◈ Homepage — http://fccla.org/Join us for all Services in-person, or virtually by visiting fccla.org/live! WHO WE ARE WATCH & LISTEN COMMUNITY MUSIC & ART EVENTS VENUE DETAILS CALENDAR GIVE First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events BACH TO THE FUTURE II THE SHOW GOES ON! BACH to the Future II will be performed as originally scheduled at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, at 8:30 PM. This event is now presented solely by First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Tickets already sold through Musica Angelica will be honored. Experience Christoph Bull performing the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach on one of the largest pipe organs in the world, accompanied by a dazzling laser light show. Click here to make make a donation that guarantees admission ahead of time. You can also donate at the door the night of the event. Instead of the previously planned food trucks and a bar there will now be a pre-concert reception with light refreshments in the forecourt, starting at 7:30p. Go here for more information or for any question please e-mail [email protected] First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a progressive, positive, and open church with a strong arts and music culture. We welcome and celebrate those of all faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. The Sunday morning worship service at First Church is a richly textured experience. Our service is traditional in structure, but we bring together the arts – music, literature, poetry, painting – as well as science and religious texts – to create a joyful experience of community. Each Sunday we engage the heart and mind, believing that faith and reason are essential to the spiritual journey.     First Church is a vital, diverse and multi-generational community of faith. People of all ages – children, families of all configurations, young professionals, seniors, and everyone in between, come together in an authentic experience of Christian community. As an urban church in the heart of the city, we celebrate compassion, diversity and inclusivity, respecting people wherever they may be on the journey. We live in the deeply held value that every human being is a child of God, and that we are called to open the doors of our church as wide as God’s heart. Our values of faith, rooted in the life of Jesus, continue to be forged by the contemporary issues of our time. As the oldest Protestant Church in the city of Los Angeles, we celebrate the many diverse religious voices in our city, even as we seek to embody the spirit of Jesus by loving our neighbor as ourselves. First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a proud UCC Church. Sign up for the First Church Newsletter Stay up-to-date on all the exciting things happening at First Church! Email First Name Last Name By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: FCCLA, 540 S Commonwealth Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90020-1298, US, http://www.fccla.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. Sign Up! TOP CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341 Email Address (required) Message (required) Submit VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020 FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Greetings, First Church Community! Greetings, First Church Community and New Friends! We are grateful for your generosity in supporting our Spirituality, Justice & Outreach, and Community & Music programs. Give online today! Give Today! ◈ Interior Pages — 40 pages crawledLive Stream — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Live Stream Sunday Prelude-Concert & Service Join us this week for our Hybrid Sunday Service! Watch Stream on Youtube download the order of worship Sunday Service 10:30 AM PDT Organ Prelude-Concert 11:00 AM PDT Sunday Service Musical ministry features Organist-in-Residence Dr. Christoph Bull, Laude, and the FCCLA Cathedral Choir led by Dr. David Harris, Director of Music & Arts. Previous Streams Our previous streams are available at youtube.com/FirstChurchLA : Prelude-Concerts & Services Playlist Concerts Playlist Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Children, Youth, and Families — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Children, Youth, and Families Join FKF & Youth Follow Us! Get Involved Upcoming Events H e l l o ! Welcome to Children, Youth, and Families at First Church! First Kids First is our spiritual enrichment program for all children that emphasizes spiritual growth through creative expression, thought provoking stories, bible study, and more. Our programming is led by dynamic teachers who guide the children as they explore life lessons together, actively participate in worship, and gain a spiritual foundation for their developing lives. Our goal is for each child to feel safe and free to be themselves while in this space and to leave with the knowledge that God loves them no matter what. Email, [email protected] for more information. J o i n i n g F K F & Y o u t h All are welcome to join our Sunday morning programming. We currently have three classrooms open, our Infant & Toddler care, our First Kids First Program, and our Youth program. Childcare opens at 10am. Children may stay with our teachers on the playground and travel with us to the Sanctuary at 10:55am or join us in the Sanctuary for the Children’s Conversation. Parents and guardians are welcome to accompany their children during our programming. Infant and Toddler Care Infant and toddler care is available on Sunday mornings beginning at 10am. Our programming includes a variety of sensory and music centered play with opportunities for exploration and discovery. Our teachers and volunteers are childcare professionals who focus on building relationships with the little ones of FCCLA and their parents. Parents are also more than welcome to keep their children with them in worship as well or join us in the nursery. Once potty-trained our toddlers graduate up to our preschool program. Minis & First Kids First (Preschool – 5th Grade) Our preschool through 5th graders make up our Minis and our First Kids First classrooms. Preschool and kindergarteners gather for stories, community building games, and lots and lots of art. Our 1st - 5th graders share a space in Wong Chapel. We begin our time together with a group check-in and gratitude circle, followed by a story or activity that includes group discussions and plenty of opportunities to use our imaginations and explore our artistic creativity. This classroom is always full of energy and excitement! First Kids First also hosts events outside of Sunday mornings that include group outings, volunteer opportunities, parents' night out, and movie nights! FCCLA Youth (6th - 12th Grade) The Youth of FCCLA meet every Sunday during service. Our programming centers around social justice and community service, mental health, art as a form of expression and meditation, youth chosen spotlights, and bible study. We spend time in thought provoking roundtable discussions, checking in with ourselves, each other, and our relationship with and thoughts on God and the Divine. In addition to our weekly Sunday morning programming the FCCLA Youth gather together and engage in community service projects, enjoy fun & fellowship activities, and host fundraisers to help cover the costs of our camp and outreach projects. F o l l o w U s O n I n s t a g r a m ! G e t I n v o l v e d ! Volunteer There are many ways to lend a helping hand and we are often in need of extra hands! If you're interested in becoming a helper on Sundays, or providing childcare on Thursday evenings, or leading a craft station during an event, click the link to fill out our volunteer registration form! Music Sundays Join us for our first Music Sunday of the year! There is fun for everyone on this Sunday. If you are 10 years old or older and want to sing, dance, and connect through music REGISTER  for The Commonwealth today! This group is led by Brandon Harris. Our younger voices, including our toddlers, will enjoy a Sunday filled with music as well, led by Joanna Wallfisch. Children of all ages are invited to join in the fun of singing together. Please visit “The Commonwealth” Website! GIRL TALK This  judgement free zone  is a new group-lead girls meet-up that happens once a month here at FCCLA! All girls 6th grade and up are welcome to join us as we traverse the unpredictable, confusing, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming landscape that is being a teen girl. This is a place to feel heard and seen, a place to share, a place to be supported, and a place to find community. U p c o m i n g N e w s , E v e n t s , & M o r e See all For more information and weekly updates on our lesson plans, community service opportunities, and upcoming events sign up for the First Kids First Newsletter. For more information, please contact: Claire Kelly Director of First Kids First and Youth [email protected]   Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Collaboratives — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Collaboratives Collaborative Ministry at First Church Do you desire ways to deepen your spiritual journey in creative ways like Labyrinth walking and want to join alongside others in their journeys? The Spirituality Collaborative is for you! Are you passionate about justice and outreach and long to see First Church more involved with and for our community and world? The Justice Collaborative is for you! Have you always longed for deeper friendships in community and are interested in helping others make those connections too? The Community Collaborative is for you! Sign-up today to find your place in our ministries at First Church! All About Collaboratives! Collaboratives bring together, in partnership, people who have different gifts, vocations, and responsibilities within the church. They begin with a fundamental desire to work together as people who are called to be followers of the Way of Christ– not just individuals doing our own thing.  Collaborative ministry is committed to the people inside the church and outside the church and is a beautiful way to demonstrate a community of faith that truly believes in the possibility of transformation through spirituality, community, and justice.   The essence of collaborative ministry is to work with people and groups rather than doing things for them. Working with people helps to establish a sense of shared community. It helps everyone feel that they belong and that they are equal partners; people begin to think in terms of ‘we’ and they buy into ‘our projects’, ‘our ideas’, ‘our initiatives’ quicker than they will into the church’s projects, ideas, or initiatives. Yet, collaborative ministry does not just happen because people work together or cooperate in some way. It is a gradual and mutual evolution of new pattern.    Collaborative ministry is built, first and foremost, upon good personal relationships. They require people with emotional maturity that are willing to place a high priority on a shared vision that no one person owns. People in collaborative ministry need to be committed to face and work through conflict and competing agendas. They must be open to learning new ways of listening closely to each other while working together to find consensus, knowing that this ability is a sign of maturity and commitment.   In collaborative models, leaders are seen as ‘moderators of the aspirations, plans and priorities of the group’, and are called on to keep the purpose of our life together present in all that is said and done. The ministers in a church with a collaborative ministry structure are primarily tasked with enabling the communion to grow rather than ‘running the church.’ If this model becomes deeply embraced by the church, the desire for shared decision-making in all aspects of the life of the church is the natural outcome of working collaboratively. Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Fulfilling the Dream For Housing Justice</p> — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Fulfilling the Dream For Housing Justice Click image to watch concert trailer A chance for justice-minded Angelenos to gather, sing, connect, and be inspired Fulfilling The Dream For Freedom Join the Mass Choir Bring your ensemble or yourself to sing for Justice with singers from across L.A. All Ages Welcome And Encouraged See below for more information. Fulfilling The Dream Service and Concert January 18, 2026 10:30am Organ Concert 11:00am Feature Event Mass Choir called at 8:45am Thursday, January 15 Mass Choir rehearsal 7:00-9:30 (please arrive by 6:45) In Sanctuary 540 S. Commonwealth. Free parking on campus. Every February for the past seven years Angelenos have filled The Cathedral to sing, connect, and recharge for the year ahead. These are people whose lives, work, and art feed on justice for all. During the “Fulfilling the Dream” concert they find a place for their voices to connect in song with friends in like-minded purpose. As event leader Kayo Anderson put it, “Come and recharge the love that flows from you like nature. Come renew yourself.” This year’s concert will be integrated into the Sunday morning service at The Cathedral. We want to honor Dr. King’s legacy on the weekend that bears his name. The morning will feature an organ concert on The Great Organs by John West, and music by the Mass Choir and others as a robust community offering. Guest leader Arnaé Bateson will bring some of her justice songs and the songs of Birmingham-based Civil Rights Era composer Carlton Reese to life. Her unique brand of justice-minded leadership and heart-forward singing will make this year’s Mass Choir experience a special one. Event Director and Creator David Harris shares that “The Dream that Dr. King laid out for society-wide justice, equity, and inclusivity is far from fulfilled. Organizations across the city work tirelessly to chip away at the gross injustices still plaguing our communities. The Fulfilling The Dream concert was created so that these leaders can come together and share their load, plug in, and find new projects to support.” Arnaé Bateson, Guest Leader Arnaé Batson is a Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, culture carrier and proud preserver of Black American musical traditions.  