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The bi-weekly newsletter of Barrington Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. |
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There's a whole lot in this newsletter - don't miss any of it! |
Some platforms will only show some of this email and then provide a small link to click at the cut-off point to see the remainder. So you will know that you've seen everything the words THE END! are at the very end.
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Church Office is CLOSED until further notice.
There will be no in-person worship services at church thru Jan 2021
Sat, Oct 10
9:30 am Parking Lot Prayers
Sun, Oct 11 All Ages Worship
Neighbors in Need Offering
11:30 am - 12:30 pm Confirmation Class for the new 2020-2021 confirmands
Mon, Oct 12 Indigenous Peoples Day
BARRINGTON DAY OF CARING
10 am - 1 pm 'Day of Caring' contact-less Food Drive for TAPIN, Barrington Town Hall
3 pm Barrington Interfaith Partners meet via Zoom
Tues, Oct 13
11 am Staff meeting via Zoom
2 pm Worship Tech Team meeting via Zoom
7 pm Church Council meeting via Zoom
Wed, Oct 14
11 am Lay Visitation group meet via Zoom
7:30 pm Choir meet via Zoom
Sat, Oct 17
10 am Buildings and Grounds Team meeting, Terrace
Sun, Oct 18 Confirmation Sunday (postponed from May 2020)
8;30 am CEYM meeting via Zoom
11:30 am Small, outdoor, in-person coffee hour at members' home(s)
Mon, Oct 19
7 - 7:30 pm Meditative Coloring for Adults, via Zoom
Tues, Oct 20
11 am Staff meeting via Zoom
2 pm Worship Technology Team meet via Zoom
7 pm Deacons meeting via Zoom
Wed, Oct 21
Noon Deadline for the next eBridge
7 pm Mission and Justice Team meeting via Zoom
7:30 pm Choir meet via Zoom
Thurs, Oct 22
3:30 pm Church Chat with Dale (#1) via Zoom
Sat, Oct 24
9 am - 3 pm SNEUCC Virtual Super Saturday - Day 1
9:30 am Pumpkin Palooza, Terrace
Sun, Oct 25
11:30 am Rain date for Pumpkin Palooza if postponed from 10/24, Terrace
1 - 2 pm Black Lives Matter Silent Vigil, Outside Barrington Presbyterian Church
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Join us for another 'Parking Lot Prayers' this Saturday at 9:30 am |
On Saturday, October 10th, we are once again inviting the whole church family to gather for a short time of sharing and prayers in the church parking lot. Although the whole church community is invited, we can only have 40 cars in attendance. This gathering will follow RI safety guidelines.
Cars will park every other space. People can exit their cars but must wear a mask and remain in their parking space. We will again provide a way for those who wish to share some of their prayers or thoughts with those gathered. The prayers will begin at 9:30 am and we expect to wrap up by 10. (Please arrive about 10 mins early so that we can begin on time.)
Sign up and join us! If you wish to share a short prayer of gratitude, hope, or need; or you’d like to volunteer to help out, please let us know that when you sign up.
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Our online worship service is at 10 am every Sunday morning and you can watch it live either on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/bccucc (click on the 'posts' or 'videos' link to find it) or on our website www.bccucc.org/live-stream-page/ If you miss it live, a recording can be watched later at the same links.
We include on the screen all of the information needed for participating in worship each week. Please note that there will be no in-person worship through January 2021 - all of our worship services will be online only.
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Prayer requests - please note who to email them to each week |
Deadline for submitting prayers to be included in worship is 8 am Sunday morning. You can either leave a message on the church’s answering machine (401) 246-0111, or email Dale dale@bccucc.org or Linda linda@bccucc.org. Please be sure that the person you are lifting up is comfortable with them reading your prayer to the whole community, and consider using first names only.
Prayers for Sunday, Oct 11th can be emailed to either Dale or Linda.
Prayers for Sunday, Oct 18th should be emailed to Linda only.
Prayers for Sunday, Oct 25th should be emailed to Dale only.
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Rev Dale Azevedo will be taking his Fall weekend off on Oct 17 & 18, and Rev. Linda Hartley will be taking vacation from Oct 19 – 25. |
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Amy Barkat (chair), Nancy Arena, Steve Fodor, Lory McCoy, Pat Stoddard, Carol Strakosch, Jeff Stumpff, and Jane Tonn. In a pastoral emergency if you cannot reach either of our ministers, please reach out to one of our deacons. |
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On Sunday, October 11th: One arrangement is given by Paul Roberti in honor of his mother’s birthday. The other arrangement is given by Clyde and Mary Lou Slicker in celebration of family.
