- Summertime (6/21/2022) - There is nothing quite like summer. The thought of it gets us through winter. We get a taste of it during the hors-d’oeuvre that is spring. And… Read more "Summertime"
- Kindness (6/14/2022) - You won’t believe this, but do know who came to mind as I watched some of the January 6th committee hearings that have been on TV lately? … Read more "Kindness"
- Some Good News (6/7/2022) - When the headlines give you every reason to feel down, I like to pass on some headlines that I have come across on the internet that remind… Read more "Some Good News"
- That’s Our Wheelhouse (6/1/2022) - I have been trying to recall how many articles I have written in response to mass shootings; how many times I’ve talked about them in sermons and… Read more "That’s Our Wheelhouse"
- Denying God’s Gift of Free Will (5/23/2022) - In 1973, the landmark Roe vs. Wade decision was handed down by the Supreme Court; legalizing a woman’s right to have an abortion. Two years before that,… Read more "Denying God’s Gift of Free Will"
- FCC: A Sacred Space (5/16/2022) - It is wonderful to be back after two weeks away on sabbatical! During this time, I was able to delve into the area of sacred spaces by… Read more "FCC: A Sacred Space"
- Reflection: One Hand (5/10/2022) - As Rev. Dominic has wrapped up his Sabbatical, we offer this final Devotional Reflection from the United Church of Christ’s Kenneth L. Samuel, published on May 9,… Read more "Reflection: One Hand"
- Reflection: Tune My Heart (5/2/2022) - During Rev. Dominic’s sabbatical absence, we offer this Devotional Reflection from the United Church of Christ’s Vince Amlin, published on May 2, 2022: Now there are varieties… Read more "Reflection: Tune My Heart"
- Reflection: Splintered Wood (4/26/2022) - During Rev. Dominic’s sabbatical absence, we offer this Devotional Reflection from the United Church of Christ’s Bob Thompson, published on Apr 25, 2022: Jesus said to her,… Read more "Reflection: Splintered Wood"
- Reflection (4/19/2022) - During Rev. Dominic’s sabbatical absence, we offer this Devotional Reflection from the United Church of Christ’s Cheryl Lindsay: There is a meme on social media that essentially… Read more "Reflection"
- A Crucified Ukraine (4/12/2022) - Like many of you, I have been rationing my exposure to the news about Ukraine. I want and need to stay informed, but the inhumanity of what… Read more "A Crucified Ukraine"
- Why Did Jesus Die on the Cross? (4/5/2022) - Did you know that the cross—the central symbol of our faith—was not widely used by Christians until some 400 years after Jesus’ death? That’s a long time!… Read more "Why Did Jesus Die on the Cross?"
- A New Home for Fezco (3/29/2022) - Fezco has found a new home. And a new name! Did you hear about Fezco? He is a mixed-breed dog that was left at a dog shelter… Read more "A New Home for Fezco"
- Could it Happen Here? (3/22/2022) - The principle of celebrating diversity has always been the calling card of our church and our denomination. If you have ever thought that chord has been strummed… Read more "Could it Happen Here?"
- Covid Protocol Changes: Posted 3/16/22 (3/16/2022) - Please view this video from Reverend Dominic about our changes, in effect starting this coming Sunday, the third week in Lent, March 20.
- Pacifism and Ukraine (3/15/2022) - The Russian invasion of Ukraine has raised some interesting questions for Christian pacifists. I think that all Christians, including myself, like to think that we are pacifists;… Read more "Pacifism and Ukraine"
- Using Lent to Your Advantage (3/8/2022) - Sometimes something old can be the source of something new. As I mentioned last Sunday, the stresses and tensions that we have been through over the past… Read more "Using Lent to Your Advantage"
- UCC Officers Share Prayer for Ukraine (3/1/2022) - The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine has many levels but the most urgent need is for an end to the violence and to create a path for peace.… Read more "UCC Officers Share Prayer for Ukraine"
- Living in Spring (2/21/2022) - We are rounding the bend on February and that can only mean that Spring is on the way. And, boy, do we need spring! In this unstable… Read more "Living in Spring"
- An Invalid Word? (2/15/2022) - If you were in worship last Sunday for our latest baptism, you may have noticed a subtle change in the language I used during that sacrament. First… Read more "An Invalid Word?"
