Pastor’s Word
One Team, What Goal?
By Rev. Joe Zarro, Interim Senior Minister
On October 19, I kicked off our Stewardship Season with a sermon on Teamwork – how we are all part of the body of Christ, that we have different gifts and abilities, and it’s only when we come together, and practice our faith in community, that we are whole (1 Corinthians 12). I need this church – not only as a pastor dependent on the church for my livelihood – but as a Christian who cannot practice his faith alone. You don’t have to be a member of a church to be a “true” Christian, but you do need to be part of a community – you must serve others and rely on the gifts and grace of others as well. You need a team.
But what about the goal? Teamwork is a great metaphor, but in Christianity there is no “winning.” We may try to give ourselves a scorecard – worship attendance, church school registrations, number of baptisms, size of the budget – but these are our way of counting success, not God’s. The Great Commandment is to love God and love your neighbor, and love is not a competition.
But we do have a “goal.” We have a shared vision and purpose: Faithfulness. Faithfulness is not easily defined, Our mission statement is one articulation of what faithfulness together looks like. The mission statement says, “The Barrington Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is a Christian community that worships God, embraces all people, ministers to one another, works for justice and peace, and renders loving service to God’s world.” This shared vision of worship, inclusion, service and social justice is the goal our team seeks to achieve.
I want you to consider the part you play in this goal, and what faithfulness looks like for you, especially as a part of a larger team. Our stewardship season is about more than asking for money and volunteers. It’s about coming together as one team for that one goal of faithfulness to God.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Joe
Teamwork: Get into the Game
By Rev. Joe Zarro, Interim Senior Minister
In this year’s Stewardship Campaign, we are going to celebrate the best aspect of team sports: community and shared purpose. Our theme “One Team, One Goal” highlights both our unity and diversity, how we are all have different parts to play but are one team working toward the same goal: faithfulness to God. We all want what is best for our church, our communities, our world. We know it’s God’s will to love and serve our neighbors, to do justice and love mercy. And we believe God has called all of us to work together to bring about this positive change.
Teamwork is the foundation of the Christian church. The Apostle Paul, writing to one of the earliest churches, used the metaphor of the human body – just as the body is many parts but one body, we are diverse in our gifts and abilities, but one church united in Christ (1 Corinthians 12). In the metaphor of the team, we may play different positions, we may have different strengths and weaknesses, but we are all on the same team. The quarterback cannot say to the offensive line, “I don’t need you” unless he wants to get sacked. And every good pitcher needs a good catcher, not to mention fielders to make their plays and an offense to provide some run support. Nobody wins on their own, and win or lose, we do it together.
Now, I’m new to this team, a mid-season transfer of sorts. I’m also only with you for a season or two, on a short-term contract. But I’m already deeply committed to the life and success of “Team BCCUCC” and want to see us thrive while I’m here and long after I’m gone. That’s the other important thing about teams – they may rely on a group of players for a season or an era, but the team endures long after the players have left the field.
Whether you are an All-Star franchise player of this church, a total rookie, or something in between, this stewardship campaign is going to encourage you to “get into the game.” We want to hear your goals and dreams for the church, we want to know how you plan to contribute your time, talent and treasure to our shared goal. I hope you’ll worship with us during our stewardship season, I hope you will sign up to be on (or continue to be on) one of our many ministry teams, I hope you submit a pledge for the coming budget and our shared expenses. Above all, I hope you find a way to connect and feel part of this team. Because we are all in this together. We need each other, and everyone has a part to play.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Joe
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 preoccupied with the illness that had overcome a beloved man, Ousamequin, or Massasoit (his title) – a “great sachem” of the Wampanoags and leader of the adjacent region of Pokanoket.” (Brooks 2018, 1). Barrington Congregational Church, UCC sits on the land of the Pokanoket. The two leaders had developed a strong bond which prompted Winslow to visit Osamequin on his deathbed, “There (Mattapuyst) they told us, That MASSASSOWAT was dead.” ( (Bangs 2004, 70) However, learning that the Indigenous leader was alive, Winslow “set forth with all speed” and came thither to {i.e. to Sowams], (Bangs 2004, 71) having arrived to a house full of elders “making such a hellish noise, as it distempered us that were well” (Bangs 2004, 71).
