May 24, 2018
Newsletter of Barrington Congregational Church United Church of Christ
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Calendar
Church Office Hours are Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 4:30 pm unless otherwise noted.

Thurs, May 24
3 - 5 pm Brendan's Community Office Hours, The Coffee Depot in Warren

Fri, May 25
Brendan is on call for pastoral emergencies
Deadline for Baccalaureate Sunday RSVPS
Deadline for Graduation Information for the eBridge

Sun, May 27 Addiction Awareness Day
Deadline for KLF Scholarship Applications
10 am Worship Service for All Ages, Nursery Care only

Mon, May 28 Memorial Day Office Closed
Deadline for Annual Reports
Noon - 4 pm Outside use of Fellowship Hall

Tues, May 29
11 am Staff meeting, Dale's office
11:30 am Book Group, The Coffee Depot in Warren

Thurs, May 31
3 - 5 pm Brendan's Community Office Hours, The Coffee Depot in Warren

Fri, June 1
Dale is on call for pastoral emergencies
Deadline for Ladies Lunch RSVPs

Sat, Jun 2
8:30 - 10 am Strategic Teams Feedback Session, Library
9:30 am - 4 pm Outside use of Fellowship Hall

Sun, Jun 3 Baccalaureate Sunday
10 am Worship Service with Communion and Recognition of High School Seniors, and Awarding of Kathleen Lynne Fodor Scholarships; Class on the Grass

Mon, Jun 4
11 am Bereavement Group, Library
12:30 - 2:30 pm Barrington Interfaith Partners meeting, Library
7 - 8 pm Mindful Mondays, Meditation Room

Tues, Jun 5
11 am Staff meeting, Dale's office

Wed, Jun 6
Noon Deadline for the eBridge

Thurs, Jun 7
Noon Ladies Lunch, Fellowship Hall
3 - 5 pm Brendan's Community Office Hours, The Coffee Depot in Warren
6 - 7:30 pm NAMI Family Support Group, Room 6

Fri, Jun 8
Brendan is on call for pastoral emergencies
6 pm Deacons meeting, Fireside Parsonage

Sun, Jun 10 Pastors Anniversary
10 am Worship Service, Class on the Grass
1 - 5 pm Quilting Sewing Bee in support of RHCA, Fellowship Hall
5 - 7 pm Senior Youth Group, Room 9

