Music

MUSIC

For more information about any of our music programs, please contact our Director of Music Ministry, Brenton Offenback, at brenton@fccstjoseph.org.

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is a mixture of experienced and amateur singers! That’s our way of saying that everyone is invited to sing in the choir. The only requirements are a deep appreciation for music that glorifies God, and the commitment to sing with others in weekly rehearsals. We sing a variety of music – classical, spirituals, ethnic, and contemporary – under the direction of Stephen Zork. The Chancel Choir participates in worship services most Sundays, usually September through May, and at our Christmas Eve Service.

Handbell Choirs

Our handbell program at First Congregational includes ringers of all ages in two different handbell choirs. Our bell choirs ring regularly for worship services as well as special services throughout the year. All are invited to participate, including those who are interested in learning to ring as well as those who have ringing experience. We do ask that you make a committed effort to attend all rehearsals since assigned bells are greatly missed if they cannot be rung at each rehearsal.

Jubilate Ringers

Jubilate Ringers is an 11-member group made up of inter-generational musicians who ring three octaves of handbells and three octaves of handchimes. This choir includes those interested in learning to ring or want to ring more accessible repertoire. We welcome both elementary and high school musicians into this ensemble.

Jubilate Ringers participates monthly in worship and at special services.

Alleluia Ringers

Alleluia Ringers is a 13-member group of intermediate to advanced handbell ringers who ring five octaves of handbells and handchimes. This group requires some musical background and is for those eager to learn and enjoy more advanced handbell repertoire. Members often attend the Handbell Musicians of America Area 5 Spring Festival to help further develop their skills as a handbell musician.

Alleluia Ringers participate regularly in worship and at special services.

Kids Connection Choir

The Kids Connection Choir is part of the Christian Education programming on Wednesdays for elementary students. During the school year, Kids Connection usually meets for a 30-minute small group activity and then sings together for 30 minutes. The Kids Connection Choir is a part of the CE Christmas Program each December, sometimes sings during Sunday worship, and during special services.

Concerts

First Congregational Church has a proud tradition of hosting various music events throughout the year for the enjoyment and benefit of the community. From local school choirs and orchestras to university-level musicians, FCC hosts groups during Sunday morning worship and special evening performances. Seasonal tributes like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter also present opportunities for musical excellence. You never know what you may hear when you join us for a concert, from jazz to international styles, there’s always a rich sound coming from our beautiful sanctuary.

Our concerts are always open to the public. Contact the church office for more information.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UCC