She uses music, song and storytelling to empower and inspire lovers of singing to find their voices, reawaken their vocal joy and create spiritual pathways for healing.  Her dedication to racial and environmental justice is an extension of her decades-long work with the internationally acclaimed women's ensemble, Sweet Honey In The Rock. With a vocal style that seamlessly fuses gospel, soul, jazz and avant-garde artistry, Ms. Batson has cemented herself as an artist without boundaries.  Blazing her own path and “being in the right rooms with the right teachers” has earned her the distinction of being one of the foremost interpreters and song leaders of music from the Underground Railroad and Black American Sacred Music.  Additionally, her work brings new life to iconic songs of the American Civil Rights Movement. As founder of The SSING Network ( S haring S ongs - I nspiring N eighborhood G atherings), Ms. Batson travels globally, using songs and storytelling to empower and inspire singers of all ages and abilities.  Her work involves curating and facilitating community building singing workshops for the California Poor People’s Campaign, the Highlander Research and Education Center, Living Legacy Pilgrimage, Inc. and the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights & Social Justice. Ms. Batson is grateful for every opportunity to build connections and provide the musical salve necessary for the healing of personal and social wounds, for all who are willing. Join the 2026 Mass Choir One of the main goals of the “Fulfilling The Dream” annual concert is to bring justice-minded singers together from around the city to share their voices on music that has inspired movements. This collaborative event led by different conductors is a way for whole choirs and individual singers to gather as a large ensemble, celebrate, and meet other singers who want to contribute their voices to bringing justice, equity and inclusivity to Los Angeles. The choir rehearses on Thursday, January 15th from 7:00-9:30 to sing a few well-known songs. We will meet again on Sunday morning January 18th at 8:45am to review. Those who can’t make Thursday can still plan to join us on Sunday. No preparation is needed, but the music is available ahead of time for those who would like to prepare. Singers of all ages are welcome. Please email Music Director David Harris ([email protected]) with questions and to RSVP for yourself and your ensemble so we know how to plan for you. “It was said that as Dr. King traveled to different towns and cities, and met the local leaders and foot soldiers on the ground, he knew that they were ready to truly participate in a non-violent movement when he heard them singing.” ~September Penn, The Power of Song, Inc. from the 2022 “Fulfilling The Dream” concert 2026 MLK Planning Committee Cassandra Gonzales (Pilgrim School), Rebecca Wink (VOX Femina LA), Brandon Harris (Rowland HS and The Cathedral), Bernard Brown (The Cathedral), Rev. Michael Lehman (The Cathedral), David Harris (The Cathedral), Laurie Dill (Cathedral Gardens and Urban Farm)       Partnership With Creating Justice LA Creating Justice L.A., their Center for Peace and Healing in Skid Row and Skid Row People’s Market, and their leaders Kayo Anderson and Pastor Cue continue in partnership for the 2025 Fulfilling The Dream. The Center is an L.A. organization creating community through compassion in the epicenter of L.A.’s housing crisis. They provide a place to belong, a home for curiosity and creativity, a business center, and free snacks and smoothies for all. Community lies at the center of peace and healing. Community not just for the Skid Row neighborhood, but for all Angelenos. The Center for Peace and Healing opens the daily opportunity for compassionate hearts to lift all of our neighbors toward equitable living. Healing LA’s housing wound will take everyone. Pastor Stephen "Cue" Jn-Marie is pastor of The Church Without Walls in Skid Row. Every Friday, for the last 17 years, he has led services, prayed with, and fed people in the heart of Skid Row, Los Angeles – America’s homeless capital. He is a former Virgin Records rapper who left the music industry in 1994 to become a preacher, activist and organizer. His persistent organizational, lobbying, and one-on-one efforts for the people of Los Angeles continue to create impact across the city, and for people of The First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Welcome to First Church Sunday Morning will Surprise you... A Place to Belong A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity Meetinghouse Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events SCROLL DOWN Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events   BACH TO THE FUTURE II THE SHOW GOES ON! BACH to the Future II  will be performed as originally scheduled at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, at 8:30 PM. This event is now presented solely by First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Tickets already sold through Musica Angelica will be honored. Experience Christoph Bull performing the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach on one of the largest pipe organs in the world, accompanied by a dazzling laser light show. Click here to make make a donation that guarantees admission ahead of time. You can also donate at the door the night of the event. Instead of the previously planned food trucks and a bar there will now be a pre-concert reception with light refreshments in the forecourt, starting at 7:30p. Go here for more information or for any question please e-mail [email protected] First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a progressive, positive, and open church with a strong arts and music culture. We welcome and celebrate those of all faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.   Sunday Morning will Surprise you... Sunday Morning will Surprise you...   The Sunday morning worship service at First Church is a richly textured experience. Our service is traditional in structure, but we bring together the arts – music, literature, poetry, painting – as well as science and religious texts – to create a joyful experience of community. Each Sunday we engage the heart and mind, believing that faith and reason are essential to the spiritual journey.   A Place to Belong A Place to Belong   First Church is a vital, diverse and multi-generational community of faith. People of all ages – children, families of all configurations, young professionals, seniors, and everyone in between, come together in an authentic experience of Christian community. As an urban church in the heart of the city, we celebrate compassion, diversity and inclusivity, respecting people wherever they may be on the journey.   A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity   We live in the deeply held value that every human being is a child of God, and that we are called to open the doors of our church as wide as God’s heart. Our values of faith, rooted in the life of Jesus, continue to be forged by the contemporary issues of our time. As the oldest Protestant Church in the city of Los Angeles, we celebrate the many diverse religious voices in our city, even as we seek to embody the spirit of Jesus by loving our neighbor as ourselves.     First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a proud UCC Church.   Meetinghouse Meetinghouse Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Our Staff — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Our Staff Our staff works hard to bring you the best possible experience at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Here is a look at who is behind what makes First Church work! Board of Trustees Jason Lambert Charity Paniamogan G. Bernard Brown Jonathan Fraker Rita Dickinson Lance Skiles Bill Macomber Scott Cymbala Lauren Seely Melisa Paniamogan James Prewitt Joseph Walls Rev. Laura Vail Fregin, Senior Minister & CEO Rev. Michael Lehman (he/him/his), Senior Associate Minister Music Dr. David Harris, Director of Music & Arts Tiffany Ho, Music Assistant Dr. Ianthe Marini, Assistant Conductor Dr. Fahad Siadat, Assistant Conductor Dr. Christoph Bull, Organist-in-Residence Communications Kirsty Garcia, Director Molly Pease, Social Media Audio/Visual Technology Marc Doten, A/V Tech Cameron Johnston, A/V Tech Aria Gittelson, A/V Tech Danny Hesse, A/V Tech Kaspar Abbo, A/V Tech First Kids First Claire Kelly – Director of Children, Youth & Families Jonathan Rios - First Kids First Teacher Naseem Ahrestani - First Kids First Teacher Blanca Valdez - Infant Toddler Teacher Yadira Ramirez – Infant and Toddler Teacher Yolanda Segura - Minis Teacher Administrative Dawn Olsen, Chief Administrative Officer Alexis Lunn, Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable Specialist Mona Lopez, Senior Accountant Leovi Nunez, Human Resources & Office Administrator Performing Arts & Events Chester McCurry (he/him), Director of Performing Arts & Events Reneice Edwards, Wedding Venue Manager Sammi Smith (they/them), Performing Arts and Events Assistant Campus Facilities Jose Reyes, Director of Campus Facilities Marco Diaz, Facilities Coordinator Elda Valladares, Facilities Merlin Granados, Facilities Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Food@First — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Food@First Food@First Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month ,  we proudly serve approximately 220 families in our neighborhood . Food@First offers a variety of fresh produce, canned goods & non-perishables, protein, hygiene products, reusable bags, and more. Our items are generously donated by our very own Urban Farm & Cathedral Gardens, FCCLA sewing club, local partners, private donors, & restaurants across Los Angeles.  Simply join the line, and our dedicated volunteers will fill your bag—no questions asked.  Supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Reusable bags are encouraged!"   Every 1st Sunday of the month , we invite our neighbors to take advantage of our diaper program during Food@First! We provide diapers in the following sizes: Newborn, 4, 5, 6 & Adult. Available diaper sizes & quantity may vary each Sunday.       Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla The Great Organs — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments The Great Organs The Great Organs of First Church is an instrument appreciated by organ aficionados around the world for its complexity, grandeur, and remarkable sound.  Comprised of several organs joined together, it is among the largest church pipe organs in the world, with 18,094 speaking pipes, 328 ranks, 15 divisions, and a total of 278 speaking stops. Video reel of The Great Organs as Dr. Bull plays Philip Glass “Dance No. 4”. listen to More Pieces on the great organs The Seeley Wintersmith Mudd Memorial Organ (Chancel) The original instrument is immediately visible upon entering the Sanctuary flanking either side of the Chancel.  It was installed by the noted American organ builder, Ernest M. Skinner when First Congregational Church of Los Angeles erected their fifth church building at the corner of 6th Street and Commonwealth Avenue in 1931, during the depths of the Great Depression. Voiced in the style of what came to be known as the “American Classic” school of organ building, the five divisions of the organ served as the church’s principal instrument until 1969, when the Frank C. Noon Memorial Organ was installed in the West Gallery. This new addition was built by the Herman Schlicker Organ Company and overseen by First Church’s Organist in Residence at the time, Mr. Lloyd Holzgraf. Set in a free-standing case with towering copper pedal pipes on either side of the historic rose window, the Gallery Organ enables the organist to capture the spirit and inspiration of the North German tradition of the 17th century. The Frank C. Noon Memorial Organ (West Gallery) The nationally known James W. Fifield, Jr., Senior Minister of First Church for 32 years, and Lloyd Holzgraf, the brilliant Organist in Residence at First Church from 1959 until 1998, envisioned a grand new instrument in the West Gallery of First Church, more than 200 feet from the Main Altar in the Chancel. Thus, the Frank C. Noon Memorial Organ, named for the distinguished banker and devout churchman who guided the project to completion, was built by Herman Schlicker, with Clarence Mader and Mr. Holzgraf as consultants. Set in a free-standing case with towering copper pedal pipes on either side of the rose window, the Gallery Organ, with its clean voicing, brilliant ensembles and grand basses in its five divisions, enables the organist to capture the spirit and inspiration of the North German tradition of the 17th century. The Italian Division (Chancel) The 11th division consists of a small Italian-style Continuo Organ, situated above the Peace Shrine (adjacent to the South Choir of the Chancel). Build by Schlicker, the crisp tones of the Continuo Organ are heard frequently in the accompaniments and in large ensembles. The Holzgraf Trumpet Royale (Chancel) Other significant additions to the organ include the Holzgraf Trumpet Royale (located in the Chancel), powerful trumpets which were installed in 1984 in honor of Mr. Holzgraf’s 25th Anniversary at First Church. Two identical consoles – each of which can operate the entire instrument individually or in tandem - set in the Chancel and West Gallery were installed in 1992 and created by the Moller Organ Company.  