On Sunday, October 18th: Both arrangements are given in memory of Mark, beloved son and brother, by Barbara and Dick McWhirter and his brothers. ‘We miss you.’
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Birthdays being celebrated |
The week of October 11th: Ginger Stabach, Jessica Morgan, Rah Antone, Claire Fay, Emma McMillan, Caroline Morgan, Emily Matthews, and Carolyn Watson.
The week of October 18th: Bill Matteson, Julia Benheim, Nick Califano, Jonathan Nicholson, Rick Watson, and Paul Dennis.
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After Worship Virtual Coffee Hour CANCELLED |
Due to insufficient participation, these will no longer take place. |
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Join us this Sunday, October 11th for another meaningful and fun All Ages Worship. Our theme this month is “BCCUCC renders loving service to God’s world” and it is the last part of our worship series on our Mission Statement. On tap this week we have some great videos of our kids participating in Rock-painting Palooza, as well as families who have come together to help lead various parts of the service. To top it all off we will answer the question, “what happens when your cat mows the lawn?”
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'Neighbors in Need' offering is this Sunday, October 11th |
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to UCC churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. This year, special consideration will be given to projects focusing on serving our immigrant neighbors and communities. BCCUCC will observe the NIN offering on Sunday, October 11th, 2020. Although we won't be able to collect donations during worship that Sunday, the Mission and Justice Team invites you to mail your gift to the Church Office by Sun, Oct 25th. Checks should be made payable to “BCCUCC” with “NIN’ in the memo line and mailed to Barrington Congregational Church UCC, 461 County Road, Barrington RI 02806. Donations can also be made on line at www.ucc.org/NIN.
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Plan to join us for our online worship service on Confirmation Sunday, October 18th as we celebrate the Confirmation of eight young people in our congregation who have been on a year-long examination of their faith. With words and music – and the traditional dove release (pre-recorded) – we will celebrate the Confirmation journey of Ava Bowman, Kim Colby, Dan Lemos, Grace Mole, Julia Mole, Lara Nicholson, Jack Silva, and Evan Waite. During this worship service, postponed from last spring, we will celebrate their journey and officially welcome them into membership with the Barrington Congregational Church!
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Two NEW and important notices.... |
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We've written blogposts about it, we've contemplated about it during virtual coffee hour, I've mentioned it during my sermons - I miss you guys!
But more importantly – I want to make sure that I'm serving and supporting the needs of our church family during these unprecedented times. We’re more than six months into the pandemic and some of us have struggled, some of us have rested, some of us have stressed over things – I would love for us to get together for a casual chat and share and listen and support each other. A ‘Church Chat’ if you will. And for those of you thinking of an infamous SNL skit of the same name, I’ll do my best to refrain from impressions.
So, members of our church family – I invite you to come together and join me for informal Zoom gatherings to connect with each other.
Five gatherings have been scheduled over several weeks and will have no more than 8 people each. This is an opportunity to connect and discuss a range of topics, especially relevant in these times. It will also be a time to discuss the role of our church in our lives now and going forward. I will facilitate each gathering and a scribe will also be present to capture the essence of each gathering without identifying any individuals. We encourage couples to attend different meetings to increase the diversity of each gathering.
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Church Chat Zoom Schedule |
Thurs., Oct. 22, 2020 at 3:30 pm
Mon., Oct. 26, 2020 at 7 pm
Thurs., Nov. 5, 2020 at 7 pm
Mon., Nov. 9, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Sun., Nov. 22, 2020 at 11:30 am
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Register to participate in a 'Church Chat with Dale' |
(Those without computers can participate in a zoom chat via phone.)
The Zoom information needed for participation will be sent to registrants a few days before the gathering that you selected to attend.
We hope that you will find this opportunity for connection and conversation to be beneficial!
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Building Connections...... |
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Cor. 12:27 NIV)
This Fall, things are certainly different. As we navigate this time in our lives, we are all working to find new and imaginative ways of Building Connections with our family, our friends, and our church. And we’re doing it!
Over the next few weeks, you will hear some personal stories in worship, in letters, and here in the eBridge about how individuals like you are Building Connections. All of this is leading up to Consecration Sunday, which we are celebrating on November 8th, 2020. As with many things, this year’s Consecration Sunday will be handled a little differently.
This year, we are asking everyone to fill out an Estimate of Giving Card and return it to the church before Consecration Sunday. A letter will be sent to you in the next few weeks with details on how you can fill out your Estimate of Giving Card. We ask that you make every effort to get the information to the church prior to November 8th.
