Rev. Darin R. Collins, Pastor
Well, what do you need to know about me? I am a husband and a father. I have two boys, ages eleven and nine, and a three year old girl. I love my wife and my children and family is very important to me.
I was raised in a little American Baptist Church in Northern Maine. I don't remember not being in church. I was practically born there. So church is like family to me. I was brought up by a single mother and my grandmother. I went to college, got a degree in English. In 1992 I got a job at Canonicus, the American Baptist Summer Camp here in Rhode Island. That is where I received God's call to ministry.
Previous to seminary I worked with developmentally delayed and mentally ill adults. I attended Andover Newton Theological Seminary while I served a little American Baptist Church in Providence. I graduated from Andover Newton with a Masters in Divinity and began my ministry at Berean Baptist Church in January of 2004.
I love music of all kinds, specifically Johnny Cash, Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, Mike Doughty, Iron and Wine and Bon Iver, but that is just a brief sample. I play guitar, own two and try to play mandolin some also.
My ears are pierced, I have a couple tattoos, am a J.R.R. Tolkien fan and proudly identify myself as a Social Justice Christian.
I am interested in Eco-Justice which is a fancy way of saying I believe that caring for the environment is a vital but often overlooked practice for those who follow Christ. I am also interested in the abolition of Modern Slavery, Ending Hunger and reclaiming a Christian Faith that is focused on Peace-making.
You can follow me on Twitter @RevDrod
My blog revdrod.wordpress.com
Barbara Sidla , Church Secretary
Barbara, a life-long Rhode Islander, is a wife and a mother of four Grandmother of two. She was raised Episcopalian and has been working with churches for over 14 years.
Barbara enjoys gardening and grows her own flowers, herbs and vegetables. She has a creative side and loves making seasonal decorations and crafts for her family and friends. Barbara loves cooking, so, if you have any new or exciting recipes feel welcomed to share them with her!
She deeply values her faith and is a true believer in the power of prayer. She looks forward to getting to know the Berean Baptist Church community and is very appreciative of her warm welcome.
Al Heon - Church Caretaker
When you arrive at Berean you will notice how neat and clean it looks, inside and out. This is due to the hard work of Al. You rarely see him standing still, which is why we could only get an action shot of Al.
When you arrive at Berean you will notice how neat and clean it looks, inside and out. This is due to the hard work of Al. You rarely see him standing still, which is why we could only get an action shot of Al.