025 The land upon which the [Barrington Congregational Church] church is built has a long and poetic history. “As the first leaves of sassafras and strawberry emerged...
Be Careful Who You Hate, It Could Be Someone You Love

Be Careful Who You Hate, It Could Be Someone You Love

By Rev. Racquel Ray, Associate Minister of Congregational Life You may have heard this truism before. The United Church of Christ sells shirts with this on it on their webpage here. In the letter to the ecclesia in Ephesus 6:10-20, we read that conflict within the...
In the Beginning…

In the Beginning…

By Rev. Joe Zarro, Interim Senior Minister As I get ready for my first Sunday at BCCUCC, I’m reminded of the quote from the great Stoic philosopher Seneca – and the 90s alternative band Semisonic – “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” This is...
Hello Barrington!

Hello Barrington!

By Rev. Joe Zarro, Interim Senior Minister Life is full of “hellos” and “goodbyes.” My ministry has seen 3 settled calls, and 5 cross country moves. As a field education supervisor, I’ve welcomed and sent 8 student ministers out to new ministries. Like most people, I...
God Has You and Me, [Siblings], in God’s Hands

God Has You and Me, [Siblings], in God’s Hands

By Rev. Racquel Ray, Associate Minister of Congregational Life Beloved, we are in God’s hands. I’m reminded of the church school song, [God] has the Whole World in [God’s] Hands and the lyric of this title. As I look around the church campus at Barrington...
Steering a Steady Course

Steering a Steady Course

By Rev. Racquel Ray, Associate Minister of Congregational Life Today’s weather report reminds me of an important leadership tenet, “Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or...