The Gospel and Epistle Divisions, located in the North and South Transepts, were completed during the tenure of Frederick Swann, 1998 to 2001, built by William Zeiler, then curator of The Great Organs. Inside the Organ Chamber - The Great Organs of First Church - E.M. Skinner Great, Pedal, Choir, Solo Renewal and Upgrades In 1990, First church embarked on a program of renewal and upgrading of the Great Organs designed to meet three separate challenges: Recognizing that the duplicate Schlicker consoles (1969) were both technologically outdated and increasingly incapable of controlling the vast resources of the organs, the Trustees awarded a contract for the construction of two mammoth five-manual consoles to M.P. Moller, Inc., the oldest and largest American organ builder. The Mudd Memorial Organ in the Chancel was in need of new wind chests and other mechanical repairs after some 60 years of service. 1989 first Church received a very substantial gift that would add approximately 100 ranks to the Great Organs. Richard F. Meunch, longtime Curator of the Great Organs, undertook the second and third parts of this work until his untimely death in 1992 and it was completed by William Zeiler. The Moller Consoles (Chancel and West Gallery) The duplicate consoles that grace the Chancel and the West Gallery of First Church are the largest draw-knob consoles ever built in the Western Hemisphere. The Chancel console, which can be moved out into the Chancel for performances, was installed in November, 1992, and was the last masterpiece designed by the venerable Moller firm, which soon closed its doors as a result of financial problems. (Moller knowingly underbid the actual cost of these gigantic consoles so as to have the prestige of designing/building them). The twin Gallery console, completed by former Moller craftsmen at the Hagerstown Organ Company, was installed a few months later. Gospel and Epistle Divisions (North and South Transepts) Under the direction of the famed Frederick Swann, Organist in Residence from 1998 to 2001, William Zeiler completed the installation of Divisions in the North Transept Gallery (Gospel) and the South Transept Gallery (Epistle), so that those attending services and concerts at First Church are now surrounded by music on four sides. Organists of note from around the world, including E. Power Biggs, Virgil Fox, Alexander Schreiner and Pierre Cochereau, to name only a few, have played the Great Organs of First Church during the last 40 years. Hearing the Great Organs of First Church The Great Organs are heard each Sunday in a half-hour organ prelude at 10:30 am. Then, they are played for our morning worship service at 11:00 am and at the great Festival Services of the year.  Additionally, they are played in various concert events that are being presented at First Church. It takes tremendous resources to keep it maintained and in excellent working order. If you would like to make a tax-deductible gift, or include The Great Organs in your estate planning so that they may be enjoyed for generations to come, visit fccla.org/give for more information. Support the Great Organs   Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Weddings — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Weddings Weddings   First Church is the perfect venue for an elegant & unforgettable wedding or celebrating life events. We can accommodate events from 2 to 200 & more. Find a package that suits you and let us help perfect it!   Classic Wedding Ceremony Shatto Chapel Wedding Package Book a tour   Add On's Wedding Receptions FAQ’s     Instagram - @1churchlaevents   Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Gardens & Farm — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles #collection-6616bc50c9490041bee941ed{ .Header-branding { display:none; } } Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Gardens & Farm Grow It 〰️ Share It 〰️ Grow It 〰️ Share It 〰️ Grow It 〰️ Share It 〰️   Join us as we embark on this journey! Located in the heart of Koreatown/Westlake, Los Angeles, California. We share our resources by growing appropriate, abundant, organic fruits, vegetables & herbs, to feed our neighbors facing food insecurity. We empower others to plant, grow, build, and learn skills through classes, workdays, and hands-on workshops. We are dreaming and creating a community of joy and shared abundance on our urban regenerative footprint.   Feeding Our Neighbors Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month through Food@First, we share fresh fruits & vegetables, grains, nuts, beans, rice, and healthy staples, to our neighbors in need. To-go meals, hygiene kits, and diapers are also shared.    Our Medicinal, Culinary, Butterfly Gardens and our Cathedral Production Farm supplement these donations with hundreds of pounds of seasonal vegetables and fruits that reflect the varied needs of our diverse neighbors.   To phase out single use plastic bags, we have created a Sewing Club that transforms donated, worn and clean T-shirts and tablecloths into Market Bags. The Club creates community, teaches skills and collaboration, and empowers participants to live more  responsibly for our planet. Learning In Community We hold weekly workdays and DIY workshops, where our teams build, plant, weed, and harvest. Our Gardens & Farm are educational spaces in which to nurture regenerative practices such as food preservation, bread-baking, food origins, cooking, and life skills. Teaching In Community We shared treasured partnership with neighboring organizations, and bring elementary and high school students into the Gardens and Farm to learn plant senses and taste, music and monarchs, deadheading, food origins, cooking and crafts. Nourishing Our Environment Our Gardens and Farm are regenerating our soil and redfining our urban footprint through ecological, regenerative practices that incorporate soil amendments, non-chemical fertilizers, integrated pest management, and other sound methods.   Our dozens of fruit trees and medicinal, culinary, and butterfly plants are providing habitat for our birds, pollinators, and the return of monarchs.   Our composting program turns food waste from students, school and church communities, into rich organic soil that nourishes our growing food. Join us as we embark on this journey! Donate Volunteer Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Filming — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Filming Filming Commercial Filming Welcome and thanks for your interest in First Church! We are located in the heart of Los Angeles just minutes away from Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. For all commercial Filming/Recording not related to a wedding or event, please contact our location representative for a tour and more information: Elaine Media Locations (323) 497-6575 [email protected] Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Cathedral Choir — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Cathedral Choir Cathedral Choir An artist-first community where you can feel at home, heal your soul, nurture your voice, and share your creativity. For over a century, the First Church Cathedral Choir has led the congregation in regular Sunday services and special events, and remains one of L.A.’s best kept artistic secrets.  Today’s Cathedral Choir includes professional artists from L.A.’s robust vocal, theater, and film worlds in addition to avocational singers whose professionalism and insight from their unique careers helps to create the essential core of the Cathedral Choir community.  Singers looking to hone and share their developed talents sing alongside those who are newly exploring the vocal arts.  Each voice shares in the leadership of the ensemble, coalescing their perspective and life wisdom into a cohesive whole.  The Cathedral Choir is a welcoming group, and celebrates the diversity of race, creed, and identity that make up the ever-growing ensemble. See the Music & Arts page for more information about joining the Cathedral Choir. Here is why this artistic community’s unique experiences may be calling you. “ The experience in the FCCLA choir will enhance your spiritual journey, deepen your wisdom in an extremely authentic environment. It happens to me. I call my Sundays fun Sundays. Every weekend, I am excited to sing in the FCCLA choir. ” — Marie, choir member Compassion-Focused, Artist-Centered Rehearsals Our rehearsals are compassion-focused and artist-centered. We choose to elevate the individual by creating a corporate space in which each member can bring the fullness of their voice while they grow, heal, and thrive. We recognize that traditional artistic and spiritual experiences are often laden with elements of judgment and pressure that lead to suffering among the very people who are there to share from places of vulnerability. Operating from the scientific definition of compassion written by researcher Paul Gilbert, we maintain ”a sensitivity to suffering in self and others with a commitment to try and alleviate and prevent it.” Rehearsals are structured in ways that prioritize the individual’s creative exploration. Individuals are invited, through various points of entry, to share themselves with the whole. The result leads to amplified flow, integrated emotion, and musical excellence. Rehearsal processes, repertoire, and activities grow from this place, yielding lasting connections that feed the group’s artistry. Listen to Music and Arts Director, David Harris, and Laude member Laurel Irene explore this idea in their podcast Underground Ictus at the link below. Underground Ictus “ I am so grateful to have the outlet of singing in a supportive, uplifting atmosphere. ” — Choir member Community You Can Trust, Artistic Fulfillment You Can Count On Every week the Cathedral Choir sings significant music with stylistic sensitivity and emotional intention. Simultaneously, the group prepares for regular concert-length events throughout the year. Leaders from across L.A.’s music landscape help to create the momentum and stability necessary to enjoy this speed of acquisition musically and emotionally. The community actively practices non-judgment in rehearsals, and explores music from creative, artist-first perspectives that gives space for each individual to shape their personal goals for their musical experience. These practices elicit bonds of trust among the singers, helping to bolster and inspire confidence in one another and in each individual’s musical contributions.  Major Performances The Cathedral Choir performs major events throughout the year including our Christmas in the Cathedral Christmas Eve services, our annual MLK celebration, the Great Works on the Great Organs concert, All Saint’s Day concert, Holy Thursday Choral Communion, and periodic concerts as a feature within Sunday services. Concerts are often performed with the addition of orchestral musicians. Past concerts have included Vivaldi’s Gloria , Mozart’s Requiem , Haydn’s Creation , the premiere of Patrick Cassidy’s The Mass with Martin Sheen as narrator, Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem , Faure’s Requiem , Bach’s Magnificat , and a concert of women composers of the Italian Baroque. To see upcoming concert events, visit fccla.org/music. Patrick Cassidy’s The Mass was premiered by Cathedral Choir, soloists from Laude and Dr. Christoph Bull in 2022 Cathedral Choir brings the spirit in this Christmas Eve service from 2021 The Cathedral Choir and orchestra performing Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria in D” in 2022. During 2020, Cathedral Choir, Laude and Dr. Christoph Bull put together an epic virtual concert of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. The Cathedral Choir and orchestra performing J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat in D” in 2019. The Cathedral Choir with players from Musica Angelica perform Roque Ceruti’s “Misa de Lima” and Laurel Irene sings Orejon Aparicio’s “Mariposa” as part of the Musica Angelica Bach Festival in 2023. Voice Science Music and Arts Director David Harris and his wife and Laude member Laurel Irene are leading voices in the application of voice science for individuals and ensembles. Through their website voicescienceworks.org they help to translate complicated science into practical tools for exploring the voice. Rehearsals at First Church lean on this body of understanding by making the rehearsal a playground of exploration. Singers are encouraged to explore new sounds and are offered immediate tools, steeped in a measurable understanding of the vocal mechanism, to discover newness in themselves. This combination of scientific rigor and playful exploration create a leveling agent, bringing the ensemble closer together in their search for sounds. Avocational singers and professionals alike enjoy the attention given to their voice and the space to develop new vocal tools over time. “ Come and join our choir where everyone is welcome. You will love singing music that is so beautiful and uplifting and you will leave feeling changed. ” — choir member A Place For New Music The choirs at First Church premiere new pieces regularly, working closely with composers to craft their compositions and give life to them. There is nothing quite like process of creating new music. Bringing ones self into the excitement and personal agency of newness enlivens and empowers. New works also address today’s questions, bringing current commentary and wisdom to us regularly. We have premiered or performed second readings of pieces by Judy A. Rose, Damien Geter, Jonathan David, Kelly McCandless, David García Saldaña, Brent Michael Davids, Fahad Siadat, Amy