Barre Congregational Church
Home30 Park Street
Barre, Massachusetts
About Barre Congregational Church
A congregation of the United Church of Christ, Barre Congregational Church (BCC) 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.
What is the United Church of Christ?
From UCC.org:
Our faith is 2,000 years old. Our thinking is not.
We believe in God's continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God's ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God's creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable. We advocate justice for all. Our congregations extend hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love. We teach that evangelism — offering bread to those in search of it — is God's mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with — not against — people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Never place a period where God has placed a comma.
We believe the church's mission is to change lives — individually, systemically and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God's grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Our History and Our Building
Founded in 1827, BCC began with 32 members. Dedicated on August 22, 1849, our church building was built in one year on land donated by Henry Woods - the same Henry Woods who gave the town a high school and a library, named in his honor.
In 1880, the Young People's Society for Christian Endeavor was organized, and in 1902, the beautiful stained glass windows that grace our Sanctuary were installed.
More recently, in 2002, major renovations were made to the front of the church, including the removal and restoration of the steeple - a project that took years to complete.
Members and friends of BCC continue to maintain and update our church building, with recent improvements, including the renovation of the upstairs "Ladies' Parlor" into a Youth Room, upgrades to our restrooms, and our current major undertaking, the Roof Restoration Project.
How Can I Become a Member?
Anyone can participate fully in the church without joining. But those who wish to say "This is my church" go through a brief orientation and become members. For more information, please contact the church office at barrechurch@gmail.com or 978-355-4041. Or come worship with us on a Sunday and chat with any of our congregation during coffee hour after service - we are always happy to meet new people and answer questions!
Interested in learning more?
Welcoming & Serving the Quabbin Area
Barre Congregational Church's Mission Statement:
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 differences and diversities.
© 2024 Barre Congregational Church 30 Park Street, Barre, MA 01005