For the complete church calendar visit http://bccucc.view-events.com

Send calendar information to office@bccucc.org
The deadline for information to be included in the next eBridge is
Wednesday, June 6th at Noon. Send info to office@bccucc.org
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Upcoming deadlines!
Baccalaureate Sunday - deadline for RSVPs is this Friday, May 25th
Are you, or do you have in your family, a graduating high school senior? If so this announcement is for you! We will be recognizing our high school seniors at our worship service on Baccalaureate Sunday, Sunday, June 3rd and we invite our high school seniors to attend. There are three things you need to do: 1) RSVP to the church office by Friday, May 25th   ( office@bccucc.org or 246-0111); 2) get a copy of the questions for the graduate introductions from the office and return it; 3) don't worry about wearing a gown to church (regular church clothes will suffice). If you have any questions, talk with Brendan ( brendan@bccucc.org ). And Congratulations!
Graduation info needed for newsletter - deadline is this Fri, May 25th
We like to recognize those in our church family who are graduating from high school, college, graduate school etc, by publishing the names and graduation information in our newsletter. If you or a family member is graduating this spring, please send the information to the church office at office@bccucc.org by Friday, May 25th. Information needed is name of graduate, high school or college from which they’re graduating, what college or further education they will be attending, or what degree they are getting, and any future plans if appropriate. 
Kathleen Lynne Fodor Scholarships - application deadline is this Sunday, May 27th
Two scholarships are awarded each year - one to a high school graduate going on to further education, and one to a student already in college. Graduating high school seniors and college students  who have been confirmed and are members of this church are eligible to apply.   Application deadline is Sunday, May 27th and the scholarships are awarded on Baccalaureate Sunday, June 3rd. Applications forms are available  at this link, or from outside the church office, or at  www.bccucc.org under Get Involved > Information for Church Members. 
Annual Reports needed by Mon, May 28th
It's that time of year again – time for the church officers, ministry team chairs etc. to write their annual reports covering the period June 2017 – May 2018. Reports should be sent to office@bccucc.org or dropped off in the church office by Monday, May 28th . The individual reports will be compiled into BCCUCC’s 2018 Annual Report in time for the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 10th following the 10 am worship service. 
In case you wanted to see it, here's a link to the 2017 Annual Report
The Capital Improvement Team needs your ideas by May 31st
The Capital Improvement Team wants to know how you 'd like to see our building improved. Have you noticed something that should be repaired or could really use an upgrade? Or do you have a building improvement idea? Drop the Capital Improvement Team an email at BCCUCCBG@gmail.com , or speak with Larry Ashley. Like our church, all ideas are welcomed.
Have you completed a 'Community Connections' Survey?
The Community Connection Team needs your help to gather data on the “unofficial” outreach that congregational participants are performing in the community. They’d appreciate you completing a brief survey found at this link and they need the data by the end of May!   Completed forms can be returned to the church office or emailed to Nancy Arena at nancy.arena@outlook.com. Thank you.
Ladies Lunch - RSVP deadline is Fri, June 1st
potluck
A Ladies Lunch will be held on Thursday, June 7th at Noon in Fellowship Hall to which ALL ladies of the church are invited, regardless of age! RSVP to the office by Friday, June 1st or sign up at coffee hour. Don’t miss this annual event that always includes strawberry shortcake! Hosted by the Women’s Faith Group and the Membership team. 
From the church office
Church Annual Meeting is June 10th
Our church's Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, June 10th in the sanctuary immediately following the 10 am worship service. In addition to the regular business of the meeting, the Renewal Team will give a report to the congregation. All church members are encouraged to attend. Child care will be provided.  The warrant with the agenda is below.

Warrant for the ANNUAL Meeting of Barrington Congregational Church, Barrington, Rhode Island

The annual meeting of the Barrington Congregational Church, UCC is hereby called to take place in the sanctuary following the regular 10:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, June 10th, 2018 . The business to be transacted is as follows:
   ARTICLE I:  To call the meeting to order.
   ARTICLE II:  To receive and vote on the slate of nominees for officers, ministry teams, and delegates.
   ARTICLE III: To consider any other business that may properly come before the meeting.
   ARTICLE IV: To adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted:  Pat Cordeiro, Clerk

