Music Department Mission

We serve as ministers of music by enhancing worship with the message of our music. We glorify God with the talent God has richly given to us to share.

View our spring music schedule [PDF].

New Musicians

New musicians are always welcome in each of our organizations throughout the calendar year. Attendance at every rehearsal or every Sunday morning worship service is not a requirement, but the more you attend, the more you will feel an integral part of our groups. No experience is necessary. If you are thinking about joining or have any questions, please talk with Kristin or another choir member at church on Sunday mornings, phone Kristin at church during the week or e-mail her at kristin@firstccsj.org.

We have two youth choirs that meet Sunday mornings after worship, a handbell choir (middle school through adults, Monday evenings) and chancel choir (high school through adults, Thursday evernings).

Staff

Kristin Link, Director of Music
Bill Ferguson, Organist
Mindy Flatow-Dickens, Joyful Noise Director
Noel Tebo, Sanctuary Sound Coordinator

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir is at the foundation of the music ministries of First Congregational Church. We provide anthems and service music in Sunday services three times a month during the fall, winter and spring. We also present special seasonal worship music as well as two major programs each year. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in the choir room. Directed by Kristin Link, the Chancel Choir is open to all adults and youth grades 9 and up. Ability to read music is not required. Our rehearsals are fast-paced and filled with laughter, prayer, and hard work. It's exhilarating! If you would like to join the choir, please contact Kristin@firstccsj.org.

Youth Choirs

Our church has two choirs for youth. Joyful Noise is conducted by Mindy Dickens and is open to all young singers ages 3 through 8. Songs are learned largely by rote and rehearsals include play, solfeggio, rhythm instruments, and basic ensemble etiquette. Blessings Choir, conducted by Kristin Link, is for singers in grades 3 through 8. Ability to read music is not required to participate in either choir. Membership in church is also not required. Both choirs rehearse on Sunday mornings at 11:30. High school singers are welcomed into the Chancel Choir, which meets Thursday nights at 7:30.

Bell Choirs

We are blessed with a wonderful 4-octave set of Schlumerich Bells and a 5-octave set of handchimes, which are enthusiastically rung in worship 6-8 times per year. The choir rehearses Monday from 7:30-9:00. New ringers are invited to arrive 1/2 hour early so they can quickly get the training they need to participate fully with the entire ensemble. Ability to read music is not required to join, but you will learn how soon.

Soloists and Instrumentalists

There is a wealth of talent in our congregation and our members truly appreciate the opportunity to hear those individuals in service throughout the year. Special music is provided by individuals and small ensembles throughout the year, but is especially appreciated during the summer months when our regular music groups are on hiatus. If you would be interested in providing special music on a Sunday, please contact kristin@firstccsj.org.

Sound Ministry

Want to get "plugged in" to ministry? Buttons, levers, and microphones await the stereo enthusiast who has excellent hearing. After a couple of short training sessions, the commitment involves occasional Sunday mornings or other special events. Contact Noel Tebo if you want to help us out.