Gordon, Jos Planning Packet — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Planning Packet Event Planning Packet Congratulations on booking your event with FCCLA! Here’s a guide to assist you on your next steps towards planning your event. (If you have not signed a contract, please refer to our Inquiry Form ) Review the checklist below and submit the online Questionnaire Form no later than 30 days prior to your event. Email the following documents to [email protected] : insurance, vendor rules/guidelines, timeline/show order, & floor plan. Wedding Planning Packet Venue Time Block All of the following must take place within your contracted time block (refer to your contract if needed): arrivals/departures vendor load-in/out setup/breakdown sound checks (if needed) If additional time is needed, client must schedule in advance. We suggest confirming the amount of time needed for setup/breakdown with your vendors. Early arrivals/time overages will be deducted from the security deposit on file. Email your day of timeline to [email protected] Wedding Questionnaire Access online form here: Wedding Questionnaire Form . Please submit the online form no later than 30 days prior to the event date. (Any updates my be sent 1 week prior) Refer to our Rental Catalogues for inventory quantities when filling out the form. A PDF version of the Wedding Questionnaire Form is also available [here] The online form will not save an in-progress draft and you will be forced to start over. Ceremony Music Client agrees to submit song selections to Venue at least thirty (30) days prior to the Event for approval. Refer to the FCCLA Wedding Ceremony Repertoire List when completing the music section of your Quesionnaire Form. If more than (2) songs are chosen that are not on Venue’s repertoire list, an additional "Organist fee" is applied per song. Any music selections not on FCCLA's repertorie list, client is resposible for providing the sheet music. Client may use guest musicians and vocalists during the Event. All guest musicians and vocalists must be present at a sound check thirty (30) minutes prior to the doors opening for the Event (“Sound Check”). Insurance Submit a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI) at least 30 days prior to your event, naming "FCCLA" as additional insured and waiving subrogation rights against Venue. Policies can be taken out from any accredited private company or your homeowners' insurance. Wedsafe.com & Eventhelper.com are also an option. Vendor Rules and Guidelines Agreement The church requires a signed copy of the Vendor Rules & Guidelines Agreement be on file for all participating vendors prior to their arrival on property. Vendors must complete all pages of the agreement and email [email protected] . Floor Plan Attach your reception floor plans as well as a summary of your setup for your events. You can find blank floor plan diagrams in .JPG & .PDF versions for each space in our Venue Rentals . Venue Details Review prior to arrival Review the FCCLA Client & Vendor Details prior to your arrive, and share these with anyone involved in your event. Events Planning Packet Venue Time Block Email your day of timeline and show order to [email protected] All of the following must take place within your contracted time block: arrivals/departures vendor load-in/out setup/breakdown sound checks (if needed) If additional time is needed, client must schedule in advance. We suggest confirming the amount of time needed for setup/breakdown with your vendors. Early arrivals/time overages will be deducted from the security deposit on file. Event Questionnaire Access online form here: Event Questionnaire Form . Please submit the online form no later than 30 days prior to the event date. (Any updates may be sent 1 week prior.) Refer to our Rental Catalogues for inventory quantities when filling out the form. A PDF version of the Event Questionnaire is also avaiable. The online form will not save an in-progress draft and you will be forced to start over. Digital Media Assets Review Guide Sheet & Email to [email protected] FCCLA Events is excited to work with you to promote your upcoming event on our in-house channels. The following Digital Media Client Guide Sheet is designed to simplify communication between all parties involved so we can promote your event efficiently and effectively! *Unless otherwise directed, FCCLA Events may modify provided content or retrieve additional information from the client’s online publications to fit the constraints of our channels. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at: [email protected] . Insurance Email to [email protected] Submit a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI) at least 30 days prior to your event, naming "FCCLA" as additional insured and waiving subrogation rights against Venue. Policies can be taken out from any accredited private company or your homeowners' insurance. Eventhelper.com is also an option. Vendor Rules and Guidelines Agreement Email to [email protected] The church requires a signed copy of the Vendor Rules & Guidelines Agreement be on file for all participating vendors prior to their arrival on property. Vendors must complete all pages of the agreement before submitting to the email above. Floor Plan Email to [email protected] Attach your floor plans as well as a summary of your setup for your events. You can find blank floor plan diagrams in .JPG & .PDF versions for each space in our Venue Rentals . Venue Details Review prior to arrival Review the FCCLA Client & Vendor Details prior to your arrive, and share these with anyone involved in your event. Payments Payments can be made by check or online at Payment Portal : Pay online here Make checks payable to: Mail check to: FCCLA First Congregational Church of LA Attn. Events Department 540 S. Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020 Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Book Conversations with Rev. Michael — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Tuesdays | 7pm-8:15pm, on Zoom Email Rev. Michael ([email protected]) to join! The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships—or, as they would say, because of them—they are two of the most joyful people on the planet. In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering? Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Architectural History — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Architectural History     First Congregational Church of Los Angeles was founded in 1867 and is the oldest Protestant church in continuous service in Los Angeles. The present cathedral style building is the church's fifth home and was completed in 1932. It was designed by Los Angeles architects James E. and David C. Allison in the gothic revival style and built of reinforced concrete. The construction was very forward-looking for its day. Imbedded in the concrete are over 500 tons of steel bars. The entire structure, including Shatto Chapel and the Seaver Building, encompasses an area of 157,000 square feet. At its apex is a massive tower, which rises to a height of 157 feet. Its design is reminiscent of the tower of Oxford University's Magdalen College. The Bronze Doors You enter the main sanctuary from the forecourt through large bronze doors designed and crafted by Canadian artist Albert Gilles of Quebec in 1946. Three inches thick and weighing a thousand pounds each, the doors portray scenes from the life of Christ. The Pulpit There are seven carvings on the oak pulpit. On either side are medallions depicting a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle, each with a book, representing the evangelists who wrote the four gospels of the New Testament — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. On the far left is the menorah, symbolic of the Old Testament, and on the far right the ship, symbol of the Christian Church. In the center, facing the pews, is a cross inscribed with the Greek letters IC XC NIKA, which means “Jesus Christ, Conqueror.” The Sanctuary The Sanctuary, with its graceful arches and cruciform shape, is 198 feet long and 76 feet high at the crossing. It was modeled on the worship spaces of the great cathedrals of France and England. The spaciousness, dignity and tranquility of this room is complemented by carved oak pews, doors, organ cases and chancel furniture, as well as many beautiful accoutrements given by parishioners or friends as memorials to loved ones. The Reredos The reredos, a beautiful hand-carved oak screen surrounding and supporting the altar, was added to the chancel in 1949. Its soft color, the scale of the cross, the paneling and tracery add greatly to the aesthetic of the chancel and embellish the altar. The main elements of the carving are the vine and grapes, symbolic of Christ and his followers, and the rose, a symbol of new life, new birth. Our reredos was designed by Allison and Rible of Los Angeles, who based their design on the reredos of Winchester Cathedral in England. The cross, the most expressive and honored symbol of the Christian faith, dominates the reredos. Four large shields duplicate some of the carvings you may have noticed outside over the entrance of the church. On the left is the peacock, a symbol of the Resurrection. It is one of the earliest symbols which appear on the tombs and catacombs preserved in Europe. Next is the ship, symbol of the church beset by waves of persecution and schism. On the right the crown of thorns and nails remind us of the Crucifixion. The last is the Agnus Dei, or Lamb of God, the symbol of Christ. The Peace Shrine To the south of the chancel is the Peace Shrine. The Peace Shrine was so named at the beginning of World War II and was used regularly by members praying for loved ones in the armed services of our country. Stained Glass Windows When you enter the nave from the narthex, you see ahead of you a beautiful slender window on the east chancel wall. It depicts the life of Christ in a series of 15 medallions and is topped by the trefoil with the traditional symbols of the Trinity — the hand of God, the Lamb of God, and the Dove — grouped about the Bible. The other two chancel windows also show scenes from Christ's life. Shatto Chapel Shatto Chapel is named for Clara Shatto, who donated the neighboring land that is now Lafayette Park. The dimensions of the chapel are said to be the same as the Mayflower ship. The chapel is used for the church's informal worship services, and is popular for weddings and concerts. Pilgrim School uses both the chapel and the Sanctuary for its chapel services. The pipe organ (The Hildreth Memorial Organ) comes from the previous church building at Ninth and Hope Streets, and was restored and enlarged by the firm of Abbot and Sieker in 1983. Also from that building are the altarpiece and the large stained glass window in the north alcove. The window was changed and cut down to fit its new home. The upper portion of the window, depicting Christ as the Good Shepherd, was crafted by the Lamb Studios of New York, from whom Tiffany learned stained glass-making. The clerestory stained glass windows were done by Charles Connick of Boston. They picture the cycles of life from birth to death. The rose window is the work of Horace Judson. The bronze doors, like those to the Sanctuary, were done by Albert Gilles, and portray familiar scenes from the Gospels. The red and blue tapestry on the south wall, woven by Botke, once hung behind the altar. Below it is a painting entitled "Head of Christ" by Simeon Pelenc. Above the entrance to Shatto Chapel are the symbols of the seven great virtues: cross (faith); anchor (hope); heart (charity); sword (courage); padlock (prudence); balance (justice); bridle (temperance). Wong Chapel Located on the third floor of the church building, this very intimate little chapel was given by Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Wong, Sr. in memory of their son Ernest in 1949. The altar tablet was painted by the noted Danish artist Kay Nielsen. It is based on Psalm 23 and depicts the Good Shepherd and the lost lamb.     Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Meetinghouse Newsletter — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Meetinghouse Newsletter The Meetinghouse FCCLA Newsletter Archive With services and events resuming on campus, please take a moment glance through our newsletter, The Meetinghouse, for the latest at First Church: Click on a link below to read. The following list provides the latest 10 publications, organized from most recent to oldest: Sign up for "The Meetinghouse" Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Payments — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Payments   Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Visit Us — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Visit Us   Welcome to First Church! At  First Church , we strive to be a place of belonging, peace, and safety for all people. Please adhere to the following guidelines when visiting our beautiful campus: Sunday Mornings Campus will not open until 10am; Sanctuary doors open at 10:15am. Please be aware that filming will take place during the livestream of Sunday services. FCCLA Precautions Large backpacks and bags must be kept in vehicles . If they cannot be kept there or you arrive by other means, you may leave them at the security post upon check-in when entering campus. If your bag must be kept with you, security will be required to view the contents of your bag before you enter the premises. We are not responsible for damaged or missing items. Hand sanitizers and masks available on site. Encourage people to socialize outside. COVID-19 Vaccination and Mask Protocol We no longer require proof of vaccination to attend services or events at First Church. Use of masks are optional, but strongly recommended while indoors. Events at First Church   First Church hosts a variety of community activities and events on a weekly basis. You can find a full list at: FCCLA CAlendar What to Expect? We recognize that many people who visit a church for the first time do so with a bit of fear, but we hope that you feel warmly welcomed here. First Church is a spiritual home to people from all walks and stations of life, believers and questioners, people from a range of backgrounds and faith perspectives, who come together to worship God, become more like Jesus, and serve God’s creation. We have highlighted some key information in this section, but the best way to get to know First Church is to talk with the people here. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with one of our pastors, deacons, greeters, or the people in your pew, and learn more about our life of worship, fellowship, and service together. Is there Parking? Yes, we have a parking structure directly adjacent to the church. It is free for our Worship services. How will I know where to go? When you arrive for worship, you’ll find many people ready to welcome you. One of our staff or volunteers will be in the parking lot as you enter. This person can help answer questions, give directions or just provide a smiling face. If you arrive early and aren’t quite ready to enter our sanctuary, there is always fair trade coffee available in Mayflower Courtyard. Just ask a volunteer to show you the way! What if I have children? Toddlers and older children are welcome to spend time outdoors on Festival Plaza with our First Kids First ministry from beginning to end of in-person service, where the FKF staff will engage them in a time of learning, singing, and fellowship.  Click here to learn more about our children’s programs! What if I want to learn more? We’d love to have you join us for our next Discover First Church. This is a casual, no-pressure event with our senior minister to learn more about us and meet others who have been visiting.  Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Calendar — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Calendar Upcoming Services and Events   Visiting FCCLA Sunday Service Livestream   Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Welcome to First Church Sunday Morning will Surprise you... A Place to Belong A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity Meetinghouse Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events SCROLL DOWN Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events   BACH TO THE FUTURE II THE SHOW GOES ON! BACH to the Future II  will be performed as originally scheduled at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, at 8:30 PM. This event is now presented solely by First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Tickets already sold through Musica Angelica will be honored. Experience Christoph Bull performing the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach on one of the largest pipe organs in the world, accompanied by a dazzling laser light show. Click here to make make a donation that guarantees admission ahead of time. You can also donate at the door the night of the event. Instead of the previously planned food trucks and a bar there will now be a pre-concert reception with light refreshments in the forecourt, starting at 7:30p. Go here for more information or for any question please e-mail [email protected] First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a progressive, positive, and open church with a strong arts and music culture. We welcome and celebrate those of all faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.   Sunday Morning will Surprise you... Sunday Morning will Surprise you...   The Sunday morning worship service at First Church is a richly textured experience. Our service is traditional in structure, but we bring together the arts – music, literature, poetry, painting – as well as science and religious texts – to create a joyful experience of community. Each Sunday we engage the heart and mind, believing that faith and reason are essential to the spiritual journey.   A Place to Belong A Place to Belong   First Church is a vital, diverse and multi-generational community of faith. People of all ages – children, families of all configurations, young professionals, seniors, and everyone in between, come together in an authentic experience of Christian community. As an urban church in the heart of the city, we celebrate compassion, diversity and inclusivity, respecting people wherever they may be on the journey.   A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity   We live in the deeply held value that every human being is a child of God, and that we are called to open the doors of our church as wide as God’s heart. Our values of faith, rooted in the life of Jesus, continue to be forged by the contemporary issues of our time. As the oldest Protestant Church in the city of Los Angeles, we celebrate the many diverse religious voices in our city, even as we seek to embody the spirit of Jesus by loving our neighbor as ourselves.     First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a proud UCC Church.   Meetinghouse Meetinghouse Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Get Involved — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Get Involved Get involved at First Church Sponsor a Coffee Hour After worship each Sunday, we gather in Mayflower Courtyard for coffee and conversation. Celebrate a special birthday, anniversary, or milestone with the First Church Community. Click here to sign up. Sponsor a Coffee Hour Collaborate with First Church  Join the Justice, Spirituality, or Community Collaboratives .   Create music with the Cathedral Choir or Handbell Choir .  Join a Collaborative Join the Cathedral Choir Join the Handbell Choir Become a Volunteer  First Church relies on our volunteers to support worship services and serve our community. Click here to sign up.  Become A Volunteer Sign up for our Newsletter   Click here to sign up for the weekly Meetinghouse Newsletter.  Sign up for the Newsletter Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Welcome to First Church Sunday Morning will Surprise you... A Place to Belong A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity Meetinghouse Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events SCROLL DOWN Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events   BACH TO THE FUTURE II THE SHOW GOES ON! BACH to the Future II  will be performed as originally scheduled at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, at 8:30 PM. This event is now presented solely by First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Tickets already sold through Musica Angelica will be honored. Experience Christoph Bull performing the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach on one of the largest pipe organs in the world, accompanied by a dazzling laser light show. Click here to make make a donation that guarantees admission ahead of time. You can also donate at the door the night of the event. Instead of the previously planned food trucks and a bar there will now be a pre-concert reception with light refreshments in the forecourt, starting at 7:30p. Go here for more information or for any question please e-mail [email protected] First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a progressive, positive, and open church with a strong arts and music culture. We welcome and celebrate those of all faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.   Sunday Morning will Surprise you... Sunday Morning will Surprise you...   The Sunday morning worship service at First Church is a richly textured experience. Our service is traditional in structure, but we bring together the arts – music, literature, poetry, painting – as well as science and religious texts – to create a joyful experience of community. Each Sunday we engage the heart and mind, believing that faith and reason are essential to the spiritual journey.   A Place to Belong A Place to Belong   First Church is a vital, diverse and multi-generational community of faith. People of all ages – children, families of all configurations, young professionals, seniors, and everyone in between, come together in an authentic experience of Christian community. As an urban church in the heart of the city, we celebrate compassion, diversity and inclusivity, respecting people wherever they may be on the journey.   A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity   We live in the deeply held value that every human being is a child of God, and that we are called to open the doors of our church as wide as God’s heart. Our values of faith, rooted in the life of Jesus, continue to be forged by the contemporary issues of our time. As the oldest Protestant Church in the city of Los Angeles, we celebrate the many diverse religious voices in our city, even as we seek to embody the spirit of Jesus by loving our neighbor as ourselves.     First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a proud UCC Church.   Meetinghouse Meetinghouse Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Events Newsletter — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Events Newsletter FCCLA Events Newsletter Get event updates delivered straight to your inbox every week! Connect with our community and stay informed with all the exciting concerts & special events happening at The Cathedral. Sign up for our Events Newsletter today! click here Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Music & Art — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Music & Art “ Come and join our choir, everyone is welcome, the music is so beautiful and uplifting and you will leave feeling better and changed. ” — Choir Member Join us at our Upcoming Events Held: Music For A Hurting World As part of our All Saints Celebration service on November 2nd, the Cathedral Choir and Laude will sing music that illuminates the transitional energy surrounding loss. The music is an expression of community connection, love, and the hope that comes from shared compassion. The service includes the tradition of sharing photos and memories of loved ones past during a candle lighting ceremony. All are welcome to share in this meaningful experience. The music for “Held” will be led by David Harris, Ianthe Marini, Brandon Harris, David Conley, and Tanner Pfeiffer with solos by Laurel Irene, Tiffany Ho, Christin Byrdsong, and Lorenzo Zapata and includes: Undine Smith Moore’s “We Shall Walk Through The Valley,” Maurice Duruflé’s “Introit and Kyrie” from his “Requiem,” Ukranian composer Lesia Dychko’s “Slava,” Susan LaBarr’s “More Than Enough” to a poem by Wendell Berry, Arvo Pärt’s “Nunc Dimittis,” Melissa Dunphy’s “Halcyon Days,” and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Pie Jesu” from his “Requiem.” Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony Of Carols” On December 14th the Cathedral Choir accompanied by harpist Ellie Choate will sing Britten’s celebrated “Ceremony Of Carols” for our Christmas performance as a part of that Sunday morning service. A work originally written for children’s voices, its crisp, child-like wonderment illuminates a simple hope in this complicated time. The Golden Thread Concert Series is a monthly event that expands the ritual and ceremonial elements of a musical concert into a spiritual and artistic experience. This curated series includes a wide diversity of musical expression from the plethora of ethnicities and cultures found in Los Angeles and beyond. See monthly concert dates HERE . Music at First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles has enjoyed a long history of musical excellence. The Great Organs at First Church, with over 18,000 speaking pipes, is one of the largest pipe organs in the world, brought to life each Sunday by Dr. Christoph Bull. While our worship services are steeped in rich church traditions, as our congregation becomes increasingly diverse, so does our music program -- spanning the European sacred canon, jazz, Americana and gospel, world music, and influential secular artists whose message aligns with First Church’s focus on justice, equity, inclusion and love as a core to spirituality. If you would like to join the music program, the Cathedral Choir and The Commonwealth have rolling membership, and we have special events throughout the year that are open to anyone to join. Music Leadership   Organist-in-Residence Dr. Christoph Bull Christoph has performed around the world, including the U.S., Europe, Asia and Central America, and recorded for numerous albums, TV shows and movies. Equally versed in classical and popular styles, he especially likes to play organ music, rock music and rocking organ music. Director of Music & Arts Dr. David Harris David ( drdavidharrismusic.org ) specializes in new music, American music, and the intricacies of communication in choral singing and conducting.  He is also the co-director of VoiceScienceWorks ( voicescienceworks.org ), a composer, a frequent performer around LA, and a regular contributor to voice and choral publications. Assistant Director Dr. Fahad Siadat Fahad Siadat is a performer-composer who creates interdisciplinary works, folding words, sound, and movement into ritualistic narratives. His work is described as “hypnotic” (Backstage) and having “a sophisticated harmonic vocabulary” (San Diego Story). His music has been performed in Europe, China, and across the United States. www.fahadsiadat.com Music Librarian Tiffany Ho Tiffany Ho (she/her) ( www.tiffanyhosoprano.com ) sings with the Verdi Chorus (Fox Singer, www.verdichorus.org ), L.A. Master Chorale (auxiliary roster), and various opera companies and music organizations throughout L.A. Cathedral Ringers Director Grace Sheldon-Williams (she/her) directs the Cathedral Ringers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Occidental College, where she studied with Thomas Somerville, and the Master of Music degree from USC. She has directed school and church handbell choirs since 1986.  