- Faith and Suicide (2/8/2022) - A therapist asked those who participated in his group therapy sessions to write down one thing about themselves that they would not want other people to know. … Read more "Faith and Suicide"
- Monetizing Prayer (2/1/2022) - Even though you know, in your head, that what you are sharing is going onto the web, prayer is a matter of the heart. In the midst… Read more "Monetizing Prayer"
- Antidote to Despair (1/25/2022) - Most people assume that my last name (Taranowski) is Polish. While I am Polish on my mother’s side, my father’s family came from Ukraine. So while the… Read more "Antidote to Despair"
- The Pledge of Allegiance (1/18/2022) - A couple of months ago, former national security advisor Michael Flynn made this comment at a rally: “If we are going to have one nation under God… Read more "The Pledge of Allegiance"
- Staying Involved and Sane (1/11/2022) - Thankfully, the recent one-year anniversary of the January 6th terrorist attack on the Capital Building in Washington, D.C. was largely a sound condemnation of the event. Still,… Read more "Staying Involved and Sane"
- A New Year’s Blessing (1/4/2022) - We’ve lost the art of blessing. Blessing is an important way to remember the holiness of a place or a time or a person. It is a… Read more "A New Year’s Blessing"
- Better than a TV Special (12/21/2021) - When you were a kid, what was your favorite Christmas TV special? Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? The Night the Animals Talked? Frosty the Snowman? Santa Claus… Read more "Better than a TV Special"
- Christmas Caroling and Hot Apple Cider! (12/16/2021) - Our youth group, Harmony Lites, will be caroling by our decorated pergola onTuesday, December 21 at 6:00 pm. This might be a nice time to stop by and admire… Read more "Christmas Caroling and Hot Apple Cider!"
- Why Blue? (12/14/2021) - Do you have your nativity scene up? Sometimes it’s called a crèche, a manger scene, a Christmas crib, or Christ’s nursery. Either way, it is the depiction… Read more "Why Blue?"
- The Christmas Pickle (12/7/2021) - Among the many ornaments decorating Christmas trees, many people have a “Christmas pickle.” It isn’t an actual pickle, but it is a traditional, glass ornament shaped like… Read more "The Christmas Pickle"
- Please join us for a wonderful Outdoor Holiday Marketplace Fair! (12/3/2021) -
- The Not-Yet-Ness of Advent (11/30/2021) - Since this pandemic began, we have been in a season of Advent. We’ve been in a posture of waiting, hoping, anticipating, and enduring. For nearly two years… Read more "The Not-Yet-Ness of Advent"
- Really, John? (11/23/2021) - Advent is upon us this coming Sunday and if there is one person who is the poster child for Advent it is John the Baptist. But this… Read more "Really, John?"
- Thanksgiving Context (11/16/2021) - I always thought that the Pilgrims who arrived in Plymouth were the first Europeans to disembark in what is now New England. It turns out that Native… Read more "Thanksgiving Context"
- It’s No Joke (11/9/2021) - I thought it was a joke when my wife, Noreen, asked if I’d heard about the rally in Texas. Turns out it wasn’t a joke. On November… Read more "It’s No Joke"
- Unfortunately, Still Needed (11/2/2021) - It has been 14 months since we placed our Black Lives Matter signage on the front of our church and nearly as long since we placed the… Read more "Unfortunately, Still Needed"
- Reasons to Celebrate Halloween (10/26/2021) - “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” You don’t see many of those signs up for Halloween. That’s because it isn’t a Christian holiday. So why are… Read more "Reasons to Celebrate Halloween"
- An Insider’s Tip (10/20/2021) - Have you ever heard of “insider trading?” This is when someone has “inside” knowledge about a company that will significantly change the status of that company and… Read more "An Insider’s Tip"
- From the Eyes Up (10/12/2021) - At a recent Melrose Interfaith Clergy Association meeting, I was reminded of just how many clergy in Melrose are relatively new to their pulpits. Several began in… Read more "From the Eyes Up"
- A Great Decision (10/5/2021) - This year marks the first year that Melrose will be celebrating Indigenous People’s Day instead of Columbus Day. More and more communities, and even some entire states,… Read more "A Great Decision"
- Religious Exemption (9/28/2021) - Good news: There has been an enormous uptick in Americans who are actively religious. Bad news: It’s all a sham. Since the Covid 19 vaccine is becoming… Read more "Religious Exemption"
- We Also Need the Anchor (9/22/2021) - Along with the cross and the fish, there are many symbols of Christianity dating back to its earliest days. One of the less common is the anchor.… Read more "We Also Need the Anchor"
- You Need this Place (9/14/2021) - Hurricanes. Droughts. Fires. Flooding. Pandemic. Domestic and international instability. Yeah, things are going great! It is completely understandable that many people are tired, frustrated and disappointed with… Read more "You Need this Place"
- A New Program Year! (9/7/2021) - Worship resumes at FCC this Sunday. Boy, it sure has been a long time since I’ve been able to write and say those words! But, yes, the… Read more "A New Program Year!"
- Welcome Back Sunday! (8/26/2021) - In-Person Worship Resumes on Welcome Back Sunday, September 12 at 10 am! We are thrilled to return to in-person worship here at FCC! It has been a… Read more "Welcome Back Sunday!"
