Music Groups at First Congregational UCC: First Church Adult Choir...First Praise Band...First Church Bell Ringers....Join us and Enjoy!

First Church Adult Choir

The ADULT CHOIR of First Congregational UCC rehearses weekly from Labor Day to Memorial Day and sings at the first service (9:00) each week, with additional services on Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Maundy Thursday. During the Advent season and in May the ADULT CHOIR presents a special program of music and worship. We have a variety of backgrounds, skill levels, and ages (currently ranging from teenagers to septuagenarians), and we always welcome new members. Please contact the director, Laurie Matheson, for further information.

Laurie Matheson is the ADULT CHOIR director and organist at First Church. She holds a doctorate in music from the University of Illinois, a master of music degree from Westminster Choir College, and a bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College. In addition to her work for First Church, she is an acquisitions editor for the University of Illinois Press and the author of A Pocket Dictionary of Musical Instruments, published by Hal Leonard Corporation.

First Praise Band

First Praise Band Worship Group

FIRST PRAISE BAND WORSHIP TEAM was formed in March, 2001, to lead worship in our new contemporary worship service at 10:30 am. Our purpose is to offer our up-beat music in praise and celebration, and invite God’s presence into our time of worship.

FIRST PRAISE BAND rehearses on Thursday evenings (7:00 pm) and welcomes additional vocalists and instrumentalists. If you’d like to hear more about leading worship with FIRST PRAISE BAND, contact the church at 877-2216 or by email. FIRST PRAISE BAND is directed Steve Hill.

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First Church Bell Ringers

FIRST RINGERS play a five octave set of Schulmerich Bells (hand bells) ranging from C3-C8.

Andy Kovacs--German exchange student with the Beck's was a member of the FIRST RINGERS this school year - during his year in Decatur.

FIRST RINGERS is currently led by director Bette Fankhauser. Interested parties please call the church @ 877-2216 or email below! Rehearsals are Thursdays from 5:45 through 7:00 p.m.

FIRST RINGERS play for the 9:00 am traditional service once a month (except summer months). Handbells provide a source of endless fun, entertainment and achievement. They enhance the beauty of our delightful services...inspiring people to worship and bringing peace and joy to all. Learning to play the hand bells requires some time and attention (and a knowledge of how to read music, please). We are always looking for some additional ringers &/or substitutes so if you are so inclined, please email or call. We also have a three octave set of hand chimes to enhance LOGOS worship skills as well as using them during services.