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At Last, the Christ Candle (12/16/2025) - Every Sunday of Advent during the Call to Worship and again during the Children’s Sermon, we have gather around the Advent Wreath. Each week, we have endeavored… Read more "At Last, the Christ Candle"
Why Christmas Pageants Still Matter (12/10/2025) - This Sunday is Christmas Pageant Sunday! A special thank you to Heidi Buser for again organizing our annual pageant with its Dr. Seuss-esque narration. To anyone who… Read more "Why Christmas Pageants Still Matter"
Cookies for Santa (12/2/2025) - You know the best part of Advent and Christmas? Cookies! Think of it: gingerbread, peppermint, marshmallow, even those cookies that you think have chocolate chips but turn… Read more "Cookies for Santa"
Faith-Deepening Advent (11/25/2025) - As the days grow shorter, the church calendar invites us into the quiet beauty of the Advent season. Advent is a season most of us associate with… Read more "Faith-Deepening Advent"
A Time for Gratitude, Truth, and Grace (11/18/2025) - Thanksgiving is one of those rare moments in our year when we intentionally pause as a nation to give thanks. Giving thanks is an act that is… Read more "A Time for Gratitude, Truth, and Grace"
Let’s Keep the Spirit Growing! (11/12/2025) - It’s been truly wonderful to see such strong attendance and energy in worship during this “welcome back” season! Our sanctuary has been filled with warmth, laughter, music,… Read more "Let’s Keep the Spirit Growing!"
Let Your Light Shine! (11/5/2025) - It’s no secret that we are living in challenging times. The world around us feels uncertain. Consequently, it can be easy to withdraw and to hold on… Read more "Let Your Light Shine!"
Facing Our Fears on Halloween! (10/28/2025) - As you know, I love all holidays—including Halloween. But does Halloween have anything to do with our faith? To that I would say, yes! Absolutely! I say… Read more "Facing Our Fears on Halloween!"
The Contraband of Love (10/21/2025) - Rev. Katie Omberg, our Area Conference Minister for the Northeast Region, recently shared a quote from poet Assata Shakur that has a rather startling first line: “Love… Read more "The Contraband of Love"
Is There a Reason to be Good? (10/15/2025) - Recently, the president was quoted as saying, “You know, there is no reason to be good.” Apparently, though, there is an exception: “I wanna be good because… Read more "Is There a Reason to be Good?"
Do We Get to Hate? (10/8/2025) - Rev. Darrel Goodwin, our Conference Minister for the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ, recently shared a video about one of the most… Read more "Do We Get to Hate?"
Should We Worship Jesus? (10/1/2025) - Would it surprise you if I told you that Jesus never wanted us to worship him? In some circles, that may be quite a shocking thing to… Read more "Should We Worship Jesus?"
A Good and Needed Place (9/24/2025) - I think one of the reasons that the message of our FCC is resonating with so many people these days is because people are hungry for belonging.… Read more "A Good and Needed Place"
Playing the Long Game of Faith (9/17/2025) - One of the most common questions I get about my recovery from recent back surgery is “Do you feel better now than before the surgery?” The honest… Read more "Playing the Long Game of Faith"
A Sacred Pause (6/18/2025) - As we approach our summer break in the worship schedule, I hope that all of us can experience these summer months as an invitation to rest, to… Read more "A Sacred Pause"
Bucking the Trends (6/10/2025) - If you’ve been paying attention to the headlines lately, you’ve probably seen a few doozies about the decline of churches—especially those in the Mainline Protestant tradition. Words… Read more "Bucking the Trends"
A Triple Celebration! (6/3/2025) - This Sunday, June 8th, is shaping up to be a triple celebration that you don’t want to miss! First, dig around in your closet or dresser and… Read more "A Triple Celebration!"
President as Pope (5/28/2025) - Recently, the White House shared an image of the president digitally adorned in papal vestments. Our Executive Conference Minister of the Southern New England Conference, Rev. Darrell… Read more "President as Pope"
Upcoming Pastoral Absence (5/23/2025) - As many of you know, I have struggled with lower back pain for quite some time. A previous surgery resulted in complications that will require a second… Read more "Upcoming Pastoral Absence"
Celebrating Our 50+ Year Members! (5/14/2025) - Every church needs a solid foundation. For us, that foundation is made up of faith, love, coffee hour cake, and chili cook-offs. But most of all, it’s… Read more "Celebrating Our 50+ Year Members!"