During our virtual worship service on November 8th, we will be dedicating and celebrating the many ways each of us is Building Connections.
Thank you in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday and for all the ways you are Building Connections with our Congregation, Community and Christ!
Tom Strolla, Moderator,
and the Consecration Sunday Team
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As the pandemic stretches from month to month, we are all searching for moments of HOPE in our days. We encourage you to help build HOPE by writing down these moments and bringing them to our new prayer drop off box now located outside along the walkway in front of the education building at church (by the stairs to the library door). The box is clear so that as our small wishes of HOPE collect, we can see the power of community as it fills up. If you are unable to bring your HOPE to the church, you can email them to Elizabeth Azevedo at eazevedo17@gmail.com She will then print out your message and drop it into the box for you. Questions? Feel free to email Elizabeth.
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'Barrington Day of Caring' contact-less Food Drive for TAPIN |
Monday, October 12th 10 am - 1 pm Barrington Town Hall
'Day of Caring' is a community-wide event to bring together our community to help those in need through service projects. To keep the Day of Caring spirit alive during the current worldwide pandemic, we are hosting a contact-less food drive to benefit TAPIN.
Needed items: Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Baked Beans, Protein (not tuna), Chicken Noodle Soup, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Bar Soap, Shampoo.
People will be able drive up to Barrington Town Hall to a staffed drop box for donating all items. Thank you for whatever you are able to donate.
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Faith Rally: Election Day Home Stretch - A UCC Digital Event |
Wednesday, October 14th at 1 pm
Feeling bruised, battered, or fatigued by this election season? Looking for a source of uplift down the home stretch to November 3rd? Then, this digital event is for you. This will be a time to renew our energies and our focus as we approach an election day with so many profound implications for those who care about the climate crisis and the many interconnected issues of justice that we face today. Our three featured speakers will include: Karenna Gore of Union Theological Seminary, the Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr. of the Hip Hop Caucus, and the Rev. Gerald Durley of Interfaith, Power & Light. The webinar will be co-hosted by the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt of the UCC’s Environmental Justice Ministry and the Rev. Michael Malcom of Alabama Interfaith Power & Light.
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Singers wanted for RI Association Virtual Choir - it's not too late! |
The first annual meeting of the RI Association, UCC will be held in late October. In an effort to make it fun and exciting the association’s executive council is trying to do something extra special with the music for the event. They are looking for people from all over the state to participate in a virtual choir. Anyone interested should e-mail Katie Howe at Katharine.howe1@gmail.com a.s.a.p. You'll then be sent all the information that you'll need - music score, guide tracks, and submission information. Deadline for video submission is Wednesday, Oct 14th.
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We want everyone singing in our group video of 'Go in Love' |
ALL are invited to add themselves to our group singing project for the Benediction song “Go In Love”!
You just need some kind of phone or other device that can record a video. We're not looking for perfect singing, just lots of faces singing in joyful noise! (Reluctant singers do better with partners!) Our vision is to try to have all active members and their families participate - we want to see you!
There are several options for how to make a video of yourself:
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Record Yourself: In the Google Folder (above) you will find two videos: “GoInLove_SheetMusic.mp4” or “GoInLove_Text.mp4”. Each video has Marina playing the music plus either the sheet music or just the words onscreen. Make a video of yourself singing along to the videos…Or use the PDF to read the words and sing along with the MP3 audio file! (You can also record without earphones - that works too)
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Record with Erik using Zoom: Send email to Erik to make an appointment to sing.
You can contact Erik at elaerik@mac.com to record on Zoom; if you have questions; or are ready to send your video.
If you missed hearing Dale talking about the project and seeing the latest 'Go in Love' video at the end of last Sunday's service, you can find the recording of the October 4th service on our website at this link at around the 1 hr mark.
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Small, outdoor, in-person coffee hours continue |
As a part of our ‘Building Relationships during the Pandemic’ program, church members are hosting more of the small, outdoor in-person “Coffee hours”. The next are scheduled for Sunday, October 18th, at 11:30 am after the online church service. Members of the congregation are hosting these outdoor gatherings with a maximum of fifteen people at each home. Participants are required to wear masks and to bring their own beverage and chair if they wish, and to observe the BCCUCC Guidelines for Outdoor Gatherings.
To take advantage of this opportunity to connect with church friends, please sign up at the SignUpGenius or contact Helen Schall (401 245-4724 or helenschall@hotmail.com) before 3 pm on Saturday, October 17th. The hosts will let you know later on Saturday where your assigned coffee hour will be held. Hosts are Laura Ward, Helen Schall, and Trinki Brueckner.
