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Summer Office Hours & Music Director’s Hours (6/16/2020) -
Summer Office Hours as of 6/29/2020 (6/16/2020) -
May it be Well with Your Soul (6/16/2020) - Summertime is typically all about BBQs, vacation travel, camps, and time at the beach. All in the name of fun. All in the name of soaking in… Read more "May it be Well with Your Soul"
Blasphemy at the Very Least (6/9/2020) - I try to focus more on issues and social dynamics rather than individual politicians, but when one of them–in this case Donald Trump–makes or tries to make… Read more "Blasphemy at the Very Least"
Sabbatical Plans (6/2/2020) - Early in the new year, I received approval from our Board of Deacons to take a sabbatical. A sabbatical, for those who may not know, is typically… Read more "Sabbatical Plans"
Sabbatical Plans (6/2/2020) - Early in the new year, I received approval from our Board of Deacons to take a sabbatical. A sabbatical, for those who may not know, is typically… Read more "Sabbatical Plans"
STATEMENT ON RACIAL JUSTICE PROTESTS – Not Out of Nowhere (6/2/2020) - June 2, 2020 Dear Friends, The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the protests that have followed, and the riots that have come on the heels of… Read more "STATEMENT ON RACIAL JUSTICE PROTESTS – Not Out of Nowhere"
Invitation to worship with us on Pentecost & Graduation Sunday (5/31/2020) - Please join us for worship at 10 am. Look forward to seeing you there!
Opening for Deacon of Christian Mission: Covid and Economy Focused (5/26/2020) - The next 1-2 years will be very challenging for many in our church and the broader community due to the economy and Covid-19. We have an opening… Read more "Opening for Deacon of Christian Mission: Covid and Economy Focused"
In the Same Boat? (5/26/2020) - One thing that is touted as a “silver lining” in our struggles with this pandemic is that it unifies us all. It may be tough, but we… Read more "In the Same Boat?"
In-Person Worship Suspension Reminder (5/19/2020) - 5/19/2020 In order to avoid confusion, please know that First Congregational Church will continue our virtual Sunday worship services despite Governor Baker’s announcement this week that houses… Read more "In-Person Worship Suspension Reminder"
Faithful and Patriotic (5/19/2020) - I’m confused. Can someone explain to me why the American flag has suddenly come to represent a refusal to social distance during this pandemic? All across this… Read more "Faithful and Patriotic"
The New Normal (5/12/2020) - As states begin making plans to “re-open” (some already have), it has gotten me thinking: How do we want to shape our New Normal? I frame the… Read more "The New Normal"
Diaper Drive (5/8/2020) - The community of Chelsea has been especially hard hit with COVID-19: nearly 2000 cases and 98 deaths as of April 28. Among the greatest needs right now… Read more "Diaper Drive"
We Are With You (5/5/2020) - The following is a new letter from the national leadership of our United Church of Christ. Dear Friends in Christ, We send this with the magnitude of… Read more "We Are With You"
Unity, Not Division (4/28/2020) - This pandemic has certainly brought out the best in people in so many ways. At the same time, it has also brought out the worst. Recent protests… Read more "Unity, Not Division"
Worship Cancellation Update (4/23/2020) (4/23/2020) - It is with great regret that I must announce a continuation of our in-person worship cancellation through the end of this program year (which ends on Sunday,… Read more "Worship Cancellation Update (4/23/2020)"
Planting Hope (4/21/2020) - It is mid-April we are starting to think seriously about spring! We also start to think about Earth Day, which is on April 22nd. There is also… Read more "Planting Hope"
Inoculated with Good News (4/14/2020) - This year, Easter falls during what is being called the “the week of death” due to the coronavirus. It is the week (or two) when the outbreak… Read more "Inoculated with Good News"
Thank You! (3/31/2020) - With in-person worship cancelled, you might think that everything has come to a grinding halt here at FCC. Actually, nothing could be farther from the truth! In… Read more "Thank You!"