The Patient Matriarch We All Share (5/6/2025) - As Mother’s Day rolls around this weekend, we pull out the cards, flowers, brunch menus, and heartfelt Facebook posts about the women who raised us, nurtured us,… Read more "The Patient Matriarch We All Share"
A Post-Easter World (4/29/2025) - Do you remember the world as it was before Easter? Do you remember the way things were before the resurrection of Christ? Do you remember the pre-Easter… Read more "A Post-Easter World"
We Need Easter (4/15/2025) - Are you ready for Easter? If you have kids (and maybe even if you don’t!) you probably have the colored eggs, the baskets with fake grass, and… Read more "We Need Easter"
More Than Just Act Three, Scene One (4/9/2025) - Have you ever come home just as your family is watching the tail end of a movie? You sit down to watch the dramatic climax with them… Read more "More Than Just Act Three, Scene One"
NPCs (3/28/2025) - This is the audio from Reverend Dominic’s sermon on 3/16 titled “We Are All Children of God.” His sermon is based on Paul’s letter to the Galatians… Read more "NPCs"
Empathy: A Radical Act (3/27/2025) - “The fundamental weakness of western civilization is empathy.” That is a confirmed quote from one of our unelected leaders in Washington. There are so many things wrong… Read more "Empathy: A Radical Act"
A Successful Church (3/12/2025) - Three things make up the heart of any Christian community: Worship, Fellowship, and Mission. We are blessed to be in a church that excels at all three!… Read more "A Successful Church"
What is Lent and Why is it Important? (3/5/2025) - Welcome to the season of Lent which begins this Sunday! Whenever we enter this important time of year, it is important to get a refresher on this… Read more "What is Lent and Why is it Important?"
Observing Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent (3/3/2025) - Ash Wednesday Worshipand Pancake Supper, March 5th Lent is a season of spiritual self-examination which begins on Ash Wednesday. Join us as we usher in the Lenten… Read more "Observing Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent"
Lenten Class Series begins March 9th (3/3/2025) - Join Rev. Dominic after worship each Sunday (which begins on March 9th) of the Lenten Season for this faith-based class to help navigate the challenging times in… Read more "Lenten Class Series begins March 9th"
Just…Listen (2/26/2025) - This coming Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. Not exactly the highest of holy days, but it does offer an important lesson: sometimes we need to just stop talking… Read more "Just…Listen"
More Than Just a Chili Cook-Off (2/19/2025) - Terlingua Texas, October 21st, 1967. A place and a date that should hold a special place in our minds and hearts as we head into this coming… Read more "More Than Just a Chili Cook-Off"
A Lesson from History (2/11/2025) - In times like these, historians can help put things in context. They can also show us that the issues of our time are the same ones that… Read more "A Lesson from History"
The Super Bowl and Political Anxiety (2/4/2025) - Ah, the Super Bowl—the one time of year when guacamole sales skyrocket and commercials inspire more debate than the halftime show. Even though the Pats aren’t in… Read more "The Super Bowl and Political Anxiety"
Staying Above the Headlines (1/29/2025) - In the days leading up to and following the inauguration of Donald Trump, many in our church share a combination of concern, disbelief, anxiety, and fear. This… Read more "Staying Above the Headlines"
Disciple or Apostle? (1/21/2025) - I’m sure it doesn’t keep you up at night, but have you ever wondered what the difference is between a disciple and an apostle? In our world… Read more "Disciple or Apostle?"
Coloring Outside the Lines (1/15/2025) - One of the things I like most about our church is that we honor our rich Christian heritage by proclaiming that it is not frozen in time.… Read more "Coloring Outside the Lines"
Inauguration Day (1/8/2025) - The coming presidential inauguration on January 20 (which is, ironically, also Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), has left many of our parishioners apprehensive. More than a few… Read more "Inauguration Day"
A Lesson in Trust (1/2/2025) - Do you still have your tree up? January 6th is Epiphany after all. It is Christmas in the Eastern Orthodox tradition and celebrates not only the birth… Read more "A Lesson in Trust"
Sad at Christmas? (12/18/2024) - Are you feeling the joy of the season? Hopefully, you are. At the same time, I am well aware that many are not. The Advent, Christmas, and… Read more "Sad at Christmas?"