- Waiting for Things to Develop (6/22/2021) - Summer is upon us and cautious summer travel plans are in the works for many people. Actually, a lot of people. That’s understandable, of course, given that… Read more "Waiting for Things to Develop"
- Please join us for worship Sundays at 10 (6/15/2021) - JUNE 27: Outdoor Worship Yes, it is finally here! A return to in-person worship! We hope you will join us on the front lawn of FCC on… Read more "Please join us for worship Sundays at 10"
- Some Good News (6/15/2021) - I have noticed again (as if for the first time!) that so much of the local news is tragic. The headlines are typically about shootings, fires, robberies,… Read more "Some Good News"
- Living in the Wrong World (6/8/2021) - In last Sunday’s sermon (which is now, like all others since this pandemic, enshrined forever on the internet if you didn’t catch it the first time), I… Read more "Living in the Wrong World"
- A National Bible (6/1/2021) - A few things hallmark the UCC’s approach to the bible: We believe it is a product of divine/human interaction. Consequently, we take it seriously as an inspired… Read more "A National Bible"
- Chalk Messages for our 2021 Grads (5/25/2021) -
- “Hi, how are you?” (5/25/2021) - When we first moved to Massachusetts, lo those many years ago, one of the first things I noticed was how people greeted each other on the street… Read more "“Hi, how are you?”"
- UCC Advocates Celebrate New 62,500 Goal for U.S. Refugee Admissions In 2021 (5/18/2021) - by Connie Larkman for the United Church of Christ | In a sharp course reversal, the Biden administration is now raising the cap on refugees from war-torn… Read more "UCC Advocates Celebrate New 62,500 Goal for U.S. Refugee Admissions In 2021"
- Fame (5/11/2021) - You probably saw the headline this past week: Bill and Melinda Gates are getting a divorce. You probably saw the headline a couple of weeks ago: Prince… Read more "Fame"
- Fame (5/11/2021) - You probably saw the headline this past week: Bill and Melinda Gates are getting a divorce. You probably saw the headline a couple of weeks ago: Prince… Read more "Fame"
- The Riddle of Church Membership (5/4/2021) - Three weeks ago, Gallup polling came out with results of a recent survey on church attendance. It showed nothing surprising, really, except to highlight again the growing… Read more "The Riddle of Church Membership"
- Annual Spring Cleanup (4/30/2021) - Let’s clean up the church grounds together! Enjoy fellowship and make a difference in our church. No matter what your skills are working outdoors, we can find… Read more "Annual Spring Cleanup"
- Church Mission Statement (4/27/2021) -
- Board of Deacon Opportunities! (4/27/2021) - Raise your hand if you’ve ever said: “I could never be a deacon!” Most people have. In fact, every person whose ever been a deacon in our… Read more "Board of Deacon Opportunities!"
- Being Right vs. Being Kind (4/20/2021) - Is it more important to be right or to be kind? Are they mutually exclusive? Rabbi Brian Zachary Mayer, who lives and works in Portland, Oregon has… Read more "Being Right vs. Being Kind"
- Angels (4/13/2021) - If you are ever to visit my office (which I know you can’t right now, but if you could), you would see that I have a lot… Read more "Angels"
- Easter Eyes (4/6/2021) - We come to this Easter Season alive with the hope of spring. We come to this Easter Season alive with the promise of an improving pandemic. We… Read more "Easter Eyes"
- (4/5/2021) - Concert Link: Join us on Wednesday, April 7th, at 7:30pm for a classical music concert featuring the Buswell-Ou duo, guitarist Andy Robinson, the Melrose FCC Handbell Ringers,… Read more
- The Empty Cross of Love (3/30/2021) - This week holds Good Friday and the cross looms large for us. Some may think it odd. How can you have a symbol of torture and death… Read more "The Empty Cross of Love"
- Erasing Progress (3/23/2021) - As a pastor of an Open and Affirming church within the United Church of Christ, I was utterly dismayed to learn that our Roman Catholic brothers and… Read more "Erasing Progress"
- Easter Caroling! (3/16/2021) -
- Vaccine Reluctance (3/16/2021) - As much as we would like to join Gov. Baker’s optimism about the pandemic and open our church to in-person worship, we have decided that it remains… Read more "Vaccine Reluctance"
- Searching for Spiritual Life (3/9/2021) - Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” I thought of that… Read more "Searching for Spiritual Life"
- Our Suffering God (3/2/2021) - The Apostle Paul once said: “Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then… Read more "Our Suffering God"
- Jezebel (2/23/2021) - To call a woman a “Jezebel” has never been a compliment. In fact, it is quite an insult. Recently, however, it has become an even more loaded… Read more "Jezebel"
- What is Lent? (2/9/2021) - February 17th marks the end of the Season of Epiphany and the beginning of the Season of Lent in the church. This season begins with Ash Wednesday… Read more "What is Lent?"