Young Voices Club Younger Kids Assistant Director Dr. Ianthe Marini Ianthe Marini (Doctor of Musical Arts) AEA Actor and Conductor, and who Boston Broadway Awards called "the one to watch, an unmatchable and dynamic force, and a palpable presence on stage". Best Actress in a Musical, The American Prize in Conducting, she has prepared choruses for leading maestri at The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. www.ianthemarini.org Social Media & Music Coordinator Molly Pease Molly Pease ( mollypeasemusic.com ) is a versatile, experimental and collaborative vocal artist and composer. She sings in a wide array of settings around LA, and creates works for voices, strings and other combinations. Her most recent musical release is a collaboration with her father called “Inner Astronomy” ( innerastronomy.com ). Commonwealth Director Kids and Teens Brandon Harris (he/him), vocalist/conductor is a local performer that specializes in the Choral, Opera, Gospel, Jazz and RnB genres.  Cathedral Choir For over a century, the First Church Cathedral Choir has led the congregation in regular Sunday worship and special events.  Today’s Cathedral Choir includes professional artists from LA’s robust vocal, theater, and film worlds in addition to avocational singers whose professionalism and insight from their unique careers helps to create the essential core of the Cathedral Choir community.  Singers looking to hone and share their developed talents sing alongside those who are newly exploring the vocal arts. Each voice shares in the leadership of the ensemble, coalescing their perspective and life wisdom into a cohesive whole. The Cathedral Choir is a welcoming group, and celebrates the diversity of race, creed, and identity that make up the ever-growing ensemble.  Dr. Harris, Music Director, also the co-founder of VoiceScienceWorks ( voicescienceworks.org ), guides members through explorations of their voices and the music using contemporary research that helps all singers excel individually and as a part of the whole. There are few experiences as uplifting as singing with The Great Organs , and collaborating vocally with Dr. Bull, whose creativity and sensitivity feed the choir every week. “ I am so grateful to have the outlet of sin Young Professionals — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Young Professionals Young Professionals at First Church The purpose of the Young Professionals group at First Church, comprised of adults in their late teens, 20s and 30s, is to provide the opportunity for college students, graduates and young professionals to connect, explore LA, and spend time with people who share their values. First Church is a place where people of all ages can join together in community through learning, serving and having a goof time. If you are a young adult we invite you to join us. For more information contact Rev. Michael Lehman at [email protected] .     Follow Us on Instagram!   FOLLOW US! Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Cathedral Ringers — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Cathedral Ringers Cathedral Ringers Grace Sheldon-Williams (she/her) directs the Cathedral Ringers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Occidental College, where she studied with Thomas Somerville, and the Master of Music degree from USC. She has directed school and church handbell choirs since 1986.  Few sounds illuminate the Sanctuary like the calling sounds of hand bells. The Chancel Ringers continue a long tradition of percussion music in sacred spaces, illuminating special services. Director Grace Sheldon-Williams is an accomplished solo player and a welcoming and inspiring leader. The Chancel Ringers are open to players of all ages, and meet on Thursday nights from 6:00-7:00pm and Sunday mornings from 10:00-10:45am. For more information, email Music and Arts Director David Harris by following the contact button below. CONTACT Grace Sheldon-Williams, Chancel Ringers Director, performing Coventry Carol. Cathedral Ringers performing “A Christmas Tapestry” by Cynthia Dobrinski Cathedral Ringers performing “A Festive Intrada” by Cynthia Dobrinski Music & Art         Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla The Saturday Project — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments The Saturday Project Free & Open to the Community | Gratis y abierta a la comunidad | 자유롭고 지역사회에 개방되어 있습니다 | бесплатный и открытый для сообщества | 免费向社区开放 | libre at bukas sa komunidad | безкоштовний і відкритий для спільноти | Free & Open to the Community | Gratis y abierta a la comunidad | 자유롭고 지역사회에 개방되어 있습니다 | бесплатный и открытый для сообщества | 免费向社区开放 | libre at bukas sa komunidad | безкоштовний і відкритий для спільноти | Free & Open to the Community | Gratis y abierta a la comunidad | 자유롭고 지역사회에 개방되어 있습니다 | бесплатный и открытый для сообщества | 免费向社区开放 | libre at bukas sa komunidad | безкоштовний і відкритий для спільноти | The Next Saturday Project: April 18th | Open 10a - 12p | 540 S Commonwealth Ave | @thesaturdayprojectla | The Next Saturday Project: April 18th | Open 10a - 12p | 540 S Commonwealth Ave | @thesaturdayprojectla | The Next Saturday Project: April 18th | Open 10a - 12p | 540 S Commonwealth Ave | @thesaturdayprojectla | The Next Saturday Project: April 18th | Open 10a - 12p | 540 S Commonwealth Ave | @thesaturdayprojectla | The Next Saturday Project: April 18th | Open 10a - 12p | 540 S Commonwealth Ave | @thesaturdayprojectla | The Next Saturday Project: April 18th | Open 10a - 12p | 540 S Commonwealth Ave | @thesaturdayprojectla | See all     Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Venue Rentals — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Floor Plans Rental Catalogues Floor Plans Venue Details SCROLL DOWN Floor Plans Venue Details For more information about pricing, availability, and to schedule a tour of our facilities click here . The Sanctuary FCCLA’s main Sanctuary features neo-gothic architecture, stained glass windows, one of world’s largest working church pipe organs, a grand piano, surrounding colored LED light options, a large chancel area in front of an ornate reredos, and stone flooring. Seating is made up of cushioned pews plus rows of wooden chairs at the front that can be removed for large orchestras. The Sanctuary contains a state-of-the-art sound system that is ideal for concerts. Capacity: 800 seated Download Floor Plan (.pdf) Shatto Chapel Shatto Chapel is a more intimate sacred space, ideal for recitals and formal receptions. The chapel includes a pipe organ, grand piano, stained glass windows, as well as beautiful tapestries and original artwork. Individual wooden chairs make up the seating in Shatto Chapel. Capacity: 100 seated Download Floor Plan (.pdf) Forecourt The Forecourt is located directly in front of the Sanctuary (which serves as a gorgeous backdrop for events), and is adjacent to Shatto Chapel. The trees within the gates are lit with white lights, and there are two working lampposts. This highly secure outdoor space has three large gates for crowd control. Capacity: 250 seated with dance floor, 400 standing Download Floor Plan (.pdf) Mayflower Courtyard Mayflower Courtyard is a smaller outdoor space featuring gothic arches, a stone staircase and balconies, potted plants, and a working fountain. It is adjacent to both the Sanctuary and Shatto Chapel and is ideal for intimate receptions and daytime photos. Capacity: 60 seated, 100 standing Download Floor Plan (.pdf) Barnum Room Barnum Room is one of the most elegant on campus. This warm and inviting parlor is decorated with rich wood furniture, high paneled ceilings, ornate chandeliers and sconces, wood floors, a large fireplace, and a baby grand piano. During the Advent season, Barnum Room is decked with classic holiday décor including a large Christmas Tree. Capacity: 70 seated, 125 standing Download Floor Plan (.pdf) Amanda Scott Room Amanda Scott, which is adjacent to Stuart Hall and across from Barnum Room, is decorated more simply than Barnum with an open wood floor that can be arranged to your needs. Amanda Scott features high ceilings and windows. Capacity: 60 seated, 80 standing Download Floor Plan (.pdf) Guest Suites Guest Suite Interior Choir Room Interior Deacon’s Room Interior Green Room Interior Click here to Book a tour Rental Catalogues Rental Catalogues Rental Catalogues Rental Catalogues Event Planning Documents The following documents may be required to complete planning questionnaire forms: Venue Furniture Rental Sheet (.PDF) FCCLA Wedding Ceremony Repertoire List (.PDF) Basic Tech Package (.PDF) Digital Media Client Guide Sheet (.PDF) Live Stream Request Form (.pdf) Agreement Forms Below, find copies of several contracts & agreement forms required for hosting your event at FCCLA: Vendor Agreement Form (.pdf) Campus Maps & Diagrams Please find a map of the area attached for your guests' and vendors' reference. VIP parking can be reserved on the upper parking lot in advanced. FCCLA Parking Map (.pdf) FCCLA Campus Diagram (.pdf) Floor Plans Download each space’s floor plans in PDF format below: The Sanctuary (.PDF) Shatto Chapel (.pdf) Forecourt (.pdf) Mayflower Courtyard (.pdf) Barnum Room (.PDF) Amanda Scott Room (.PDF) Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Welcome to First Church Sunday Morning will Surprise you... A Place to Belong A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity Meetinghouse Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events SCROLL DOWN Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events   BACH TO THE FUTURE II THE SHOW GOES ON! BACH to the Future II  will be performed as originally scheduled at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, at 8:30 PM. This event is now presented solely by First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Tickets already sold through Musica Angelica will be honored. Experience Christoph Bull performing the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach on one of the largest pipe organs in the world, accompanied by a dazzling laser light show. Click here to make make a donation that guarantees admission ahead of time. You can also donate at the door the night of the event. Instead of the previously planned food trucks and a bar there will now be a pre-concert reception with light refreshments in the forecourt, starting at 7:30p. Go here for more information or for any question please e-mail [email protected] First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a progressive, positive, and open church with a strong arts and music culture. We welcome and celebrate those of all faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.   Sunday Morning will Surprise you... Sunday Morning will Surprise you...   The Sunday morning worship service at First Church is a richly textured experience. Our service is traditional in structure, but we bring together the arts – music, literature, poetry, painting – as well as science and religious texts – to create a joyful experience of community. Each Sunday we engage the heart and mind, believing that faith and reason are essential to the spiritual journey.   A Place to Belong A Place to Belong   First Church is a vital, diverse and multi-generational community of faith. People of all ages – children, families of all configurations, young professionals, seniors, and everyone in between, come together in an authentic experience of Christian community. As an urban church in the heart of the city, we celebrate compassion, diversity and inclusivity, respecting people wherever they may be on the journey.   A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity   We live in the deeply held value that every human being is a child of God, and that we are called to open the doors of our church as wide as God’s heart. Our values of faith, rooted in the life of Jesus, continue to be forged by the contemporary issues of our time. As the oldest Protestant Church in the city of Los Angeles, we celebrate the many diverse religious voices in our city, even as we seek to embody the spirit of Jesus by loving our neighbor as ourselves.     First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a proud UCC Church.   Meetinghouse Meetinghouse Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Calendar — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Calendar Upcoming Services and Events   Visiting FCCLA Sunday Service Livestream   Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Welcome to First Church Sunday Morning will Surprise you... A Place to Belong A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity Meetinghouse Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events SCROLL DOWN Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events   BACH TO THE FUTURE II THE SHOW GOES ON! BACH to the Future II  will be performed as originally scheduled at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, at 8:30 PM. This event is now presented solely by First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Tickets already sold through Musica Angelica will be honored. Experience Christoph Bull performing the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach on one of the largest pipe organs in the world, accompanied by a dazzling laser light show. Click here to make make a donation that guarantees admission ahead of time. You can also donate at the door the night of the event. Instead of the previously planned food trucks and a bar there will now be a pre-concert reception with light refreshments in the forecourt, starting at 7:30p. Go here for more information or for any question please e-mail [email protected] First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a progressive, positive, and open church with a strong arts and music culture. We welcome and celebrate those of all faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.   