Barre Congregational Church
Home30 Park Street
Barre, Massachusetts
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© 2019 Barre Congregational Church 30 Park Street, Barre, MA 01005
Welcome to the Barre Congregational Church United Church of Christ (BCCUCC) website. BCCUCC is a center for community where we live the statement of ministry printed each week in the worship bulletin --
"The mission of the Barre Congregational Church is to serve God, and to spread the word and love of God's risen son, Jesus Christ, to all people through Christian faith and unity. By our words and actions, we will bring love, hope, and acceptance to family and neighbors, respecting all differences and diversities."
We live according to our statement of ministry in order to bring hope, justice, and love to people wherever they are on their path to knowing The Lord, Jesus Christ, whose ministries of compassion, extravagant hospitality, and love inspire us.
Welcoming & Serving the Quabbin Area
A Message From Pastor Margaret
Happy summer and blessings to all!
I was recently watching one of my husband’s films,
which he is in the process of finalizing, about a
legendary Christian musician, Machanic Manyeruke
from Zimbabwe. Machanic is a wonderful musician
with the voice of an angel; but more, he is humble
and loving and someone to whom many look to as
a father figure and mentor. Some characters in the film describe how he had counseled them through the years, helping them to find their way, and how they found healing as individuals and couples in their relationships.
I could see why Jim would want to make a film of Machanic’s life...it is hard not to be inspired by this man, who is a loving husband, father and grandfather. His message to his fellow Zimbabweans is about the importance of the loving and strong family unit as a model for national unity.
As we spend time together with family and loved ones during this 4th of July weekend, and during these upcoming summer months, it is a time of experiencing things together in ways that can be a blessing, but at times can also be a challenge. It is also a time of remembering those who are not with us as we enjoy each other’s company and taking care of those who are sick and need our help and attention.
The ministry of Christ involved a good amount of time with families and friends in their homes, with the crowds as families brought their loved ones to be healed, and with children as He explained the importance of their young lives to adults. His is a message to all who follow Him, to love those close to us, and to love our enemies…to love and forgive. It is not a message to a few only, but to everyone in our families, to do as He had taught us to do. In order to strengthen our family ties, and therefore our communities, and our country, we all are called to love and care the way He asks from us.
Machanic’s life was not always easy when he grew up as a young person and later in life. He was abandoned by his own brothers when he needed them. His life during the difficult political and economic times in Zimbabwe has not been easy, but he continues to show the most important gift we all have received, and that is the gift of love and care for other human beings. That is how he lives and what his songs are about.
Families, as we all know are never perfect. We, too, have our own struggles in our families; however, we have our blessings too. May we draw from the strength of our collective blessings, and our love for one another to enjoy these summer months and holidays as families and communities, wherever we are, and wherever we go.
Blessings to you all.
Pastor Margaret
Message From The Missions Committee
The Missions Committee needs
your help. They are looking for
volunteers to help with the
Community Friendship Suppers.
The Food Pantry distribution has
increased the amount of people
attending the Suppers.
If you can help please contact
Janice H.
Summer Office Hours
If you have any church business, please call before you come. Pastor Margaret will be in the office on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The next Spire will be published during last week of August. All committees are urged to get articles into the office before August 25th.
From the Collectors
The half-year pledge statements are going to be mailed out. If there is a discrepancy, please call or email Lisa H. (check the July-August edition of The Spire for her contact information). She would be happy to answer any questions.
August Worship Services
Worship at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, August 4, 2019 ~ Eighth Sunday after Pentecost/NO Sunday School
Lectionary readings—Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21
Deborah Page, organist
Deacon— Marsha Bray; Pastor Margaret Keyser, preaching
Sunday, August 11, 2019 ~ Ninth Sunday after Pentecost/NO Sunday School
Lectionary readings—Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12: 32-40
Deborah Page, organist
Deacon—Jim VanWert; Rev. Laura Friedman, preaching
Sunday, August 18, 2019 ~ Tenth Sunday after Pentecost/NO Sunday School
Lectionary readings—Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Hebrews 11:29-12:2, Luke 12:49-56
Deborah Page, organist
Deacon— Steve Morrall; Rev. Charlie Page, preaching
Sunday, August 25, 2019 ~ Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost/NO Sunday School
Lectionary readings—Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17
Deborah Page, organist
Deacon— Lisa Holloway; Pastor Margaret Keyser, preaching