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Weekly Meditative Coloring for Adults |
We all are stressed out from the long pandemic. Come, relax together, and color an uplifting message each week. Elizabeth Azevedo is offering an online (Zoom) weekly meditative adult coloring small group on Monday evenings at 7 pm via Zoom for about 30 minutes. Each week, participants can pick up the coloring page ahead of time at the church in a designated spot outside (or be mailed/emailed one if unable to pick one up). They meet via Zoom to color and discuss the “page” for the week. Please email Elizabeth if interested – eazevedo17@gmail.com. The next sessions are on Mondays, October 19th and 26th.
(Note: There is no session on Mon, Oct 12th as it’s a holiday).
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Pumpkin Palooza for children and families |
On Saturday, October 24th at 9:30 am (rain date Sun., Oct. 25th at 11:30 am) there will be another opportunity for the children and families of our church community to connect with each. They are invited to join Andrea, our C.E. Coordinator, on the patio behind Fellowship Hall for a “Pumpkin Palooza”. We will be socially distanced, hand sanitizer will be available and masks are required. Andrea will have tables set up for each family with pumpkins and decorating supplies. Refreshments will not be provided, but families are welcome to bring their own snacks & beverages. There will NOT be access to the building or the facilities, so plan ahead! Please RSVP by Oct 21st so that there are enough pumpkins to go around! Contact Andrea andrea@bccucc.org to reserve your space, or with questions.
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Black Lives Matter Silent Vigil |
The next monthly Black Lives Matter Silent Vigil will be held on Sunday, October 25th from 1:00 - 2:00 pm in front of Barrington Presbyterian Church, 400 County Road, Barrington. Bring signs, wear masks, and stay six feet apart. All are welcome.
The Vigils are held on the last Sunday of each month at different locations, and are sponsored by BCCUCC; Barrington Interfaith Partners; Barrington Presbyterian Church; St. John's Episcopal Church; and Temple Habonim.
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Remembering those who have died this past year |
As is our tradition, the names of loved ones who died during the past year (since 11/1/2019) will be read at our worship service on All Saints Sunday, November 1st. If there is someone you would like remembered in this way, please submit their name to the church office by Monday, October 26th. Either email the information to office@bccucc.org or call the office and leave a message at (401) 246-0111.
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The Book Group will meet virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, October 27th at 9:30 am. They will discuss Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian: “A bicycling tour of Vietnam takes a dark turn when Manhattan ER doctor Alexis Remnick’s boyfriend, Austin Harper, disappears in this intricately plotted thriller from Bohjalian (The Flight Attendant). Each character, including secondary players, is carefully drawn, and Bohjalian keeps the tension high all the way to the surprising finale.” For more information about the group, contact Helen Schall at helenschall@hotmail.com or 245-4724. All are welcome to participate. The zoom information is not included here for security reasons. It was in the eBridge emailed to the congregation.
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Meditative Prayer Service |
The next meditative prayer service will be held Sunday, November 1st, at 5:30 pm on the terrace behind Fellowship Hall. Attendees are given a "bulletin" to read silently during the half-hour service that consists of a scripture verse, prayers, music played through a mini-amplifier, and a period of silence. Wear a mask and bring a chair (and perhaps a blanket). The space will be dimly illuminated. There is a limit of 15 people. Call Trinki Brueckner (401 447 4742) or click on this Sign Up Genius link to register, and join in a time of peace and reflection before our national election. How to use SignUpGenius
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From your Mission and Justice Team |
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Our Faith, Our Vote, Our Voices |
The League of Women Voters is hosting a powerful discussion on the role systemic racism plays in silencing voters of color and what's at stake in this year's election. This FREE, live event will be broadcast on Thursday, October 8th at 7 pm on LWVUS's Facebook Page
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Racism and Redistricting: How Unfair Maps Impact Communities of Color |
The League of Women Voters of the United States, along with LWV of Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia will host this discussion on the role systemic racism plays in silencing voters of color and how it’s shaped one of the most important processes for ensuring voters’ voices are heard. These community leaders will share information on the work being done to end some of the most egregious racial gerrymandering in the country—and what all is at stake in this year's election.
Join us to learn what you can do in your state and across the country to fight systemic racism by voting, being counted in the census, and getting involved in the redistricting process!
