- Straw Poll: Lent or Advent? (3/21/2023) - Which do you prefer: Lent or Advent? I’ll go out on a limb here and say that, hands down, most people would vote for Advent over Lent.… Read more "Straw Poll: Lent or Advent?"
- In the Wilderness (3/6/2023) - The 40 days of Lent are meant to mirror the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness of Judea following his baptism by John in the… Read more "In the Wilderness"
- In Defense of Confession (2/28/2023) - There are a lot of things that happen during Lent that we’d rather avoid. One of them is confession. Why confess? What have I done? Most people… Read more "In Defense of Confession"
- What is Lent? (2/21/2023) - This Sunday we begin the Season of Lent in the church. It is a season that is rich in history and tradition. So that you can better… Read more "What is Lent?"
- UCC Response to Earthquake in Turkey and Syria (2/14/2023) - The situation following the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria is rapidly changing. Below includes the initial response of our United Church of Christ. Updates can be… Read more "UCC Response to Earthquake in Turkey and Syria"
- Taking Sides (2/7/2023) - “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. … Read more "Taking Sides"
- Silence or Noise: Finding Balance (1/31/2023) - The world can be a loud place. Did you know that the quietest place on this planet is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota? It is a noise-measuring room… Read more "Silence or Noise: Finding Balance"
- “Organized Religion” (1/24/2023) - I’m not sure why, but I’ve been hearing the phrase “organized religion” a lot lately and it’s never a compliment. It’s typically said by people who have… Read more "“Organized Religion”"
- Pray Big, Worry Small (1/17/2023) - “Pray big, worry small.” There’s a wonderful saying that I think can help guide us through the challenges of 2023: I recommend you keep those four words… Read more "Pray Big, Worry Small"
- Two Gifts: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (12/20/2022) - As you’ve surely noticed already, Christmas falls on a Sunday this year. That means that we will be having worship on Christmas Eve (at 7:00 p.m.) and… Read more "Two Gifts: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day"
- The Night the Animals Talked (12/12/2022) - Of all the children’s Christmas specials that were produced for television in the 1960s and still repeated every year (think Charlie Brown, Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming… Read more "The Night the Animals Talked"
- Don’t Blame Santa (12/6/2022) - There is a lot of talk about how Christmas is becoming more and more of a secular holiday and the one who is usually most to blame… Read more "Don’t Blame Santa"
- This year during Home for the Holidays, First Congregational Church in Melrose is thrilled to invite you to the return of our Winter Wonderland Fair! There will be activities both inside and out for all to enjoy. Shop for children’s toys and books & all kinds of Christmas items and collectibles, roast some s’mores, take part in decorating gingerbread houses, have a family photo or video greeting taken, participate in one of our many raffles or our “Wine Pull,” and much more! First Congregational Church in Melrose, United Church of Christ, 121 West Foster Street. Just one block west of Main Street! Friday evening 6 – 8pm, Saturday 9am – 2pm. Visit our website at fccmelrose.org (11/29/2022) -
- The Miracle that Defines our Faith (11/29/2022) - Welcome to the Lent of St. Martin! Yes, that was the original name for Advent way back in the fifth century. It was sometimes called the Fast… Read more "The Miracle that Defines our Faith"
- Why Thursday? (11/22/2022) - I have often wondered why Thanksgiving is always celebrated on a Thursday. I mean, wouldn’t it be more convenient if it were on a weekend? Thursday seems… Read more "Why Thursday?"
- “All Worry is Atheism” (11/15/2022) - I came across that great quote recently: “All worry is atheism.” I like it because it captures so much of what I strive for in my own… Read more "“All Worry is Atheism”"
- Is God Really Unchanging? (11/8/2022) - Whenever there is an election, mid-term or otherwise, things change. Sometimes they change for the better. Sometimes they change for the worse. In those times when they… Read more "Is God Really Unchanging?"
- Repairers of the Breach (11/1/2022) - Maybe you saw the recent poll that found 71% of Americans feel that our democracy is under threat but only 7% considered this a top priority. To… Read more "Repairers of the Breach"
- Looking Up (10/25/2022) - “Keep Looking Up” is not only a call to stay optimistic; it is also a byword in the UFO community. The idea being that there are more… Read more "Looking Up"
- Losing the Separation of Church and State (10/18/2022) - One of the unique aspects of our form of government is that throughout the fall, winter, and early spring our Supreme Court hears a variety of cases… Read more "Losing the Separation of Church and State"
- Ah, There You Are! (10/11/2022) - Someone once said: “There are two kinds of people in the world: those who come into a room and say, ‘Here I am!’ and those that come… Read more "Ah, There You Are!"
- Feeling Kind of “Off” (10/4/2022) - Are you feeling kind of “off”? Like everything is pretty much okay but you really can’t lean into this “new normal”? You can’t really trust it somehow?… Read more "Feeling Kind of “Off”"
- Lots Going On! (9/27/2022) - What an eventful fall we have been having here at First Congregational Church! Between our new participation in the Victorian Fair and our first time as a… Read more "Lots Going On!"
- Thank You for Twenty Years! (9/20/2022) - It is hard to believe that I began my pastorate here at First Congregational Church two decades ago. Twenty years! It truly is hard to believe that… Read more "Thank You for Twenty Years!"
- Back in the “Real World” (9/13/2022) - There is a certain kind of “re-entry” after summer is over. Labor Day is over, the grills are put away, schools are starting up again, work schedules… Read more "Back in the “Real World”"
- Welcome Back Sunday ’22! (9/6/2022) -
- Join us for worship on September 11 at 10 am, followed by Victorian Fair Activities! (9/6/2022) - Please join us as we return to worship and begin our new program year on Sunday, September 11 at 10 am, followed by coffee hour. We have… Read more "Join us for worship on September 11 at 10 am, followed by Victorian Fair Activities!"
- 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?"
- 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"
- 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"
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