From the River's Edge
The Pastors' Blog
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 in the Wampanoag country during the spring of 1623, a leader stepped forth to confront Plymouth colonist Edward Winslow...all were...
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 church is nothing new: Finally, be strengthened in the Redeemer and in the strength of God’s power. Put on the armor of God, so that...
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 the nature of change, transition and new beginnings. Some of us are going through more routine transitions in our lives, such as...
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 enjoy the hellos a lot more than the goodbyes, but I have learned to accept both as an important part of our spiritual journeys....
![God Has You and Me, [Siblings], in God’s Hands](https://bccucc.org/wp-content/uploads/rb1-400x250.png)
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 Congregational Church, UCC, I see several projects: Solar installation, ADA bathroom upgrade, Heating system upgrade, Air Conditioning...
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 secure the vessel for severe wind and waves.” In times of transition or turbulence, it is good practice to steer a steady course....