3/25/20 Update to Sunday Worship (3/25/2020) - March 25, 2020 Dear Members and Friends, This is to let you know that we are extending cancellation of Sunday worship services and all other church activities… Read more "3/25/20 Update to Sunday Worship"
Empty Parking Lots, Full Hearts (3/24/2020) - One of the strangest, almost eerie, things to see these days are church parking lots empty on a Sunday morning. It is one thing to witness this… Read more "Empty Parking Lots, Full Hearts"
Sunday Worship Cancellation Notice (3/13/2020) - 3/13/2020 Dear Members and Friends, I am writing to share with you the decision that has been made to cancel Sunday worship services and all other church… Read more "Sunday Worship Cancellation Notice"
Being Prepared for the Coronavirus at FCC (3/10/2020) - While those most cases of this virus are mild (and as News reports are filled with stories of the spread of the Coronavirus and its growth in… Read more "Being Prepared for the Coronavirus at FCC"
Overcoming Contempt (3/3/2020) - A month ago, the Annual National Prayer Breakfast was held in Washington, D.C. Typically, it is a time to emphasis both religious and political unity; to set… Read more "Overcoming Contempt"
Music Ministry of Yesteryear (2/25/2020) - Along with Sunday School, the Music Ministry of First Congregational Church has always been a cornerstone of the parish. Last week we got a glimpse of the… Read more "Music Ministry of Yesteryear"
Church School of the Past (2/18/2020) - In keeping with our occasional look back on the history of our church this year, below is an interesting excerpt from the 1948 Anniversary book celebrating the… Read more "Church School of the Past"
The Mainline Seven Sisters (2/11/2020) - The United Church of Christ is often referred to as a mainline Protestant church along with the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church and several others. But… Read more "The Mainline Seven Sisters"
The Children’s Sermon (2/4/2020) - I’d like to give a shout out to those who led the Children’s Sermons during the worship services over the past month or so when I was… Read more "The Children’s Sermon"
Timing Time in the Pulpit (1/28/2020) - As I continue to recover from a recent illness, I have decided to lead progressively more parts of the liturgy over the next few weeks. This will… Read more "Timing Time in the Pulpit"
10 “Resolutions” (1/21/2020) - In the continuing spirit of the New Year, I offer here the recent words of our United Church of Christ President Rev. John Dorhauer as he seeks… Read more "10 “Resolutions”"
A New Conference for a New Future (1/14/2020) - Here’s a bit of important news that you may have missed. Our church no longer part of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. What,… Read more "A New Conference for a New Future"
Happy New Year! (1/7/2020) - On behalf of the entire staff at First Congregational Church, I wish you all a very Happy New Year filled with peace, justice, hope, and love. May… Read more "Happy New Year!"
Abundant Love, Abundant Thanks (12/31/2019) - When I recently came down with a bout of shingles, I felt I could shake it easily enough. Boy, was I wrong. Not only was this pretty… Read more "Abundant Love, Abundant Thanks"
Tree Toppers (12/17/2019) - What sits on top of your Christmas tree? There are really three traditional options here and each has deep scriptural and religious meaning. That said, times they… Read more "Tree Toppers"
Written in a Rush (12/10/2019) - Phillips Brooks grew up memorizing hymns. By the time he got to college, he had around 200 that he could recite on the spot. Phillips went into… Read more "Written in a Rush"
From Tomb to Womb (12/3/2019) - On the first weekend on November, the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ met as part of the forthcoming Southern New England Conference. More about… Read more "From Tomb to Womb"
Winter Wonderland Fair! (11/27/2019) - It’s time for our annual Winter Wonderland Fair, a staple of the Home for the Holidays weekend! Ring in the season on Friday evening and Saturday by wandering… Read more "Winter Wonderland Fair!"
An Honor Roll of Clergy (11/26/2019) - Continuing our look back at the history of our church, this month I am sharing a glimpse of the clergy who have served our church. This is… Read more "An Honor Roll of Clergy"
Pilgrims and Puritans (11/19/2019) - It is pretty common for people to get the Pilgrims and the Puritans mixed up. Since the United Church of Christ traces its history through both of… Read more "Pilgrims and Puritans"
Cancelling People (11/12/2019) - I don’t think it is any secret that I am a progressive person. My theology, my politics, and my hopes for the future all lean to the… Read more "Cancelling People"
Same Church, Different Buildings (10/29/2019) - As we intentionally build a strong future for our church, it is also important to look back and appreciate where we have been. Last month I began… Read more "Same Church, Different Buildings"
Halloween (10/22/2019) - Halloween has changed over the years, I think. When I was growing up it was pretty tame holiday with games and fun, benign costumes like bedsheet ghosts… Read more "Halloween"
What Do You Believe? (10/15/2019) - What Do You Believe? “There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do.”—Dame Freya Stark I love this… Read more "What Do You Believe?"