2018-2019 Calendar Information Needed
On Tuesday, July 3rd the staff will get together to plan the 2018-2019 church calendar. If you or your ministry team or group has activities/meetings or anything else that they'd like to be included on the calendar, please email it to Christine at office@bccucc.org by Sunday, June 24th. This includes the dates for the various teams and groups who have regular meetings as well as one-time events. Thank you.
Coming soon
Strategic Teams Feedback Session
Strategic Teams Feedback Session will take place on Saturday, June 2nd , from 8:30-10:00 am in the library. The Renewal Team encourages everyone on all seven strategic teams to be present to facilitate communication and share their research findings and enthusiasm. A continental breakfast will be offered.  
National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2nd
In recognition and support, the front of the church will once again be lit up in orange - this time for the weekend of June 1 - 3. Supporters are encouraged to wear orange to remind everyone of the need for legislation on gun safety, background checks, and the banning of assault weapons and bumpstocks.    More info
Baccalaureate Sunday
graduation cap
On Sunday, June 3rd we will recognize several of our high school graduates during the worship service. The Kathleen Lynne Fodor Scholarships will also be awarded. We hope that you can join us as we celebrate this milestone in these young people's lives.
Class on the Grass
Jubilation Sunday marked the end of regular church school classes, However, classes continue with the multi-age 'Class on the Grass' held during church school time on Sundays, June 3rd, 10th & 17th . All children from Pre-K through 8th grade are invited to participate. The children will hear a Bible story, do an activity or art project, and have a snack out on the playground (hopefully). 
Want to play Co-ed Softball this summer?
Every summer BCCUCC fields a co-ed softball team to participate in the Barrington Churches Softball League. Any interested men aged 30+ or women aged 16+ who would enjoy playing are invited to contact Tom Strolla at ostrolla@cox.net or (401) 246-0936. Games are usually played Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays starting late June beginning at 6 pm at Bicknell Field, located at the end of Walnut Road off Lincoln. It’s fun and new players are always most welcome.  
'Feasting a Fireside' returns as 'Picnics at the Parsonage'!
Elizabeth and Dale are once again opening up the parsonage for small dinner groups beginning in June. Special for the summer dates are picnics for 10! On these dates they won’t be sitting around the dining room table, but hopefully be out in the yard for a cookout. These will be a little more casual affairs with a few more people, but still the same great fellowship. Dates are Mon, June 25th, Tues, Aug 7th, and Tues, Sept 18th from 6-8 pm. To sign up, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0d4eaba823a6f85-feasting  or contact the church office 246-0111. All members and friends of the church are welcome – individuals of all ages as well as families! 
Sewing Bee in support of RHCA
The Woman Project (TWP) will be hosting a Sewing Bee in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, June 10th from 1-5 pm. Come join this creative and politically minded network of people, as we work on Petition 2.0 - a 40 foot long quilt that is made up of over 2,000 signatures of R.I. residents that support the Reproductive Health Care Act (RHCA). Stay all afternoon, or just an hour or two. ALL skills and abilities are welcome. There are plenty of tasks for non-sewers too! For more information on TWP visit https://thewomanproject.org/   Questions? Contact Caroline Morgan from our congregation at 501-339-8505 or cjm678692@gmail.com . All are welcome.
FREE Fun Day at Irons Homestead
All members and friends of the United Church of Christ are invited to enjoy a day at the waterfront at Irons Homestead Camp & Retreat, Sunday, June 10th from Noon on. There will be life guards on duty from 12:30 - 4 pm for boating and swimming. Grills will be at the ready, please bring your own food. The field will be ready for play, the stone throwing area will be open, and there will be volleyball, basketball and lawn games in addition to waterfront fun. For more info contact Director Jennifer Geary 401-710-9478 or IronsHomestead@ricucc.org
More info about Irons located at 688 Snake Hill Road, Glocester, RI 02857.

