Barre Congregational Church
Home30 Park Street
Barre, Massachusetts
A Message From Pastor Margaret
When a Brief Getaway Becomes a
Trip Down Memory Lane…
After a brief getaway to celebrate our
wedding anniversary this past weekend,
my husband and I decided on the spur of
the moment to drive back via Hartford,
Simsbury, and Granby, Connecticut,
where I used to live and work, and where
we met. We thought it might be a nice thing
to do to go down memory lane!
We visited my previous office in Hartford,
where I used to work for nine years in one
of the most beautiful historic buildings.
To my surprise I found an old colleague of mine, Lucy, now working for this new organization based there. We spent time catching up on old times, sharing stories of friends who meant so much to both of us, and who are now either retired, moved to other workplaces, or passed away.
From there Jim and I went to my favorite coffee shop, now under new management, where I used to go for my chai latte, and on Wednesday evenings, would spend time with friends enjoying good music and food. We then found our way back into the Pioneer Valley, visiting the antique store where we bought my engagement and wedding rings way back, and while we didn’t see Sharon, who sold the rings to us, because she is on her own little vacation, we enjoyed being in the space, which meant so much to us.
Sometimes it is good to find the time to go away on a summer vacation, to a familiar beach spot, or the mountains, or some special place that gives us the opportunity to rest and let go of the hectic schedule during the year. But sometimes the summer is a time to be home, taking care of things around the house, perhaps getting involved in a project that needs to be done, or perhaps because of financial constraints we decide to have a “staycation," which can also be a wonderful thing. There is also the brief getaway that takes us back to our past, bringing back memories of the places we lived in, and people we had not seen in a while, like we just did this past weekend.
Revisiting the past, and enjoying the beautiful and meaningful memories, is what makes life’s journey so special. We remember those special times, and the lessons we learned that propel us into the present and make us who we are. We all have our own unique experiences, and we draw from them as needed. They are important gifts to us as we give of ourselves to those whom we encounter on our journeys in our workplaces, our new friends, and at church. Our presence here at our church consists of a collective set of experiences and lessons we all
learned and bring to bear, serving God and one another. We all seek meaning in life and come together to have our spiritual needs met at our place of worship. God sees us all, who we are, what we need, and what
we bring to our church and to one another.
Perhaps this summer as we take a little time out, either on that vacation or right here at home, we will be able to go down memory lane, remembering where we came from, whom we encountered in our lives, the lessons we learned, and the growth we see in our lives as children of
God.
I felt so fulfilled yesterday, after such a meaningful journey, and thank God for the gift of life, and all that it gives us, and pray that God will bless us all here at Barre as we continue to share with one another
those precious experiences and lessons we all received in our lives.
Many blessings,
Pastor Margaret Keyser
© 2023 Barre Congregational Church 30 Park Street, Barre, MA 01005
Interested in learning more about us?
Welcoming & Serving
the Quabbin Area
Community Friendship Suppers (CFS)
We are so happy to be able to welcome members of our community to a free meal prepared by our Community Friendship Supper volunteers. We are offering to-go meals on the third Thursday of every month, between 5:30-6:30 p.m.
From the Church Committee
Lights and Locks. Just a reminder that if you come
into the church and turn on lights, please make sure
the lights are turned off before you leave the church.
Also, make sure the doors are locked.
The Church Committee would like to remind everyone that the daily functioning of the church continues. They remind you to please keep up your pledges and donations to the church even in these challenging times. Donations can be submitted through the "Donate" page on this website or mailed to:
Margaret Marshall
169 Sunrise Ave
Barre, MA 01005
Welcome to the Barre Congregational Church Website!
A congregation of the United Church of Christ, Barre Congregational Church (BCCUCC) is located on the Common in Barre, Massachusetts. We are a caring community of Christ committed to reaching out into the wider community. We offer ourselves as ministers of grace, healing, understanding, inclusiveness, reconciliation, and joy for the sake of showing our love for Jesus.
Our Pastor: Margaret Keyser