In an intimate sojourn of compassion Winslow nursed Osamequin to health, “When I came to him…he put forth his hand to me, which I took and he said, “Matta neen wonckanet namen, WINSOW?, that is to say, “O WINSLOW, I shall never see thee again.” (Bangs 2004, 71). Winslow then nursed his friend back to health slowly by feeding the Massasoit with small sips of “a confection [preparation] of many comfortable conserves on the point of my knife.” (Bangs 2004, 71) and progressing to broths made from sassafras and strawberry, and pottages (Bangs 2004, 71) bolstering Massasoit’s health and good will toward the Plymouth colonists. (Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission and Barrington Preservation Society 1993, 7). Upon recovery, Osamequin broke forth into praises for his renewed bond, “Now I see that the English are my friends, and love me: and whilst I live, I will never forget this kindness they have shewed me” (Bangs 2004, 74). Thus the humane acts of Winslow…in saving, by providential aid, the life of Massasoit…which preserved the infant colony from complete extermination. (Bicknell 1898, 55)
However, the two men’s sons Pometacomet (Metacom) or Philip and Josiah Winslow forged an unresolved conflict over the terminology and understandings of their fathers’ land inheritances and grants. (Brooks 2018, 40-41) resulting in “King Philip’s War”. (Brooks 2018, 4) The first settlers at Plymouth were granted three large tracts of land for themselves and their associates…one at Patuxet or Plymouth, another at Kennebec, Maine, and the third at Pokanoket or Sowamset. (Bicknell 1898, 58)
The land underneath the feet of the warring sons is called Sowans and is the native land of the Pokanoket people “whose lands and waterways we benefit from today.” (Barrington Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, n.d.). The church sits on land upon which centuries of blood were spilled. (Hartley 2021) The Winslow narrative “stands at odds with” the Native history (Jennings 2010, 55) as the current Sagamore (chief of chiefs) Dr. William Winds of Thunder Guy retells the story currently. (Hartley 2021) Sagamore is the “place-maker” who speaks as witness describing ancestral events ‘as they are occurring and creating in the process a vivid sense’ that the events of the past could be happening now – on this very land. (Jennings 2010, 55) This very land, granted by formerly prominent Congregationalists of the Plymouth Colony in which the “new church was allowed full liberty of conscience in worship.” (Bicknell 1898, 200)
The members of this infant church were the first to experience the horrors of King Philip’s War (Bicknell 1898, 200) and built a new meeting-house in 1680. (Bicknell 1898, 201) In 1740 the meeting house was moved to its current location on land donated by Joshua Bicknell. (Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission and Barrington Preservation Society 1993, 13) For over 150 years, from the incorporation of Barrington in 1717 until the late 1850s, the town’s government and old Yankee social structures were closely linked to the Congregational Church. (Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission and Barrington Preservation Society 1993, 26) In 1856, the town officially separated its government from the Congregational church and added, for the first time, a second denomination. (Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission and Barrington Preservation Society 1993, 26) Multiple additions and structural updates were added to the church, funded by pew rentals until at least 182l. (Barrington Congregational Church 1987, 9) Singing began in 1817, a melodian added in 1854, and electricity was added in 1893. (Barrington Congregational Church 1987, 25)
Currently, the church stands as the most progressive mainline protestant church in town. The Pokanoket Sagamore is a tenth generation descendant of Osamequin. His daughter, Tracey Dancing Star Brown, Sachem, is eleventh generation descendent from Osamequin as am I from Winslow. The church’s connection with the land and waterways and Indigenous Pokanoket peoples is revisited often through the Land Acknowledgement, the Barrington Interfaith Partnership, standing open invitations, and our resolve to mutual respect and friendships.
References
Bangs, Jeremy D. 2004. Pilgrim Edward Winslow: New England’s First International Diplomat : a Documentary Biography. N.p.: New England Historic Genealogical Society.
Barrington Congregational Church. 1987. The Sounding Board. First ed. Barrington, RI: Barrington Congregational Church.
Barrington Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. n.d. “Justice & Peace.” Barrington Congregational Church, UCC. https://bccucc.org/justice-work/.
Bicknell, Thomas W. 1898. A History of Barrington Rhode Island. 1992 reprint ed. Providence, RI: Snow & Farnum, Printers.
Brooks, Lisa T. 2018. Our Beloved Kin: A New History of King Philip’s War. N.p.: Yale University Press.
Hartley, Ethan. 2021. “Pokanoket Tribe ‘invisible’ no more | EastBayRI.com – News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay.” East Bay Newspapers. https://www.eastbayri.com/warren/stories/pokanoket-tribe-invisible-no-more,92176.
Jennings, Willie J. 2010. The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race. N.p.: Yale University Press.
Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission and Barrington Preservation Society. 1993. Historic and Architectural Resources of Barrington, Rhode Island. Barrington, RI: Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission.
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 you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the overlords of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, take up the armor of God, so that you may be able to resist on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. Bind on your feet preparedness to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all this, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 
Remember, beloved, when we disagree with others, we can choose to remember this scripture. The reading says, ‘we do not struggle against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, authorities, and overlords of darkness – spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.’ We are not fighting against people – against our neighbors – but against the powers behind their actions.
