From the River's Edge

By Rev. Joe Zarro, Interim Senior Minsiter Every winter, pastors get together and have our yearly “weather policy” discussion. The traditional thinking was if it was at all remotely possible, even if it’s just a handful of people who walked in the snow, you hold a worship service. Today, there is more of an emphasis on safety and unity – if most people need to stay home, if the roads are...

By Rev. Racquel Ray, Associate Minister Of course I am disappointed with the Search Committee’s decision to seek an external candidate for the Senior Minister position. And, I was hurt by the way the decision was conveyed. But, in over thirty years of ministry this was not the first time my feelings have been hurt or my ego bruised. Transitions are part of the ministry journey; seasons in the...

By Rev. Joe Zarro, Interim Senior Minister One thing that was clear from our church surveys and listening sessions is that BCCUCC values strong preaching rooted in scripture. This has led me to update some of our worship planning for the coming program year. The Revised Common Lectionary is a well-known and widely used resource that helps churches root worship in scripture and the liturgical...

By Rev. Racquel Ray It’s June. The month has been designated as Pride Month in observance of LGBTQ+ civil rights. The movement originally began after the 1969 Stonewall Inn incident in Manhattan NY where queer community members clashed with police. Beginning in 1970 annual observances became part of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement including parades, marches, and flag raising.  Last year,...

By Rev. Racquel Ray When Jesus saw the great crowds, he had compassion on them. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and...