- Winter Congregational Meeting Notice (2/8/2021) - During this pandemic, and given the restrictions for large gatherings set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Board of Deacons recognizes the difficulties associated with conducting… Read more "Winter Congregational Meeting Notice"
- Finding Stillness (1/26/2021) - “A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat the boat. … Jesus rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased,… Read more "Finding Stillness"
- Fascism Alive and Well (1/19/2021) - This week we welcome a new president to the White House and with him, a new beginning. That new beginning could not come soon enough. Had the… Read more "Fascism Alive and Well"
- Taking the Long View of Things (1/12/2021) - Raise your hand if you’ve had it with this pandemic. Honestly (or dare I say “Honest to God”), we over a year in and the waves keep… Read more "Taking the Long View of Things"
- Hanging on to Christmas (1/5/2021) - Remember back in November when people couldn’t wait to put up their Christmas lights and decorations? It made sense, really. With the gathering darkness of winter on… Read more "Hanging on to Christmas"
- Christmas in 1918 and 2020 (12/22/2020) - Like every holiday since St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas this year is another strange one; not least because we are still unable to gather for in-person worship. But,… Read more "Christmas in 1918 and 2020"
- Good King Wenceslas (12/15/2020) - My wife’s favorite Christmas carol is Good King Wenceslas. It is not sung that often, which is surprising because it has a very catchy tune. Maybe the… Read more "Good King Wenceslas"
- Advent Light (12/8/2020) - We have been focusing a lot on the tradition of the Advent Wreath and Advent Candles this year. Trish Faro was inspired to yet again provide these… Read more "Advent Light"
- Advent Origins (12/1/2020) - As I’m sure you know, Advent and Christmas have their origins in the Priscillian controversy of the fourth century. What’s that? You have no idea what I’m… Read more "Advent Origins"
- In-Person Worship Update (for 11/29/2020) (11/23/2020) - When we began our move to in-person worship this fall, we committed to evaluating this in late November. After much discussion among our Deacons of Worship, Senior Deacons,… Read more "In-Person Worship Update (for 11/29/2020)"
- A Different Kind of Advent (11/23/2020) - This Sunday begins our Advent journey toward Bethlehem and Christmas. Like everything else this year, Advent will feel different. The same challenges will be with us that… Read more "A Different Kind of Advent"
- Budget Matters (11/17/2020) - As we near the end of this calendar year, it is becoming apparent that our church will be facing a significant budget deficit as we enter 2021. … Read more "Budget Matters"
- The Importance of Honor (11/9/2020) - “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that… Read more "The Importance of Honor"
- QAnon: Eerily Familiar… (10/27/2020) - Have you heard of QAnon? I have been aware of it over the past couple of years as a kind of right wing background noise, but it… Read more "QAnon: Eerily Familiar…"
- Black Lives Matter at FCC (10/23/2020) - (As posted on the 9/25/2020 Messenger) At its September meeting, the Board of Deacons of our church decided to move forward with the placement of Black Lives… Read more "Black Lives Matter at FCC"
- View each of our worship services here: (10/23/2020) - If you wish to view our worship services and are not sure how to get to a specific service, we now have them listed out, with the… Read more "View each of our worship services here:"
- Democracy at Risk (10/20/2020) - With the election looming and anxiety high, the United Church of Christ has given voice to concerns that our democracy may in genuine peril this fall. The… Read more "Democracy at Risk"
- In His Own Words (10/6/2020) - For decades, the United Church of Christ has recognized Indigenous People’s Day in place of Columbus Day. Still, many states and communities—not to mention the federal government—still… Read more "In His Own Words"
- The Humility of a Judicial Giant (9/29/2020) - Pretty much everything we take for granted, we shouldn’t. For example, here are a few laws that I think are pretty important and I take them for… Read more "The Humility of a Judicial Giant"
- Hours of Operation (9/17/2020) - Regular Office Hours (Closed for Federal Holidays) Music Office Hours (current Sept. 2020)
- Are You Joining Us for Worship? (9/15/2020) - With our first live streaming worship service under our belts, we are underway with our new program year here at First Congregational Church! What did you think… Read more "Are You Joining Us for Worship?"
- Virtual Coffee Hour after Worship (9/11/2020) - Join us after worship on Sunday at 11 am for our Virtual Coffee Hour! If you didn’t receive an invitation by email and wish to join next week, please click… Read more "Virtual Coffee Hour after Worship"
- An End to Social Distancing (9/11/2020) - After a summer sabbatical time way, it is great to be back in the saddle here at FCC! I am, again, so very grateful that the church… Read more "An End to Social Distancing"
- Summer Office Hours & Music Director’s Hours (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"
- 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"
- 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"
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