Day and Overnight Camping at Irons Homestead
Check out the many great opportunities for children ages 6 – 18 being offered at Irons Homestead this summer. Each week of camp includes all the traditional camp activities of swimming, music, games, crafts, campfire, etc with each week having a special theme with its own unique quality activities.  Forest Day Camp for those ages 6 – 12 will run for nine weeks Monday to Friday from 9am – 4pm with optional before and after care. Book for one, some or all nine weeks.  “Water World”, “Mission Possible” and “Paint the Town” are the three overnight options offered in July for children going into grades 4 – 12.  More offered in August! Go to www.IronsHomestead.org to check out all the details including the full schedule of camps. Camp information
Opportunities to help others
'Strengthen the Church' offering
If you weren't with us on May 20th when we took the Strengthen the Church offering, and would like to make a donation it's not too late. Special envelopes will be available from the ushers on Sunday, May 27th, and offerings may also be sent to the church office. Please make checks payable to 'BCCUCC' and mark the memo line 'STC". Thank you to everyone who has already made a donation.
Camping Equipment Needed
As part of our mission trip this year, participants will be camping on the land where they’re planting edible landscapes. Not all participants are regular campers and would like to borrow some items for the duration of the trip (June 24th – July 2nd). If you have some camping items you’d be willing to loan to some of our participants, please contact Joanne Waite ( jmwaite55@gmail.com ) (Joanne is the parent of one of the mission trip youth). Items needed are: tarps, sleeping air mats, sleeping bags, mess kits that include reusable utensils, and a large tent.   We appreciate your help so much. Thank you.  
Mobile Loaves and Fishes RI Ministry
We have added two additional runs, going out every other month from our church beginning on Wednesday, August 29th . If there is anyone interested in learning more about this ministry, please contact Liz White (401-245-0285 or lizzyw2@aol.com ) or Jay or Phyllis Buckley (401-245-1098 or pbuckley6@cox.net ) We are looking for help with shopping, food prep, going out on the truck, as well as additional drivers.   
Interested in serving on a ministry team?
The Membership Team is still looking for a few people to serve on ministry teams for the 2018-19 Church year. Most slots have been filled but there are still a few openings – including some on the Membership Team.  Anyone interested in serving on a team should speak with Beth Buckley or Joanne Ela at coffee hour, or contact Beth at 247-0324 or elizabethbuckley21@msn.com Please note that you don't have to be a member of the church to serve on many of our teams.
Volunteer at Irons Homestead
Irons Homestead has several volunteer service opportunities available for individuals and groups.  Volunteers for Summer Camp will support the paid staff on a weekly or daily basis and/or bring their unique skill to a theme week. Check out www.IronsHomestead.org for weekly themes.
Work crews are needed to: Reroof the pavilion; Reroof the garage; Build a tent platform; Build bunkbeds; Build gaga pits; Put up the tents for Summer Camp; Build a lifeguard building at the waterfront; Licensed plumber to do a few minor projects.
For pictures and more details about these projects check out:  www.IronsHomestead.org and click on 'Volunteer Opportunities' under 'Learn More'.

To volunteer contact Jennifer Geary:  IronsHomestead@ricucc.org or 401-710-9478.
Looking for a way to invest in today's children?
We invite you to financially contribute to Irons Homestead in any of a number of different ways. A donation to the Campership Fund makes it possible for low income children to attend camp. You can also sponsor a camper who is homeless ($200/wk for day camp; $500/wk overnight camp). Learn of the many donation opportunities at this link. Checks should be made payable to 'RICUCC' and write in the memo line where you'd like your donation to go (Campership Fund, Homeless Camper etc). Donations should be sent to Irons Homestead, 688 Snake Hill Road, Glocester, RI 02857. Thank you.
Church Groups
Information about all of the church groups that meet regularly - including who to contact - is available at this link . Meeting dates are in the calendar above. All groups invite and welcome your participation.
Included below is additional information that some groups need for their next meeting.
Book Group
M eets at the Coffee Depot, 501 Main Street, Warren, on Tuesday, May 29th at 11:30 am, to discuss Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane.  After a breakdown, ex-journalist Rachel Charles lives a reclusive life. She has, however, a supportive husband -- until a chance encounter snatches away everything she holds dear. With sharply acute characterization, this is classic Lehane . (The Guardian).  For more information about the group contact Helen Schall helenschall@hotmail.com 245-4724. All are welcome!     What is the Book Group?
Bereavement Group
The group will meet Mondays, June 4th & 18th at 11 am in the library, and will then take a break over the summer, starting up again in September. The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one at any time. For more info contact the facilitator Betsy Brenner at jsbeeb@aol.com  or 245-8031.     What is the Bereavement Group?
Women's Faith Group - invites you to a Ladies Luncheon
potluck
The group, together with the Membership Team, is hosting a Ladies Luncheon on Thursday, June 7th to which ALL ladies of the church are invited, regardless of age. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to the church office at 246-0011 or office@bccucc.org by Friday, June 1st. You won't want to miss this annual event that includes strawberry shortcake!
The group does not meet over the summer, and will resume in October. What is the Women's Faith Group?
Other groups that meet regularly at our church are......
Bereavement Group

NAMI RI Family Support Group (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Memory Impairment Support Group

For more information on any of these groups, including the contact person, click here. Check the calendar at the top of this email, or our online calendar, for meeting dates.
'From the River's Edge' - The Pastors' Blog
How do you "like" that?

by Rev. Brendan Curran, Assoc. Minister - May 17, 2018 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."-Luke 12:7 Public Service Announcement: You are worth infinitely more than the...

