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 Congregational Church, UCC, I see several projects: Solar installation, ADA bathroom upgrade, Heating system upgrade, Air Conditioning replacement, and gardens and flowers all being maintained in the heat of summer. There are work crews all over the campus
Much of this work has taken years of planning behind the scenes, many volunteer hours, lots of community partnerships, a competent staff, and a stable budget. Imagine how many people and how many hours have been invested in these projects?! And we have more exciting things ahead!
At the beginning of our pastoral leadership transition, I preached a sermon We Are In Good Hands which highlighted the magnitude of our leadership and staff. We have successfully navigated the summer of transition with a vibrant visioning project launched by the Governing Board, a successful interim minister search, and a compelling guest speaker series. All of this work has highlighted our resilience and talent as a congregation.
As we prepare to welcome the incoming interim minister, Rev. Joe Zarro, I am assured that we will continue to thrive and grow. I am confident that God’s hand is on Rev. Joe and his call to join our congregation. I am confident that the Fredrick Buechner attributed quote, “…vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need” can be ascribed to our context. We’re receiving a pastor who can sing! (and I, for one, really need that!!) I’m excited to join Rev. Joe for the Children’s Message where he SINGS and PLAYS GUITAR with the young people!
I’m looking forward to a possibility of having someone to share in the excitement of the annual Yale vs. Harvard “The Game” (November 22nd at Yale this year)! And the partnership in mutual support and collaboration of thriving Children and Youth ministries and welcoming Joe’s family into our church family.
I am encouraged by Romans 8:28 (Amplified Bible) version, “28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” I believe we can take great encouragement and confidence in the next season of our community life at Barrington Congregational Church, UCC because we are in God’s Good Hands!
Please join me in prayer, support, hospitality, and welcome for our incoming interim minister as he integrates into our congregation in the next few months. And continue to pray for our competent volunteers, staff, and leadership as we navigate and thrive in this time of transition.
I’m excited to see what God will reveal in our leadership visioning results, new initiatives, and fresh ideas! May God’s hands guide our way for we are called according to God’s plan and purpose. God is with us and God has us in God’s hands!