Sunday Morning will Surprise you... Sunday Morning will Surprise you...   The Sunday morning worship service at First Church is a richly textured experience. Our service is traditional in structure, but we bring together the arts – music, literature, poetry, painting – as well as science and religious texts – to create a joyful experience of community. Each Sunday we engage the heart and mind, believing that faith and reason are essential to the spiritual journey.   A Place to Belong A Place to Belong   First Church is a vital, diverse and multi-generational community of faith. People of all ages – children, families of all configurations, young professionals, seniors, and everyone in between, come together in an authentic experience of Christian community. As an urban church in the heart of the city, we celebrate compassion, diversity and inclusivity, respecting people wherever they may be on the journey.   A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity   We live in the deeply held value that every human being is a child of God, and that we are called to open the doors of our church as wide as God’s heart. Our values of faith, rooted in the life of Jesus, continue to be forged by the contemporary issues of our time. As the oldest Protestant Church in the city of Los Angeles, we celebrate the many diverse religious voices in our city, even as we seek to embody the spirit of Jesus by loving our neighbor as ourselves.     First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a proud UCC Church.   Meetinghouse Meetinghouse Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Make a Gift — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Make a Gift Make a Gift Today Make your contribution via PayPal!   At First Church, we consider every pledge, tithe, offering, or contribution a gift for the life of our community of faith. No matter how it’s given, our gifts show our gratitude. We have made certain giving is as easy as possible. If you no longer carry checks or cash, but always have your phone – you will be able to download an app soon. If you want to set up a weekly or monthly contribution, you can do so through e-giving. If you want to make a contribution for the weeks you are away, you can set up a recurring gift while you are away. Please accept our thanks for your continued generosity and support. We appreciate your contributions. We’ve made donating to First Church more convenient than ever. There are plenty of ways to give electronically, and as always, you can call the Advancement Office at 213.355.5231. Other Ways to Give MobileMission App *Download Blackbaud’s MobileMission App and search for First Congregational Church of Los Angeles.   e-Offering * Call the Advancement Office at 213.355.5231 to set up a monthly or semimonthly recurring contribution from your checking account. Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Patrick Cassidy's "The Mass"</p> — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Patrick Cassidy's "The Mass"     Album Release Date: Nov. 8, 2021 “This project demonstrates the human potential to persevere, and the spiritual capacity to grow together and bring to light beauty in isolation, regardless of external factors and influences. It is highly recommended to anyone whose spirit needs uplifting, or who simply wants to bathe in the glorious sounds of Cassidy’s Mass.” Matthew Whitfield, The Whole Note download, Buy & stream here The Mass in Concert "The Mass" premiered live in concert on March 19, 2022 as a way for people across Los Angeles to gather and commemorate the two years of quarantine in a healing celebration. Guest host Martin Sheen presented spoken word during the performance sung by The FCCLA Cathedral Choir, David Harris, Director, and Christoph Bull playing The Great Organs. Cohosted by FCCLA, The Resonance Collective , and IrelandWeek , the live premiere aligned with many historical moments including the ongoing pandemic, its two-year anniversary, Ireland’s centennial of independence, and the continuing energies of so many to fulfill promises of equity in our pluralistic society. A special moment of silence and song was held for the people of Ukraine who were, at that time, a month into Russia’s oppressive war against them. Watch The Live Premiere The Mass Concert Program “The Mass” Video Content Holy Heresy Podcast     Recording the album… Patrick Cassidy’s The Mass for choir and organ grew from the challenges of quarantine, and became a symbol of lasting beauty sewn in hardship. During the Covid-19 pandemic, as the world struggled, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to create The Mass . Even with the challenges of virtual recording, we needed to feel the shared experience of bringing new art to life. This piece and this project demonstrate the human potential to persevere, and our spiritual capacity to grow together and find beauty even in isolation. Matthew Whitfield of The Whole Note says of the album that “Cassidy’s writing is stunningly beautiful and primarily uses a late-Romantic idiom, with luscious harmonies and gorgeous melodies that are both profound and sublime. The singers, despite their isolation, blend with a precision and clarity that is, in a word, unbelievable, while Christoph Bull, organist-in-residence at the First Congregational Church of Lost Angeles – which houses one of the world’s largest pipe organs – is in fine form, making that single instrument sound as varied and convincing as an entire orchestra.” The sublime nature and emotional depths of The Mass creates space for the listener to sink into themselves as its complexities wash over them. By reimagining the traditional Catholic Mass text in the context of universal solace, Patrick has given us a work for the ages, and encouraged us to consider our place in society, spirituality, and history. The rendering of the album reflects the uniqueness of this moment in recording history. Every track came from a different studio. Each of the singers and organists became their own engineer. The choir director became the primary mixing engineer, utilizing directorial skills through the slow process of integrating one line at a time by contrast to the uplifting joy of hearing voices unite in communal decisions. The organist had to fully envision the work as the first recorded track on his own, buffeted only by the wise ears of the composer, his sole audience. The mastering process relied on the time consuming joint creativity of engineer, director, organist and composer who had to envision new approaches to creating choral/organ recording synergy, and getting everyone into the “same room.” Just as the project grew from the quarantine experience, it is for those who have lived it. This project is dedicated to all who suffered through the pandemic, whose lives were immeasurably changed and will be marked by this magnitudinous event: may this project, drawn from the tumult of our time, bring you comfort and pause as it has done for us. As the end of our poetic translation of the Credo reads: ‘I confess to a universal hope for the healing of all people through humility and compassion. I seek unity with those who have gone before, and with all life now and to come. Amen.’   About the Artists Patrick Cassidy Composer Patrick Cassidy is a knight of Italy, conferred by the President of Italy, and bestowed with the title of Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy.This Irish composer came into prominence with the release of the Children of Lir , the first major symphonic work written in the Irish language. Recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra , it remained at Number One in the Irish Classical Charts for over a year. Following his graduation from the University of Limerick in Applied Mathematics, Patrick released his debut album Cruit in 1988. Cruit featured music by 17th and 18th century Irish harpers, arranged for Irish harp and baroque ensemble. From this foundation emerged his epochal work The Children of Lir which resulted in Patrick being bestowed with the Medal of Honour and Distinguished Alumni Award from The University of Limerick. Other works include Deirdre of the Sorrows and Famine Remembrance, which had its premiere at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, New York. Dr. Christoph Bull Organist-in-Residence Christoph has performed around the world, including the U.S., Europe, Asia and Central America, and recorded for numerous albums, TV shows and movies. Equally versed in classical and popular styles, he especially likes to play organ music, rock music and rocking organ music. Dr. David Harris Director of Music and Arts David specializes in new music, American music, and the intricacies of communication in choral singing and conducting.  He is also the co-director of VoiceScienceWorks, a composer, a frequent performer around LA, and a regular contributor to voice and choral publications. Laude Vocal Ensemble The members of Laude represent some of the brightest vocal and choral stars in Los Angeles. Ensemble and business leaders, composers, soloists, film and stage actors, and instrumentalists make up this robust chamber group, lending it noted flexibility and strength. Laude members sing with the Cathedral Choir as section leaders in addition to meeting on their own to present more intimate musical experiences. Each member also frequently presents solo features from the breadth of their professional acumen. The Mass Poetic Translation The poetic translation by David Harris was written as a reflection on the universal statements of the Mass that served as a primary i Kids and Teens — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Kids and Teens A fun, welcoming, experience-first singing community for kids and teens led by caring industry professionals. Everyone is welcome! CONTACT US! Music Sundays Music Sundays are a once-a-month program of First Kids First where everyone is invited to sing, dance, and connect through music. Younger voices are led by Joanna Wallfisch in more play-based music experiences called The Young Voices Club. Teens and older kids are led by Brandon Harris in a more focused rehearsal process, and prepare for regular performances throughout the year. We call this endeavor The Commonwealth, a name that refers to the communal act of creating music together. Everyone participates in the Christmas Eve pageant through a staged, music-filled play. The Commonwealth The Commonwealth will sing together on Sunday mornings from 11:00am-12:00pm on the following days in 2024-2025: 9/21, 10/26, 11/30, 12/14, 12/21, 1/25, 2/15, 3/1, 4/28, 5/17, 5/31, and 6/1. Performances include 10/5, 11/23, 12/7, 2/1, 3/1, 3/29, 5/3 Sunday morning services 12/24/25, 5:00pm Christmas Eve Pageant 6/7, 1:00pm Spring Concert and other dates to be announced The Commonwealth is a community-wide project that brings the voices of a new generation together to sing, act, dance, connect, learn, and promote the benefits of diversity & social justice in our changing world. It is a function of First Kids First, and meets once a month on Sunday mornings from 11:00-12:00. The Commonwealth is all about the fun of singing together with others. Director Brandon Harris’ inspired and singer-first energy insures that everyone feels included and valued. Commonwealth members will be invited to sing pieces they have learned at special moments throughout the year in different contexts. A select ensemble of older singers will also meet to prepare special pieces. If you are interested in knowing more about how you can be a part of this singing experience, contact Music and Arts Director David Harris by clicking the “contact” button. Brandon Harris (he/him), Countertenor holds BA in Music Education from Cal State Fullerton and MM in Vocal Chamber Music from University of Redlands and is a singer that specializes in various styles including opera, classical, choral, jazz, gospel, R&B and pop. Brandon currently sings through out SoCal in ensembles including LA Opera Chorus, Pacific Choral, Long Beach Camerata Singers, Choral Arts Initiative, DC6, and is also a soloist through out SoCal. David ( drdavidharrismusic.org ) specializes in new music, American music, and the intricacies of communication in choral singing and conducting. He is also the co-director of VoiceScienceWorks ( voicescienceworks.org ), a composer, a frequent performer around LA, and a regular contributor to voice and choral publications. The Young Voices Club The Young Voices Club is an interactive musical play space for younger kids. Renowned singer/songwriter and kids music educator Joanna Wallfisch guides exploration of musical instruments, singing, and dance in a supportive and loving environment. The Young Voices Club is about being together with other kids surrounded by music and people who care. London born vocalist-composer, multi-instrumentalist, author and painter, Joanna Wallfisch heralds from generations of professional musicians. Since 2011 Joanna has released six albums of original music, has featured on various film soundtracks, and appears on four tracks of the 2021 chart topping record  Dawn Fm ,  by  The Weeknd.  