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 enjoy the hellos a lot more than the goodbyes, but I have learned to accept both as an important part of our spiritual journeys. If you follow the Spirit where it leads, it’s going to take you places and change your life over and over again.
After a difficult set of “goodbyes” in California, I’m very much looking forward to the joyful “hellos” here in Barrington Congregational Church. I’m excited to be your incoming interim minister, and believe I will be able to serve you faithfully and effectively. I don’t see myself as the expert coming in with answers and guidance – I do have a lot of experience and ideas, but first I want to soak up the history, culture and dreams of this church. Most importantly, I want to meet you and get to know you.
One way you can help me with that goal is to sign up for a 15-minute “Welcome Meeting.” These can be in-person or online or on the telephone (that’s my order of preference). Please schedule these meetings for Sept. 2 or later, as that’s when I start full-time at BCC! The easiest way to get on my calendar is to schedule online at calendly.com/jdzarro (this is a great way to set up a meeting anytime!). If there’s not a time that works for you, if you aren’t sure how to use the scheduler, if you prefer a home visit, or have another special concern, just email me at joe@bccucc.org, or text/call 310-658-0443. You can also call the church office during office hours, and Sara will help you schedule a time with me.
The goal of these Welcome Meetings is really simple: to hear a little of your story, what you love about BCC and your hopes for the future. It’s a lot of ground to cover in 15 minutes but we can always schedule a follow-up! I may be the interim, but we will be together long enough to invest in knowing each other, and I can’t shepherd the church as an institution until I meet the true church – the people. So I hope you will take the time to say “hello!”
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Joe