The experience of corporate worship on Sunday morning is the very heart of our life together at First Congregational Church!

Authentic Christian worship may take many forms and styles. Worship at First Congregational is broadly shaped by our Reformed heritage, seeking to blend traditional and contemporary elements in a joyous worship experience that speaks equally to heart, soul, and mind as we gather to offer praise to the living God.

Our Organ
The sanctuary organ was built by M. P. Moller of Hagerstown, Maryland, beginning in 1969 (a year after worship began in the present building) and concluding in 1972. Its construction was underwritten by the generosity of Cora and David Crock, and it has served the congregation and the community well in Sunday worship, in festival musical offerings, and in many recitals and concerts throughout the years.

In 1994, a complete renovation and substantial expansion of the Moller instrument was undertaken by Robert Sipe. At the same time, provisions were made for controlling humidity in the sanctuary in order to help the organ maintain its tuning and reduce the risk of mechanical failures.

The renovated organ is one of the three or four largest pipe organs in the city of Appleton, comprising three manuals, 46 stops, and 58 ranks. It is beautifully integrated into the sanctuary both visually and acoustically, and provides a powerful and cherished center for worship music, a venue for recitals and concerts, and an instrument for the teaching of organ.

Our Sanctuary Choir
This ensemble provides the musical centerpiece for Sunday morning worship from September through June. Presenting a broad spectrum of quality choral literature (oratorio choruses, traditional anthems, contemporary works, spirituals, gospel music, newly commissioned music, women's chorus music, men's chorus music), the Choir sings a cappella or accompanied by a variety of instruments. During Advent and Lent, the Choir performs major works with full orchestral accompaniment.

First Congregational Lawrence Music Scholars
Our special partnership with Lawrence University conservatory students has been established for more than fifty years. Through this program, gifted students share their vocal and instrumental talents with our congregation, greatly enriching our worship service. In return we provide stipends that help them to pay for their educational expenses. An equally important goal of the program is to encourage these students to share their musical gifts with Christ's church beyond their college years.

Instrumentalists
Brass ensembles, harpsichord, string quartets, and chamber ensembles celebrate God's gift of instrumental music in worship. Instrumental ensemble opportunities are available throughout the year.

Our Handbell Choirs
The church owns five (5) octaves of English Whitechapel Handbells and two (2) octaves of Suzuki Tonechimes which add another dimension of music to the worship experience.

Middle School Orchestra and Handbells
Opportunities will be provided for these young instrumentalists to share their gifts in worship.

Percussion Ensemble
This church is most fortunate in owning a variety of percussion instruments, providing opportunities for percussion ensemble offerings.

Children's Music
Provide special Christmas and spring musical presentation.

Visit our web site for information on our services and current and upcoming musical events.