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"What is the Doctrine of Discovery?" - a webinar from the UCC |
Tuesdays for Nurture are the occasional Tuesday webinars from the United Church of Christ in which we faithfully focus on education for the people of God. Topics from faith-filled politics to "how tos" in congregational life to the impacts of current realities on the life of the church are featured. Each webinar will include clear suggestions on what YOU can do to change the church, and the world, towards the world God imagines for us.
On Tuesday, October 13th, 2020 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT, all are invited to attend the webinar "What is the 'Doctrine of Discovery?" In their own voices, First Nations Indigenous People will discuss the destructiveness of the Doctrine of Discovery on their peoples in what is presently known as the Americas and the Caribbean.
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Association and Conference Happenings |
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Official Call for the RI Association Annual Meeting |
The Rhode Island Association of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ will hold its Annual Meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Those who wish to share in a time of fellowship are invited to gather between 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. The meeting begins with worship which includes a virtual Association choir (see earlier in this eBridge). The keynote speaker is the newly elected Executive Conference Minister, The Reverend Darrell Goodwin! All are invited to attend the meeting but registration is required. Once registered you will receive the necessary zoom information.
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SNEUCC Virtual Super Saturday - October 24th and 31st |
Please join the SNEUCC for their first Virtual Super Saturday - two days of worship, workshops and networking - October 24th & 31st from 9 am - 3 pm. Sign up for one day or two, two workshops or four. It's up to you! The cost per workshop is only $10.
Special Guest is Rev. Sarah Heath, pastor, author, podcast host and speaker.
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Keep up to date with our Conference - SNEUCC |
The Southern New England Conference, UCC (SNEUCC), publishes several newsletters - one of which comes out weekly and is titled '5 Things to Know and Share'. Read the latest edition at this link and sign up to subscribe and get it sent to your inbox.
Click on this link to see the archive of all of the different SNEUCC newsletters - and subscribe to any that are of interest to you.
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Thank you! Gracias! Merci! |
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Thank you to all the families who made Peace Flags this past week or two. This picture is a sampling of what we received. We hope to have them hanging up soon for the community to see as well. |
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Thank you to all who donated blood at the recent blood drive held at BCCUCC. 9 donations were made and since 1 donation can help 3 people, as many as 27 individuals will be helped or saved!
Special thanks go to Barbara Wuth for coordinating and overseeing the event with the RI Blood Center.
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'What's in a translation?' |
We hope everyone had the opportunity to read Linda's latest blog that was emailed out a week ago. If not, here's a link to it: Read Linda's latest blog
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Keep yourself and others safe |
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A reminder that the church buildings remain closed until further notice. If you need to drop something off, or have asked to pick something up, the items can be deposited or retrieved from the white wooden “Church Mailbox” that’s located at the top of the stairs by the office entrance, next to the boiler room door. We ask that people not enter the building. Thank you. |
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Stay connected with each other - and call the ministers if needed |
During this time of separation, we are all encouraged to keep in touch with each other. If there’s someone in the church you’d like to reach out to - maybe someone living alone - but you don’t have their contact information, please call the church office and leave a message (401 246-0111 x 101) or email office@bccucc.org Christine will then get their contact information to you.
If you’re in the hospital, a nursing home or rehab, or you’re simply staying home, but would like a visit with a minister, please don’t hesitate to call them and they’ll be happy to visit with you over the phone. Their numbers are Dale (401) 246-0111 x 103; Linda (401) 246-0111 x 104. Leave a message and they'll get back to you. (Note: Linda will be on vacation from Aug 17-23).
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Ways to watch our live-streams |
We are doing our live-streams using Zoom and 'Facebook Live' and there are two places to watch it online:
- On the church’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/bccucc
- On the church's webpage www.bccucc.org at the 'BCCUCC live-stream' link from the home page, where the feed will be embedded.
For Facebook live, simply go to www.facebook.com/bccucc to watch. You don't need a Facebook account to see it. If you do have an account, search for the church's Facebook Page which is 'Barrington Congregational Church UCC'. If you 'Like' our page you should then get our news feeds, and also be able to comment on our posts and the live feeds. Once on the church's Facebook page, you will need to click on 'posts' or 'videos' to find the live feed, or watch the recording later.
If you're not able to watch live, you can watch a recording later, on the live-stream page of our website.
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The office is closed but you can still reach us |
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Until further notice, the church office will remain closed. However you can still be in touch with the ministers and staff. You can either send an email or leave a message on the answering machine at the person's extension. Both emails and voice mail messages will be checked regularly. Our contact information is:
Clergy Days off each week: Linda is off on Mondays and Dale is off on Fridays.
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