Barre Congregational Church

30 Park Street
Barre, Massachusetts
This Month's Message From Pastor Margaret - continued
(continued from home page)

July is also a time to celebrate the nation’s birth, and to come together in our homes, backyards or other 
areas toenjoy each other’s company and good food. In addition, there are the organized fireworks, 
which for many of us are joyful experiences, because of the spectacular nature of these events! 

These wonderful and joyful moments are important for our well-being as individuals, loved ones, and 
for the nation. And, while we are enjoying these moments and taking care of ourselves, they are also 
opportunities for us to reflect a little, in our comfortable spots, on what we have done during the year, 
and what we need to do to perhaps make some changes in life and work and our involvements in our 
various capacities going forward.  Backyard or any outdoor gatherings are the best settings to laugh, have fun, and for the occasional good and meaningful conversations that nourish the soul and inspire change where we are.  

Christ enjoyed the company of those He encountered on His travels and the visits He made to people’s homes.  
Those were great times, and times to talk deeply about things that mattered to those around Him. It must have 
been so interesting to be in His presence and to share a meal and have good conversations. While He made peo-
ple think about the deeper aspects of life, He also provided them the opportunity to be better people, and to do 
good to others. As a church community we too can find ways to enjoy our summers having fun together, but also 
to reflect and pray together, and to see what our place is in this world during a time like now. My hope is that 
we will make a little time during this month of July to do just that. May God bless us all and keep us safe and heal 
the sick and provide for those in need.  

Many blessings,
Pastor Margaret Keyser