Christmas Pageant Sunday! (12/11/2024) - As we continue to deepen our faith and build excitement on our journey toward Christmas, be sure to join us this Sunday for our Christmas Pageant Sunday!… Read more "Christmas Pageant Sunday!"
This Year’s Advent Wreath Candles (12/3/2024) - One of the best aspects of the Advent Season is watching the Advent Wreath in the Sanctuary grow brighter and brighter each week as a new candle… Read more "This Year’s Advent Wreath Candles"
Don’t Miss Out! (11/26/2024) - This Sunday we begin our Advent journey toward Christmas! So here’s a question to start us off: Do you know what the opposite of Advent is? Advent,… Read more "Don’t Miss Out!"
Thanksgiving Tidbits (11/20/2024) - On behalf of everyone here at First Congregational Church, I want to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving! And while you are celebrating around the… Read more "Thanksgiving Tidbits"
Hardened Hearts (11/13/2024) - As we continue to process the results of the election and all of the emotions that people are feeling right now, it’s really easy to say: “Why… Read more "Hardened Hearts"
Post-Worship Election Forum This Sunday (11/7/2024) - Rev. Dominic will be facilitating a meeting after worship this Sunday to discuss the results of the presidential election. This will be an opportunity for people to… Read more "Post-Worship Election Forum This Sunday"
The One Constant (11/6/2024) - Despite my best efforts, I cannot see the future. It sure would come in handy, though, because I write this before election day but you will receive… Read more "The One Constant"
Boundaries of the Christian Faith (10/30/2024) - A couple of Sundays ago, we had a very interesting and fruitful class after worship on Christian nationalism; something that is a very dangerous expression of our… Read more "Boundaries of the Christian Faith"
175 for the Future (10/23/2024) - You’ve probably noticed that we have drawn to a close our 175th anniversary recognitions. It was a wonderful year of reminiscing and using our heritage to plan… Read more "175 for the Future"
Lifeless Money (10/17/2024) - Money is a lifeless thing, isn’t it? Try this: Take a dollar bill out of your wallet and put it on the table in front of you. … Read more "Lifeless Money"
Church Political Dos and Don’ts (10/9/2024) - Last Sunday after worship I held an informational meeting about what churches can and cannot do in an election cycle. For those who were unable to attend,… Read more "Church Political Dos and Don’ts"
From the Inside Out (10/2/2024) - Jesus wanted to turn the world upside down and he calls us to do the same. We know this because of one of his favorite catchphrases that… Read more "From the Inside Out"
Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide (9/25/2024) - Have you ever heard the expression “Let your conscience be your guide”? It’s good advice, of course, but what exactly is your conscience? Your conscience is one… Read more "Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide"
Pitted Against Each Other (9/18/2024) - “There is no more, and there should be no more important voice than the voice of Christians.” As a Christian, that statement on one level should sound… Read more "Pitted Against Each Other"
Life Without Church Involvement (9/10/2024) - As our Welcome Back month here at First Congregational Church continues, I am aware that, for many people, re-entry from the summer can be a little more… Read more "Life Without Church Involvement"
Our Crutch (9/4/2024) - I love something one of my mentors, Rev. William Sloane Coffin, once said: “It is often said that the church is a crutch. Of course it’s a… Read more "Our Crutch"
Childrens’ Programming Starts on Sunday September 15th! (9/3/2024) - Children and youth from Nursery through High School are invited and encouraged to join us on Sunday mornings at 10AM. Just like in years past, young people will remain in “big… Read more "Childrens’ Programming Starts on Sunday September 15th!"
New Family Gathering with Music Director Mariko Matsumura (8/30/2024) - Join Mariko on the Church Playground after worship on Sunday, September 15th! This will be a great opportunity for both parents and children to get to know… Read more "New Family Gathering with Music Director Mariko Matsumura"
A New Program Year Begins! (8/30/2024) - Welcome Back Sunday! September 8th Join us for a fresh new program year here at First Congregational Church as we re-gather for another great year of sharing,… Read more "A New Program Year Begins!"
Why the Summer Break? (6/24/2024) - Welcome to my annual “Don’t-Forget-About-The-Church-While-We-Break-For-The-Summer” message! It’s a universal message because clergy have universal concerns at this time of year. Concerns like: How badly will finances slump… Read more "Why the Summer Break?"