Now, this can be controversial depending on your own personal beliefs; perhaps your own historic denomination or upbringing. I have met people who believe that Satan is a real entity – the enemy who prowls in this world to steal, kill, and destroy the goodness of God’s creation. There are those on the opposite end of the spectrum that believe that ‘evil’ is simply the absence of Good – or the turning away from God and God’s goodness. There are those who believe that supernatural forces are not real and there are those who make a living out of investigating and documenting mysteries of the supernatural – perhaps making their investigations into television shows, spooky tours, or haunted houses.
So, we come to this scripture from different opinions. We can take those opinions into conflicts with our neighbors or we can hold them close and understand the world through ‘spiritual glasses’. That would include understanding that the person with whom you disagree is a child of God and has the God-given, God-gifted right to have a different opinion than you do.
We know that throughout history, Christians, have had their differences – the writer of the letter to the Ephesians knows that and this letter is the advice to that community. Rather than be upset with their neighbors, the letter advises that we should be upset with the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms – the struggle between good and evil. And, as Christians, we are to pray for the good.
The reading warns us that engaging in this prayer is like going to battle and requires a suit of armor. But, because this is not a physical battle, it is a spiritual battle, our armor is 1) To stand and face it. You can’t fight what you won’t acknowledge is there. 2) A belt of truth to know what you know that you know. 3) The breastplate of righteousness – to know that what you know is right in God’s eyes. 4) Shoes of preparedness, be ready to get going to proclaim peace. 5) Shield of faith, knowing that God will be with you in this endeavor and you – with God’s help – will be able to withstand the negative pushback that you may receive. 5) The helmet of salvation – knowing that Jesus has already won this battle once and for all and we are simply standing in Christ’s victory. 6) The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God – whether prophetically revealed to you by the spirit, the word of God revealed through the scripture, or the Word of God which is the Saviour Jesus Christ. 7) Prayer which fortifies you and calls in the ‘back up’ of all the power of God and the heavenly realms. 8) Alertness and Perseverance knowing that our work is never complete. 9) Prayer and intercession for others, especially those who are called, not simply to hold the line – but to advance the Gospel message – sometimes heading into unfriendly territory to do so. 10) And to speak boldly as we are called to do.
Now, this sounds like a battle cry – and the military language and equivalencies – are not lost on this veteran. But, the introduction tells us it’s a spiritual battle, not a physical one. We must continue to love our neighbors – as much as we should expect them to love us – and hopefully as much as we love ourselves – as much as God loves us. And, having done all that you can to persevere in peace, stand therefore, and continue the Gospel message of Peace, Love, and Faith.
Amen.
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 summer break giving way to school and fall. Others are going through bigger changes and transitions: Personally, I just moved across the country and am starting a new call. And collectively, as a church, we are in a season of transition after the long and faithful service of Rev. Dr. Dale Azevedo. This is my beginning as your interim minister, but many of you have been experiencing loss and transition since his retirement announcement in January. The transition starts well before the interim minister arrives.
I’m excited and honored to be a pastor and leader during this time of change. Throughout this process you’re going to hear a lot about how this is an opportunity for creativity and new possibilities, for Resurrection and New Beginnings, but first I want to name and honor the endings that come with every new beginning. This is why my approach is not to shake things up right away, or act like the expert with a tried-and-true handbook. I want to listen and learn, and understand what makes BCC unique, and what are its authentic and faithful hopes for the future. This is why these Welcome Meetings are important and I’m grateful for those who have already signed up (visit calendly.com/jdzarro to schedule a short meeting with me or write me an email/call).
We are an Easter people, and I have deep faith in the power of Resurrection and transformation. I know God is living, moving and still speaking, and uses these times of loss and change to bring forth something new. God will use this transition for the good. But it is also wise and healthy to acknowledge the endings that come with each new beginning.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Joe
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. 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
![God Has You and Me, [Siblings], in God’s Hands](https://bccucc.org/wp-content/uploads/rb1.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 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!
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. Now is not the time to make radical changes.
Our church was looking forward to the new governance structure and the “Year of Engagement” in 2025. Instead, here we are on the eve of June in the middle of a leadership transition. Some of our governance structures are still incomplete, engagement less than what we dreamed, uncertainty ahead. Now is the time to pause.
Next week, our Governing Board and Ministry Coordinators will spend some retreat time team-building and visioning. We are fortunate to have Sarah Whiting with us to facilitate a workshop on “Thriving in Transition”. Sarah and her family have been regular guests in our congregation for several years. She brings deep expertise as a facilitator, strategist, and coach for organizations working to innovate, build alignment, and live out their mission more fully.
As we honor our history, assess our present, and envision our future, we are reminded to remain in port (keep coming to church), seek safe harbor (continue to pray), alter course (pivot as needed), and secure the vessel (keep routines consistent) to remain prepared for any ‘hazardous conditions’.
