"At First Congregational Church, we strive to offer inspiring and artistic music to the glory of God in our worship services.   Each choir member is aware of the uplifting responsibility, privilege and excitement we enjoy as leaders through music in our weekly worship."

                                                      -- Tracy Shirk, Director of Music

Tracy and his musicians strike a good balance among sacred works such as John Rutter's Requiem recently performed and other types -- traditional hymns, spirituals, and works by a wide variety of composers.  The congregation benefits not only from listening but also from singing hymns from a special-edition hymn book with updated words acceptable to progressive Christians. (You can read the story of Hymns of Truth and Light by clicking on the "hymnal" link.)

Comments from members of the congregation suggest the importance of music to their worship experience.  

"The Music Ministry is the reason I joined the Church!"

 – Mary Harper

"I love the music program.  They have a nice variety of music, they're all talented musicians, and they add a lot to the worship service."

 – Joyce Haftings  

Martin Luther once said, "I have always loved music. Those who have mastered this art are made of good stuff and are fit for any task."

Even though our musicians agree that music can be a kind of fitness training, we certainly do not require that you have "mastered the art" to become a vital part of our Music Ministry. For the Meeting House Choir, you need only to know the joy of singing and a sincere desire to be of service to God and the Church.

Ensembles

The Meeting House Choir
All adults AND YOUTH going into grades 7-12 are invited to join. The singing youth of today's church are the singing adults of tomorrow's church. If you are entering the 7-12th grade and have an interest in singing with the Meeting House Choir, please contact Tracy Shirk, Director of Music. Of course, all adults are encouraged to sing as well. For those with young children, childcare is provided upon request.

WHO: Anyone 7th grade through adult.
WHEN: Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:30 PM
WHERE: The choir room in the office building

Decibells
Prior ringing experience is needed to participate in Decibells. If you have rung bells before and would like to do so again. please let Tracy Shirk, Director of Music, know of your interest.

WHO: Adults with prior handbell experience
WHEN: Wednesdays from 7:30 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: The choir room in the office building 

The Children's Choir
After a several-year hiatus, the Children's Choir is back! It is led by Anne Amador. Anne has many years of experience with children's choirs. The choir will work toward singing in worship services during the school year. Please encourage your child to participate in this exciting and fun ministry! If you have children in grades K – 6 who would like to be a part of our Children's Choir, contact Anne at 713-975-0589.

WHO: Children entering grades K - 6
WHEN: Sundays after worship (approx. 11:00 - 11:30 AM)
WHERE: Children's Sunday School classroom

The Recorder Consort
Can you read music?  It's a plus if you do, or if you have played a musical instrument, but learning to play the recorder is not very difficult and most people can quickly learn to produce a nice, pleasant sound and begin playing musically.  For information about joining The Recorder Consort, contact Don Holloway, 713-784-7653.