Pushing Your Thoughts Around (6/19/2024) - There was a little girl who was having a very bad week. Then one day, her mood improved and her days were going much better. Her mother… Read more "Pushing Your Thoughts Around"
Where is FCC? (6/11/2024) - Can you give directions to our church? Of course you could. It’s pretty easy to find your way to 121 West Foster Street in Melrose. When it… Read more "Where is FCC?"
Luck and the Holy Spirit (6/5/2024) - At this year’s church Yard Sale, a number of people commented to me that we were so lucky to have good weather for the sale. And we… Read more "Luck and the Holy Spirit"
Are You an Over-Thinker? (5/27/2024) - Raise your hand if you’re an over-thinker. I see that includes pretty much everyone! Thanks for your honesty! I think we’re all over-thinkers, really. It’s part of… Read more "Are You an Over-Thinker?"
Where Are You on the Path? (5/22/2024) - This coming Sunday is Confirmation Sunday! We will have 4 of our young people confirmed in the Christian faith and brought into membership at First Congregational Church. … Read more "Where Are You on the Path?"
How Do We Want to Be Remembered? (5/16/2024) - The importance of connecting with the wider community. That, in a nutshell, was the crucial takeaway from our 175th Anniversary Sunday on May 5th. Our guest preacher,… Read more "How Do We Want to Be Remembered?"
Rep. Clark’s Call to Us (5/7/2024) - We were recently blessed with the attendance of United States Congresswoman Katherine Clark at our worship service and at a post-worship forum that followed. I think all… Read more "Rep. Clark’s Call to Us"
Two Homes and a Railroad (4/30/2024) - If you’ve ever taken the commuter rail from Melrose into Boston (or vice versa) you’ve ridden on a piece of First Congregational Church history. You see, by… Read more "Two Homes and a Railroad"
Should We “Fear” God? (4/23/2024) - “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” says Proverbs 9:10-12. One of the most troubling things in the bible for a lot of people… Read more "Should We “Fear” God?"
Our Faith Is Not for Sale (4/16/2024) - In recent weeks, Donald Trump has run advertisements selling the “God Bless the USA Bible.” These ads have garnered a response from our Southern New England Conference,… Read more "Our Faith Is Not for Sale"
Non-attenders by the Numbers (4/9/2024) - I’m not a numbers person, but sometimes numbers help shed light on things. A recent Household Pulse Survey of 71,152 households found that, nationally, 49% of Americans… Read more "Non-attenders by the Numbers"
The Solar Eclipse (4/2/2024) - Are you ready for the solar eclipse this coming Monday? Here in the Boston area, we’ll be seeing a partial solar eclipse. We’ll witness some sky darkening,… Read more "The Solar Eclipse"
Called Back to Life (3/27/2024) - Here’s a good definition of the Christian faith: It is a call back to life. Remember the story of Jesus’ friend Lazarus who died? Jesus called him… Read more "Called Back to Life"
Two Messages from Jesus (3/19/2024) - Are you ready to wave some palms this Sunday? That’s what those first followers of Jesus waved when he arrived in Jerusalem so long ago. The scripture… Read more "Two Messages from Jesus"
Having a Preference (3/13/2024) - During this primary season leading up to the general election in November, there has been a movement among (mostly progressive) voters to check either “no preference” or… Read more "Having a Preference"
Defining Sin (3/6/2024) - One of the hallmarks of Lent is also something we rarely talk about in progressive Christian circles: Sin. We don’t talk about it because we don’t know… Read more "Defining Sin"
Art or Satanism? (2/27/2024) - Apparently, Houston Texas has a Satan problem. Pakistani-American sculptor Shahzia Sikander has created an interesting sculpture that is to be displayed on the University of Houston’s campus. … Read more "Art or Satanism?"
A Dose of Good News (2/21/2024) - I continue to feel that it is so important for our spiritual lives to stay connected to the “good news” in the world; especially when it is… Read more "A Dose of Good News"
Are you Shriven? (2/12/2024) - The day before the start of Lent, Ash Wednesday, is called Shrove Tuesday. It is also called Marti Gras and Fat Tuesday; the latter two being about… Read more "Are you Shriven?"