I shared with our Deacons this week a helpful blessing written by Jan Richardson.
STAY by Jan Richardson*
I know how your mind
rushes ahead
trying to fathom
what could follow this.
What will you do,
where will you go,
how will you live?
You will want
to outrun the grief.
You will want
to keep turning toward
the horizon,
watching for what was lost
to come back,
to return to you
and never leave again.
For now
hear me when I say
all you need to do
is to still yourself
is to turn toward one another
is to stay.
Wait
and see what comes
to fill
the gaping hole
in your chest.
Wait with your hands open
to receive what could never come
except to what is empty
and hollow.
You cannot know it now,
cannot even imagine
what lies ahead,
but I tell you
the day is coming
when breath will
fill your lungs
as it never has before
and with your own ears
you will hear words
coming to you new
and startling.
You will dream dreams
and you will see the world
ablaze with blessing.
Wait for it.
Still yourself.
Stay.
*This blessing appears in Jan’s book The Cure for Sorrow: A Book of Blessings for Times of Grief. It appears also in her book Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons.
A New Beginning
By Rev. Racquel Ray, Associate Minister of Congregational Life
I just heard the news. Our Catholic Church cousins have elected a new Pope. According to NPR news, U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected pope, the first time an American has led the Roman Catholic Church. Provost, 69, chose the name Pope Leo XIV.
It is with celebration that the church welcomes another Spiritual leader. And, American Catholics are feeling a sense of pride and gratitude as well as a renewed sense of call and commitment to their faith.
As a faith leader, I am sending prayers of fortitude, wisdom, and discernment for Pope Leo XIV. And I celebrate with Americans around the globe in acknowledging what an honor, privilege, and responsibility this moment holds. Living in Rhode Island, graduating from Providence College, and serving a congregation with several previously Catholic members, I join with global Catholic cousins and understand what a historic moment this is.
No matter your opinions on church denominations and patriarchal traditions, I think we can all acknowledge that the Catholic Church has done a superb job of holding a standard for 2000 years. It is that standard, held by the Catholic Church, from which all Protestant denominations deviate in degrees. Their standard enables our protest – from 1517 through this very day.
My personal theology holds a great deal of distance between Catholic Church hierarchy and patriarchy. However, I can honor their historic rhetoric and theological patristics and matristics. As the Catholic Church embraces their new leader, may we remember and honor our own church lineage trajectory which moved away from the patriarchal hierarchy. And may we share our prayers for all faith leaders as the Spirit moves among us all. Amen.
The Sun Will Still Shine
by Rev. Racquel Ray, Associate Minister of Congregational Life
The Easter story reminds us that better days are always ahead of us. When I was serving as a senior living Chaplain, one of my most endearing residents would always say, “Oh, well! Better days are coming.” No matter the difficult situation she was facing ~ and there were many in her complex medical and social-emotional history ~ she always had hope that things would get better.
As the crowd gathered on the shoreline at Osamequin Nature Preserve on Easter Sunday, the birds were riotous; the wind ebbed aided by the sheltering pines that whispered throughout the service; the resident osprey observed us in curiosity and sang along with us; and the sun rose. We could all feel the warmth and light as we watched the sun come up over the horizon.
I know I am not alone in feeling an overwhelming sense of hope and purpose in that moment. With over fifty neighbors gathering in an outdoor ecumenical community, we shared communion with one another, communion with creation, and Communion with the Divine. Truly, we were embodying the mandate to Love God, Love Neighbor, and Love Self. We shared the Bread and the Cup and so much more.
After the service a neighbor asked if we could offer outdoor services more often throughout the year. Another neighbor wept complete awe and overwhelm at the beauty of the embodied experience. And, another neighbor shared that this was their only annual church attendance because it was kinetic and accessible.
We are in a pivotal time. We are experiencing uncertainties around the world and around our common life together. It is common in times of uncertainty for people to become reactive and impetuous. It is easy to make decisions in haste when we are feeling this way. I’m reminded of Peter, warming himself by the fire and denying Christ in reaction to the woman’s inquiry, “Aren’t you one of His Disciples?”
Times of uncertainty and change also bring opportunities! This is a time to come together, to vision, to dream, and to hope. What ministries can we resurrect? What community partnerships can we grow? How can we engage young people? How can we care for one another? How can we care for ourselves? And how can we support our church?
Inspired by that Easter Sunrise service, I’m renewed and recommitted to spending more time outside. I’m inspired to find new ways to have church outside and explore our communities’ green spaces. I’m looking forward to seeing what new ideas and inspired ministries emerge over the next few months. I’m excited about looking over that horizon to see what is dawning for our church! The sun will still shine and better days are coming.