Worship Arts
As believers we know that we will spend eternity worshiping God. Our prayer is that our worship here is practice for that and that we will encounter the Living God in each worship service.
We gather at both Classic and Modern services to honor and glorify God, hear the Word boldly preached, pray, and join together as one to praise Him in song. That "song" includes congregational singing, worship bands, organ, brass, bells, adult and children's choir, drama and orchestra as we seek to give Him the glory. One day, "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord". Until that day... Soli Deo Gloria! (To God Alone be the Glory!)
"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:13-14.
Choral Music Ministries
Choir is a great entry point for singers seeking to get involved and is open to singers high school age through adult. Lend your voice, talents and time to bless our church and community through song. Rehearsals are 10:30 - 11:55 in the Music Room, September thru May. We sing music of many styles, learn to improve our singing abilities and we are a warm community of believers who pray for one another regularly. New singers are welcome to join us, and non-church members are welcome. Choose from several short sessions: Fall, Winter, Easter and Spring.
Contact Dr. Julie Carter if you are interested. 559-485-6460 ex.116 or by email at jcarter@fpcfresno.org
Next Choir Session:
Spring Choir starting April 7
Instrumental Music Ministry
Joyful Ringers share Christ through music at First Presbyterian Church and in community events. We learn bell ringing techniques and music fundamentals. For more information email Julie Carter at jcarter@fpcfresno.org or Heidi Orender the new Joyful Ringers director at heidi.orender@gmail.com.
Brass Ensemble consists of interested trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, and tuba players. The players in the ensemble come from the church membership, as well as from the local musical community. We rehearse from 9 to 10am each Sunday morning in the Music Room. We welcome any interested brass players to join us! The brass are directed by Jan Goyette (559) 970-2583 or email jbgo75@gmail.com.
Current Brass Session:
Starting September 10
Children's Music Ministry
Jubilant Voices is for children in grades 3-6. They meet on Sunday mornings from approximately 10:00-10:40 in the Music Room. Our goal is to worship God through our songs. We emphasize working as a group, proper tone production, and some basic music and rhythm skills. Our children sing in church 4-5 times a year and presents a musical annually. We hope to resume this fun choir soon.
Mission Statement: To serve the ministry and the people of FPC as hosts for our Worship gatherings, creating a welcoming and loving atmosphere where people can connect with Jesus and others in a real and personal way. To love and serve everyone that arrives on our campus, doing whatever is necessary to enhance each person’s worship and fellowship experience.
Purpose of Team Members:
Greeters are the hosts at the doors offering a warm and personal greeting, providing a friendly presence and also anticipating the needs of guests and newcomers.
Ushers are the hosts of the worship experience, providing yet another warm and friendly greeting. They also provide direction, information and assistance; insure that guests receive a bulletin; communicate expectations regarding food, beverages, noise & the proper time to enter after the service has started; direct guests to open seating; collect the offering; attend to issues or disruptions during the service such as room temperature, odd behavior and/or medical emergencies; and insure that the Sanctuary is prepared for the service.
For more information on these ministries, please contact:
Greeters: Rosemary Avery
Ushers: Julie Carter
Create a welcoming environment for bringing people close to the heart of God in worship with your sound, lighting, screen or video skills. We are currently looking for additional Screen Technicians.
Contact Dr. Julie Carter or Josh Gillispie if you are interested in exploring serving in Media.
"Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth! Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!" -Georg Frideric Händel
First Presbyterian Church hosts the annual Messiah Sing-Along on the Sunday following Thanksgiving. This traditional event attracts up to 700 singers and listeners and is a favorite community holiday concert. Dr. Julie Carter is the Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church and has directed this yearly event for over 20 years. Dr. Carter is also the director of Soli Deo Gloria, and has taught choral music and music education at California State University, Fresno, and Fresno Pacific University, as well as Sanger and Clovis High Schools. She is a choral adjudicator and has presented voice recitals with the Fresno Pacific Artist Series.
The orchestra is organized by Gaylene Joe, a retired Fresno Unified music instructor, and a private music teacher. She is a founding member of the Sierra Valley String Quartet. The orchestra is comprised of talented local players and is sponsored by a number of local businesses and individuals. The organist, Dr. Walter Saul, is professor emeritus of Music at Fresno Pacific University, where he taught piano, theory, and composition.
Fresno area churches are invited to bring their choirs. Individuals are welcome, both amateurs and accomplished musicians. The solos will be sung by members of the audience and are encouraged to sit towards the front. Dr. Carter also extends a special invitation to listeners. "There is nothing in music quite as exciting as sitting in the midst of an ensemble of hundreds of singers performing Handel's magnificent 'Messiah', said Dr. Carter. Those singers needing music can purchase it at the church the day of the performance for $10.
We invite those who attend to help feed the needy during the Christmas season by bringing non-perishable food items: canned goods and soups, dry pasta, pasta sauce, dry beans, etc. This food will be distributed through the Fresno Rescue Mission, Evangel Home, and the First Presbyterian Church Food Pantry.
Following the performance, the church serves a soup and bread supper, which has become quite popular with the attendees and is lovingly termed the “Soup-Along”! There is no charge for either the Sing-Along performance or the” Soup-Along” supper, however, donations to help defray expenses are always welcome. Checks can be sent to 1540 M Street Fresno, CA 93721, please indicate in the memo that it is for the Messiah Sing-Along.
For more information, please contact First Presbyterian Church at 485-6460.
Drama Ministry at FPC is led by dedicated volunteers. This group presents short dramas occasionally throughout the year to enhance worship and sermons. Contact Dr. Julie Carter if you are interested in participating in the Drama ministry.
No positions avaiable at this time.