A New Savior? (2/7/2024) - There is a video floating around the internet that is…let’s call it…religiously disturbing. It includes these lines of narration: “God had to have someone willing to go… Read more "A New Savior?"
Rise of the Nones (1/30/2024) - A new Pew Research survey confirms a trend that has been underway since the early 2000s: Religiously speaking, “nones” are now the largest single group in our… Read more "Rise of the Nones"
Three Animals and an Angel? (1/24/2024) - At a recent meeting being held in the Lounge just off of the Sanctuary, someone noticed the dark panel on the wall and the figures on it. … Read more "Three Animals and an Angel?"
What Comes Next? (1/16/2024) - Did you know that our Sunday School first began meeting in the passenger room of the Boston and Maine Railway Station on Essex Street in 1848? Did… Read more "What Comes Next?"
Robe-gate (1/10/2024) - I’ve always been well aware that little things can balloon into big things in church-work. When I was an Intern prior to my ordination, I saw a… Read more "Robe-gate"
Wait, What is Epiphany Again? (1/3/2024) - This is a time in the church year when the seasons change fairly rapidly! We began the church year with Advent, moved through the season of Christmas… Read more "Wait, What is Epiphany Again?"
Love and Christ (12/19/2023) - This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Advent and it is also Christmas Eve! That means that this Sunday we will complete the lighting of our Advent… Read more "Love and Christ"
Joy (12/12/2023) - The first two candles around the Advent Wreath represent Hope and Peace. The third is a pink candle and its meaning is Joy. Like Hope and Peace,… Read more "Joy"
Peace (12/4/2023) - During the Season of Advent, we progressively light four candles around our Advent wreath each Sunday. This year we also watch our sanctuary banner grow with the… Read more "Peace"
Origins of the Christmas Fair (11/27/2023) - The roots of Christmas fairs can be found in Austria and Germany and reach all the way back to 1296 when Duke Albrecht I authorized an Advent… Read more "Origins of the Christmas Fair"
Come to Winter Wonderland Fair, Friday December 1 and Saturday December 2 (11/21/2023) - Each year, Melrose officially kicks off the holiday season with Home for the Holidays, and First Congregational Church in Melrose is thrilled to invite you to the… Read more "Come to Winter Wonderland Fair, Friday December 1 and Saturday December 2"
Hope (11/21/2023) - The Advent Wreath and the lighting of Advent Candles are among the oldest and most powerful symbols of this time of year. Each of the four candles… Read more "Hope"
Pilgrims (11/15/2023) - Have you ever thought of yourself as a “pilgrim”? Probably not. (Unless you’ve dressed up like one to help serve a Thanksgiving dinner!) We in the United… Read more "Pilgrims"
The Scoreboard (11/7/2023) - A recent newscast posted the rising death toll numbers from the Israeli/Hamas war. The graphic that was used for this looked oddly familiar but I couldn’t place… Read more "The Scoreboard"
An Anchor (11/1/2023) - Did you know that during the first 300 years or so of Christianity, the cross was NOT the central symbol of our faith? Instead, an anchor was… Read more "An Anchor"
United Church of Christ Letter Regarding Israeli/Hamas War (10/26/2023) - The United Church of Christ joined 27 Christian churches and agencies to address a letter to the United States Congress last week. The letter below is written… Read more "United Church of Christ Letter Regarding Israeli/Hamas War"
Ownership vs. Stewardship (10/17/2023) - If an accountant has ever asked you to tally up your assets, he or she is looking for a list of everything you own. This should actually… Read more "Ownership vs. Stewardship"
The Power of a Complement (10/10/2023) - Last week’s sermon was about the importance of building community relationships in a time when too many are on the front lines of battling isolation and loneliness. … Read more "The Power of a Complement"
Religious Hatred Close to Home (10/3/2023) - Our church prides itself on its rich heritage of progressivism. It is something that we celebrate during this 175th anniversary year and it mirrors the progressivism of… Read more "Religious Hatred Close to Home"
What Do You Expect? (9/27/2023) - What do you expect will happen today? You probably have a list of things that need to get done today, tomorrow, and outward on the calendar. Appointments… Read more "What Do You Expect?"
What a Weekend! (9/20/2023) - What an awesome weekend awaits us this Saturday and Sunday here at FirstCongregational Church! On Saturday, September 23rd, we will once again be hosting a Porchfest sitehere… Read more "What a Weekend!"

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