First Congregational Church

Ministry of Worship undertakes to collaborate with the pastor and other staff the creative resources necessary to foster spiritual formation and growth through worship, and to attend to the sacramental ministries of the church.  In particular, this ministry undertakes to enrich Congregational life through music and the arts.

The Chancel Choir and the Hand Bell choir actively participate in the worship, as do numerous solo vocalists and instrumentalists.  Special attention is paid to creating an ever-changing  visual chancel design that augments, rather than distracts from,  the overall worship environment.

Special annual events:

• Bachtober Concert features Organist and Music Director Scott in an early October Sunday afternoon performance on our Casavant Pipe Organ.
• Thrills and Chills Concert has become a favorite event each Hallowe’en, as the Chancel Choir and other musicians bring music from both the sacred literature and the Broadway stage to evoke the thrills and chills of this time of year.
• A Celebration of Christmas has become a long-standing favorite concert of the community, with performances of the Chancel Choir and Hand Bell Choir, and musical artists from among our congregation.  It is always offered the afternoon of the third Sunday in Advent.
• Christmas Eve Service of Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight, Preludial Music begins at 8: 30 p.m.; the service at 9:00 p.m.
• Evensong featuring Organist Scott Horton playing selections on the Casavant Pipe organ, and hymns sung by the congregation, is annually presented in either late January or early February.
• Music Sunday features both choirs and special musical guests from the congregation leading Sunday worship in early June.“Big Red”, White, and Blue Patriotic Concert  features the Chancel Choir, solo vocalists and instrumentalists, in a musical honoring of our nation’s heritage and service personnel a week prior to July 4.
• The Casavant Pipe Organ Restoration Concert Series occur throughout the year as a way of bringing quality musicians to the Fresno community.  Proceeds from free will offerings go to a fund that will eventually provide both restoration to, and upgrade of, our pipe organ.  A schedule of upcoming performances/artists can be found on the home page web site link to Pipes On Van Ness.