Me? An Evangelist? Nah! (10/8/2019) - Are you an evangelist? (I can almost hear your answer!) “Of course not! I’ve seen evangelists on TV and I want no part of them! That’s not… Read more "Me? An Evangelist? Nah!"
A Better You (10/1/2019) - What gets you up in the morning? Maybe you need to get to work or to school. Maybe you have an appointment. Maybe you have responsibilities to… Read more "A Better You"
How It All Started (9/24/2019) - With so many newer people in our church, I feel it is important to not only maintain a focus on crafting a dynamic future for First Congregational… Read more "How It All Started"
Who is Your 2:00 a.m. Friend? (9/17/2019) - It is the middle of the night and you are wide awake. You are worried about this or that. You are remembering the day just past and… Read more "Who is Your 2:00 a.m. Friend?"
It Starts with Kindness (9/11/2019) - “Jesus was not killed by atheism or anarchy. He was brought down by law and order mixed with religion—which is always a deadly mix. Beware of those… Read more "It Starts with Kindness"
We look forward to welcoming you back to church on Sunday, September 8, at 10 am! (9/4/2019) - A quick note: You can register your children for Sunday School online now; go to this page for a form-fillable PDF, or you can print this form here… Read more "We look forward to welcoming you back to church on Sunday, September 8, at 10 am!"
Six Good Reasons (9/4/2019) - Welcome Back! I truly hope that you have had a rewarding summer. A lot has happened in our world over these weeks of summer and in your… Read more "Six Good Reasons"
You’re invited! 2nd Annual FCC Get Together on 8/7 from 5:30-8 pm (7/23/2019) - to RSVP with pre-populated questions, just click on the image in this link: https://mailchi.mp/ed68fbc0174a/second-annual-fcc-summer-get-together-at-church-on-wednesday-august-7th-from-530-800-pm
Last Service of 2018-2019 Program Year! (6/29/2019) - This Sunday is our last service of the 2018-2019 program year… and is our annual congregation cook out… which will be INDOORS because of the potential for… Read more "Last Service of 2018-2019 Program Year!"
A Restorative Time (6/25/2019) - Our June Cook Out is this Sunday! I hope you can join us for this great time of worship and fellowship; rain or shine! Also, please take… Read more "A Restorative Time"
Praying for and Against (6/11/2019) - Last week a special invitation was made by Rev. Franklin Graham to pray for president Donald Trump. It is not unusual for religious leaders to ask parishioners… Read more "Praying for and Against"
The Holy Spirit Defined (6/4/2019) - Most people acknowledge two major holidays in the Christian tradition: Christmas and Easter. Maybe that’s thanks to Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, but these two holidays… Read more "The Holy Spirit Defined"
Balance (5/28/2019) - There is a good deal of discussion within the United Church of Christ, and among clergy in general, about what makes for successful parish ministry. It is… Read more "Balance"
Fifty Years! (5/21/2019) - Fifty years ago this spring, the cornerstone was laid in place to build our current church building. You can see that cornerstone each time you enter our… Read more "Fifty Years!"
Raffle and Auction to Support Refugees (5/14/2019) - Click here to learn more and order tickets! You can find out more information about this interfaith initiative of Refugee Immigration Ministry here.
The Year of Baptisms (5/14/2019) - In my nearly 25 years in parish ministry, I have never experienced a program year with as many baptisms as this one! In fact, I would venture… Read more "The Year of Baptisms"
The Chance to Evolve (4/30/2019) - Joe Biden entered the 2020 presidential race recently. A veteran of the Senate and two other presidential bids, Biden is certainly no newcomer. It remains to be… Read more "The Chance to Evolve"
Annual Indoor Yard and Bake Sale! (4/26/2019) - It’s coming up, this Saturday from 9-1! We hope you’ll join us….