Read more
www.bccucc.org
If you missed reading any posts you can find them all on the church website at this link. There are also links to the most recent ones from the homepage of our church website www.bccucc.org 
Miscellaneous
Pictures from Jubilation Sunday
The theme of the worship service was 'The Web of Life' and the church school children helped with the service. See photos from the service.
Please note....
Clergy Days off
Now that Dale and Brendan both have Fridays off, one of them will always be “on call” each Friday for pastoral concerns. The “on call” pastor will be listed on the church calendar everywhere it is available. 
Meditation opportunities continue
Mindful Mondays will be ongoing on Monday evenings from 7 – 8 pm in the Meditation Room, except on days when the office is closed. The hour consists of a 20-25 minute guided meditation, a contemplative reading or poem, followed by tea and discussion. These sessions are designed to be inclusive for people of all faiths and are open to the public. All are welcome. 
Mid-Week Recharge is Wednesdays from 12:30 – 1 pm in the Meditation Room when there will either be an opportunity to meditate on your own, or there will be a short guided relaxation meditation led by Brendan – depending on his availability. The meditation room is also available at other times for use by the congregation and community, but we ask that you call ahead (246-0111) to check on its availability.  
Brendan's Community Office Hours
Brendan will be at The Coffee Depot , 501 Main Street, Warren, from 3 - 5 pm on Thursday afternoons for anyone from the church or community who would like to stop by for a visit in this more informal setting. All are invited. Please note that they will not be happening on Thursday, April 12th as Brendan is unavailable.
2017-2018 Calendar is available for viewing
The church calendar is kept up to date and you can find it at http://bccucc.view-events.com  If you have any meetings or activities planned, please send them to office@bccucc.org so that they can be added to the calendar. Also please notify the office or any errors or changes. Thank you.  
Sermons available on line
If you miss church on Sunday or want to hear the sermon again, you can do so at the following link  Sermon Archive.

Shop thru AmazonSmile and make money for our church!
When you shop online at Amazon, if you log in thru AmazonSmile, every eligible purchase you make will raise 0.5% of the purchase price for our church, To learn more visit http://smile.amazon.com and choose 'Barrington Congregational Church' as your charitable organization. Each quarter we receive a donation from Amazon and all you have to do is start your shopping at AmazonSmile. Thanks.
From the RI Conference UCC
Summer Camp at Irons
Irons Homestead Camp and Retreat, owned by the RI Conference of the UCC and located in Glocester RI, is offering a variety of overnight and day camps this summer for children from age 6-18. Camp information
Tri-Conference Annual Meeting
The second joint Annual Meeting of the RI, CT and MA conferences will be held Friday, June 15 - Saturday, June 16 at Mass Mutual Center, Springfield MA. Traci Blackmon will be the keynote speaker. At this meeting, delegates of the three conferences will be asked to officially create the new conference by approving a covenant agreement, set of new bylaws, establishing a unified Board of Directors, electing officers, and making minor changes to their existing bylaws. They will meet separately but simultaneously to conduct this and other business. For more information click here or go to the RICUCC website and click on the link from the home page.
Conference Leaders to host 5 online forums on New Conference votes
Leading up to the second  Tri-Conference Annual Meeting of the CT, MA and RI conferences, Conference leaders will be hosting a series of five online forums in May and June for discussion about the upcoming votes to formally create a new, unified conference. Learn more and register to join a webinar at this link.
Community Notices
Community Sing
The Providence Singers is having a Community Sing of Brahms' Requiem on Tuesday, May 29 at 7 pm. All voice types and ages welcome. More information
Learn to Row Day
Have you ever wanted to learn to row? Then come to Warren Town Beach on Saturday, June 2nd between 9 am and 1 pm for a free opportunity to try rowing in small and large row boats. More information.
Useful Links
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