Music and Arts | First Congregational Church

Music and Arts at First Church

We have a rich tradition of excellent music programs and performing groups that assist in leading worship on Sunday mornings. Whether you're a musician or just someone who appreciates music, we would love to have you join us.

Senior Choir meets every Thursday night at 7:15 in the choir room, accessible up the stairs right inside the front doors of the sanctuary. We sing a healthy variety of music, which in the past year has included folk songs, spirituals, motets from the 17th century, movements from Bach cantatas, English cathedral anthems, Sacred Harp melodies, African-American Gospel, contemporary Christian, South African freedom songs, and contemporary classical compositions. We sing both a cappella (unaccompanied) and accompanied by organ, piano, or small chamber instrumental ensembles.
The Bell Choir: Three octaves of Schulmerich handbells are rung throughout the church year at worship. Weekly rehearsals are held after the 10 am worship service. Handbell ringing is a fun way to make music in a group, especially for those people who don’t consider themselves singers.

Junior Choir for children in 3rd to 8th grades meets right after school until 5:00pm on Wednesdays. Children often take school buses directly from school to the church, where they are engaged in both singing and instrumental instruction, combined with group activities deepening their church fellowship. (currently on hiatus)

Cherub Choir welcomes children in Kindergarten through Grade 2. We start with a snack and story time, learn fun songs and songs to sing during worship, do rhythm and movement activities, arts and crafts, games, etc. (currently on hiatus)

First Church Theater: The church regularly produces a staged event, whether it be a play or musical or other dramatic event. Staging is set up in the front of the sanctuary, transforming our traditional worship space into an intimate performance setting. Past events have included the musicals “Godspell”, and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Fiddler on the Roof”and “12 Angry Jurors” and "Ordinary Days".

30 Minutes of Joy: What started as a pandemic community offering has continued into a weekly sharing of music. On Thursdays at noon, you are welcome to join us in the sanctuary or on the Facebook livestream for 30 minutes of music with our Director of Music Ministries, Bill Speed. Each week is a different theme and a delightful dive into the joy of music.

Joyful Noise! The church sponsors concerts on certain Sundays at 4 pm for the community. A free-will offering is taken to support this outreach program. Keep an eye on our calendar and newsletter for these events.