Disturb Us, Lord (4/23/2019) - In keeping with Easter tradition, I again offer here the wonderful prayer of Sir Francis Drake. Sir Francis Drake was an English explorer in the 1500s (Elizabethan… Read more "Disturb Us, Lord"
The Value of Suffering (4/16/2019) - This week is Holy Week. It is the week when we walk with Jesus during the worst week of his life; the week that ultimately led to… Read more "The Value of Suffering"
Maundy Thursday Service Thursday, April 18, 7 pm at First Congregational Church of Melrose (4/9/2019) - Please join us for a musical meditation on the Seven Last Words of Christ on Maundy Thursday evening, April 18 at 7 pm to be held at… Read more "Maundy Thursday Service Thursday, April 18, 7 pm at First Congregational Church of Melrose"
Drama Queens (4/9/2019) - It wouldn’t be wrong to accuse Christians of being “drama queens.” After all, we are always reenacting things! At Christmas there are Nativity Scenes in various places—homes,… Read more "Drama Queens"
Happy Are Those Who Worship (4/2/2019) - If you join us for worship regularly, you are happier than most people. Seriously, you are! At least that is the conclusion of a recent Pew Research… Read more "Happy Are Those Who Worship"
A Place for Everyone (2/26/2019) - I have recently been reminded that one of the things that allows people to feel at home at First Congregational Church is my insistence that we don’t… Read more "A Place for Everyone"
Pastoral Letter on Unity (2/19/2019) - Our General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. John Dorhauer, has shared the following Pastoral Letter with our churches. His important words speak… Read more "Pastoral Letter on Unity"
Snow Cancellation Procedure (1/18/2019) - Dear Friends, Now that we are in the heart of winter, I want to share with you an update on how you would know if we should… Read more "Snow Cancellation Procedure"
Christmas 2018 Schedule (12/11/2018) - The members of the First Congregational Church in Melrose invite all to join us for the following church services: On Sunday, December 16 at our 10:00am service,… Read more "Christmas 2018 Schedule"
(12/4/2018) -
FCC hosts popular Christmas Fair again! (11/9/2018) - Join us as we prepare our worship home for our Annual Winter Wonderland Fair on Friday, November 30 from 6pm to 8pm and Saturday, December 1, from… Read more "FCC hosts popular Christmas Fair again!"
Immigrant Rights Information Event (9/27/2018) - In the Messenger article this week, Rev. Dominic talks about the ongoing crisis of immigrant families being separated at the border. If you are interested in learning… Read more "Immigrant Rights Information Event"
Opportunity: Come be our Office Manager (9/16/2018) - We are growing and as a result have a new position at our church! First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is a vibrant, energetic, Open &… Read more "Opportunity: Come be our Office Manager"
Book discussion: Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America (9/12/2018) - The Racial Justice Ministry will be hosting a discussion on Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi Sunday Sept 30, 2018… Read more "Book discussion: Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America"
2018 Summer Schedule (7/2/2018) - During the summer, First Congregational Church worships with other Melrose churches in the month of July. Please see our worship schedule below. Summer church office… Read more "2018 Summer Schedule"
New Day String Band Performs (6/24/2018) - First Congregational Church in Melrose’s New Day String Band performs “Job” written by member Dr. Robert Jameson. (c) Robert Jameson. All rights reserved.
Walsh Memorial Bell Choir performs in FREE concert! (6/24/2018) - We’re happy to host the members of the Walsh Memorial Bell Choir (WMBC) which celebrates its 50th Anniversary Season this year. The public is invited to a… Read more "Walsh Memorial Bell Choir performs in FREE concert!"
CPR/AED training a success! (5/30/2018) - Earlier this year we installed an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and emergency oxygen in a central location. On Tuesday, May 29, we hosted Bob Beck, Redding firefighter… Read more "CPR/AED training a success!"
Dedication of Circle Bench (5/28/2018) - On Sunday, May 20th, we dedicated a circle bench donated by the women of Circle 4 and constructed by members of our congregation. This completed our recent… Read more "Dedication of Circle Bench"
Annual Yard Sale! (4/16/2018) - We will hold our much anticipated annual Yard Sale (and Bake Sale) on Saturday, May 5th, from 9am to 1pm. Furniture, China, Collectibles, Kitchen Items, Jewelry, Glassware,… Read more "Annual Yard Sale!"
Easter Service (4/1/2018) - We wish you and yours the blessings of Easter and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Holy Week Activities (3/24/2018) - We are pleased to announce our Holy Week activities. Thursday, March 29 – Maundy Thursday 6:30 PM – Soup Supper – Joint supper at Melrose Highlands Congregational Church 7:00… Read more "Holy Week Activities"
Florida High School Shooting (2/17/2018) - Yet again tragedy has struck in the form of a mass shooting. This time in a high school in Parkland, Florida. By now, all of you know… Read more "Florida High School Shooting"
RIM benefits from Heidi Breyer’s album debut (2/12/2018) - On February 9th, Heidi Breyer debuted her latest album “Moonlight in Empty Rooms” at First Congregational Church to benefit the Refugee Immigration Ministry. Heidi’s album consists of… Read more "RIM benefits from Heidi Breyer’s album debut"
Last Sunday… (2/3/2018) - …our kindergarten to second graders made rice crispy treat emoji’s and learned about Jesus and his feelings and making positive choices when expressing ourselves, and… … Read more "Last Sunday…"
Lenten Adult Education Class–Living our Reformation Heritage (1/17/2018) - Beginning after worship on Sunday, February 18 Led by Rev. Dominic The Protestant Reformation began 500 years ago. Some of the life-threatening, flabbergasting ideas that exploded out… Read more "Lenten Adult Education Class–Living our Reformation Heritage"
Bible Relevancy Study (1/15/2018) - This Sunday, January 21st at 1:00 pm, Rev. Dominic Taranowski and Rev. Bill Albright will conduct a lunch time study on the relevance of the Bible today.… Read more "Bible Relevancy Study"
Heidi Breyer to debut album in support of RIM (12/29/2017) - First Congregational Church is set to host the debut album performance of award winning neo-classical composer/pianist Heidi Breyer in her debut performance of her new album “Moonlight in… Read more "Heidi Breyer to debut album in support of RIM"
Harvard Radcliffe Pitches Female Acapella Group Mayor’s Emergency Fund Benefit Concert (12/29/2017) - The Harvard Radcliffe Pitches, Harvard’s oldest all-female voiced group, founded in 1975 at the historic Hasty Pudding Club, will be performing in Melrose on January 10th, 2018… Read more "Harvard Radcliffe Pitches Female Acapella Group Mayor’s Emergency Fund Benefit Concert"
New Member/Inquirer Classes (12/29/2017) - Those interested in joining First Congregational Church or who would like to find out more about the church and the wider United Church of Christ are invited… Read more "New Member/Inquirer Classes"
We’ve been busy this Christmas season… (12/16/2017) - The Christmas season has been busy for us. Earlier in December we hosted Melrose for their annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Fair. On Sunday, the middle and high… Read more "We’ve been busy this Christmas season…"
Christmas Eve Service (12/16/2017) - “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who… Read more "Christmas Eve Service"
Annual Christmas Fair! (11/25/2017) - A Christmas season family destination in Melrose for years, come to buy Christmas gifts & enter raffles and auctions for incredible prizes. Kids of all ages can… Read more "Annual Christmas Fair!"
Veterans’ Service (10/17/2017) - We cordially invite armed forces veterans of Melrose to attend our worship service on Sunday, November 5 at 10am. Our worship will focus on honoring you and your… Read more "Veterans’ Service"
Pergola dedicated to Rick and Becky Mockler (10/8/2017) - On Sunday, October 15 after the 10am service, First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Melrose (121 W. Foster St) will be dedicating its newly built… Read more "Pergola dedicated to Rick and Becky Mockler"
FCC focused on outreach in the digital age (9/1/2017) - Please see this article reported by wickedlocal.com: http://melrose.wickedlocal.com/news/20170831/melrose-church-focused-on-outreach-in-digital-age By Conor Powers-Smith csmith@wickedlocal.com Posted at 12:36 PM Updated at 12:36 PM In a fractured media environment rife with distractions, it can be… Read more "FCC focused on outreach in the digital age"
We’re back! (8/27/2017) - We are happy to announce we are resuming regular worship services and our Christian education program Sunday, September 10, 2017 at our 10:00am worship service. If you… Read more "We’re back!"
Hate Finds its Voice (8/19/2017) - This important message from Rev. Dominic: Hate Finds its Voice Over the course of this summer, events have transpired in our country that have elevated our anxiety,… Read more "Hate Finds its Voice"

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