Her gift for music encompasses her passion for both performance and for education. She strives to helps others, promoting messages of peace and community, healing and equality through the arts, via education and outreach programs. She is an early childhood music educator for non-profit Urban Voices Project and owns her own company,  Little Whale Music . Music and creativity have been integral to Joanna's life and career. World Music Report describes Joanna's songs as " quintessential heart-music by a vocalist who seems to have connected with the deepest recesses of her being emerging into brightness again with songs of haunting beauty. ” Her music defies genre classification as she effortlessly imbues her songs with nuances of jazz, classical, art-song, and folk, carrying her  "clear-eyed poetry"  (Boston Globe) and  "striking vocals"   (Hothouse). Joanna’s unique musical background shines through in her own compositional style, evoking her classical routes with her love of jazz, art-song, folk and pop, pushing boundaries of genre and stylistic expectations.    Click the image to hear The Commonwealth singing “Try Everything.” Click the image to hear The Commonwealth singing “There’s A World” from “Next To Normal”   We stayed together through quarantine and recorded lots of music! This is “You Are Not Alone” by Katie Combs     Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Events — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Events Welcome Thank you for your interest in First Church! We are the perfect place for social events and musical performances. We are located in the heart of Los Angeles just minutes away from Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. Inquiry Form & Tours… Interested in having an event at First Church? Submit an inquiry for a quote & date availability. Please click the inquiry form below and we will review your event details. Tours are by appointment only. Contact the Events Department to schedule a visit: 213.355.5212 or [email protected] . Events Inquiry Form Note: Anyone accessing campus during school hours will be required to show a valid ID at the security gate prior to entry and will be entered into the federal RAPTOR identification system. **RAPTOR is a visitor registration system that enhances school security by reading visitor drivers' licenses, comparing information to a sex offender database, alerting campus administrators if a match is found, then (assuming no match was made) printing a visitor badge that includes a photo.** Venue Gallery Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Client & Vendor Venue Details — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Client & Vendor Venue Details Thank you for submitting your questionnaire! Review the following IMPORTANT information prior to your arrival. FORWARD THIS PAGE TO ANYONE INVOLVED (i.e. event coordinator, day-off contact, vendors etc.). Contact us at [email protected] with any questions. Thank you! Campus Access & Parking Details The entrance is located on Commonwealth Ave (next to a soccer field). All visitors must check in at the green security booth and then will be directed to park. ( see map ) Anyone accessing campus during school hours (9am - 5pm) will be required to show a valid ID at the security gate prior to entry and will be entered into the federal *RAPTOR identification system. **RAPTOR is a visitor registration system that enhances school security by reading visitor drivers' licenses, comparing information to a sex offender database, alerting campus administrators if a match is found, then (assuming no match was made) printing a visitor badge that includes a photo.** Parking is available onsite. There is unground parking available, and the vehicle height clearance is 8ft. Upper Parking lot can be reserved for VIPs for special events. Please reserve spaces with an Event Supervisor in advance. You will have access to 10 parking spots. LOAD-IN INSTRUCTIONS Vendors may unload curbside or at the upper small parking lot. We request vehicles to move and park underground prior to setting up so that other vehicles can load-in as well.  Coordinator Details CLIENT must designate an on-site representative who will be in contact with the VENUE SUPERVISOR. That person will be responsible for coordinating staff/vendor arrivals/departures & completing a final walkthrough of all spaces used. On-site representative is responsible for making sure all set up items, décor, trash and personal items are removed from all spaces/rooms used prior to departure. This includes any programs passed out to guests, water bottles, signage, etc. Trash should be disposed of in the bins around campus and in rooms. Additional trash bins & bags can be provided, please ask a supervisor or facilities. A cleaning fee of $250 will be deducted from the security deposit on file. Time Blocks & Overages All of the following must take place within your contracted time block: arrivals/departures, vendor load-in/out, setup/breakdown and sound checks (if needed). If additional time is needed, client must schedule in advance. We suggest confirming with vendors the amount of time needed for setup/breakdown. Early arrivals/time overages will be deducted from the security deposit on file. Load-in & Load-Out You may park and unload curbside or on the Upper Small lot and move vehicle underground prior to setting up so other vehicles can load-in/load-out as well. No Smoking Smoking or use of vapes of any kind is strictly prohibited on any area of the venueproperty, inside and outside Network: 1C-Guest | Password: Church@540 WiFi Login Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Employment — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Employment Be a part of the team at First Church!   Member of Laude/Section Leader Position Available We are currently auditioning for rotating section leaders for soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers. This singer will be a member of Laude , the church's professional ensemble, and serve as section leaders for the Cathedral Choir. The rotating position includes between 4-10 paid calls annually. Ideal candidates are excellent sight readers, ample leaders, and facile in multiple singing styles.  The FCCLA choral community is a warm, welcoming, and diverse place where we strive to create fulfilling musical experiences for all.   Section leaders have ongoing solo opportunities with The Great Organs, and opportunities to lead the ensemble in other ways as well including conducting and having compositions and arrangements performed. Interested parties please email Dr. David Harris, Music Director, at [email protected] with a CV and two videos of your singing solos in different styles.  The positions are open until filled. FCCLA is a progressive, positive, and open church with a strong arts and music culture. We welcome and celebrate those of different faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations and expect employees to do the same.    Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Our Values — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Our Values   Open, Accepting & Inclusive We believe every person has been created in the image of the Divine. At First Church you are welcome to be who you are, to love who you love, and explore your beliefs at your own pace. Our community of faith is centered around celebrating the diversity of our congregation. We are committed to justice, equality, dignity, and fairness for all people. This commitment is essential as we seek to dissolve barriers that divide us from each other. We have been called to share love and grace across gender identity, race, sexuality, national origin, and socioeconomic lines. Our partnerships are centered around other individuals and groups who espouse this value. The way we use our space, the individuals we invite to participate in the life and conversation of our church, and our on-going relationships with others who work for justice and peace, are rooted in this understanding that is at the very heart of our congregation. Excellence In Worship Our sanctuary is a beautiful gift of sacred space that has been given over to our care by those who came before us. When we gather on Sunday mornings we weave together all the aspects of this gift beginning with the music of our magnificent organ, and the classical choral traditions of our Chancel Choir. We also seek to incorporate world music that reflects our diversity and original choral compositions, which remind us the intersection of art and faith was not only something from the past, but in fact that creative engagement, continues in this place and time. Our strong desire is to be rooted and grounded in traditions of the past which are being interrupted in new ways. Our liturgies are built on ancient words and images that are being reimagined for our congregation. The sacraments of the church are symbols of life that invite us to actively participate rather than passively listen. Our ministers share the narratives of our faith in ways that ask us to look deep within our lives, so that we may make a difference outside our walls. Each week, we are challenged to love God and to love our neighbor. As we pray for each other and for our world, we are reminded of our responsibility to take the gift we have been given and share it with others that surround us. Intellectual Rigor Combined with Faith We are not afraid to tackle the difficult questions. We believe the Bible is our sacred text and provides a beginning point for our exploration of faith. We also look to science, reason, and the wisdom of other traditions, as we seek to live our lives with our siblings in ways that promote the dignity and well being of all people. We do not shy away from the issues of the day and we encourage honest dialogue that helps us live more fully into the faith that lives within us - and among us. We invite individuals from a variety of disciplines to help us see beyond our doors. We live into the cognitive dissonance that helps us find the path before us, even as we are reminded that we all see the world through very different eyes. Commitment to Children, Youth & Families We are committed to partnering with parents in the spiritual development of their children. While we recognize that faith development comes primarily from within a family, we strive to create an environment where their children can learn of a faith that is as beautiful and spacious as our building. It is our desire that the program for Children and Youth will reflect the other values that we hold so dear. We are clear that every part of our ministry in this area should be open and inclusive of all. We strive for excellence in all that we do and while it is most often apparent in our worship services, our Children and Youth program reflects that same commitment to creatively using the arts, faith, and justice in a transformational way. We remember well the narratives from our recent history when children were not part of our congregation. That narrative continues to call us to be faithful in the present and to make certain this church will be here in the future for our families.   Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Welcome to First Church Sunday Morning will Surprise you... A Place to Belong A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity Meetinghouse Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events SCROLL DOWN Welcome to First Church First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Click Here to Attend in-person or Online events   BACH TO THE FUTURE II THE SHOW GOES ON! BACH to the Future II  will be performed as originally scheduled at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, at 8:30 PM. This event is now presented solely by First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Tickets already sold through Musica Angelica will be honored. Experience Christoph Bull performing the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach on one of the largest pipe organs in the world, accompanied by a dazzling laser light show. Click here to make make a donation that guarantees admission ahead of time. You can also donate at the door the night of the event. Instead of the previously planned food trucks and a bar there will now be a pre-concert reception with light refreshments in the forecourt, starting at 7:30p. Go here for more information or for any question please e-mail [email protected] First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a progressive, positive, and open church with a strong arts and music culture. We welcome and celebrate those of all faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities.   Sunday Morning will Surprise you... Sunday Morning will Surprise you...   The Sunday morning worship service at First Church is a richly textured experience. Our service is traditional in structure, but we bring together the arts – music, literature, poetry, painting – as well as science and religious texts – to create a joyful experience of community. Each Sunday we engage the heart and mind, believing that faith and reason are essential to the spiritual journey.   A Place to Belong A Place to Belong   First Church is a vital, diverse and multi-generational community of faith. People of all ages – children, families of all configurations, young professionals, seniors, and everyone in between, come together in an authentic experience of Christian community. As an urban church in the heart of the city, we celebrate compassion, diversity and inclusivity, respecting people wherever they may be on the journey.   A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity A Dynamic Voice for 21st Century Christianity   We live in the deeply held value that every human being is a child of God, and that we are called to open the doors of our church as wide as God’s heart. Our values of faith, rooted in the life of Jesus, continue to be forged by the contemporary issues of our time. As the oldest Protestant Church in the city of Los Angeles, we celebrate the many diverse religious voices in our city, even as we seek to embody the spirit of Jesus by loving our neighbor as ourselves.     First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is a proud UCC Church.   Meetinghouse Meetinghouse Top CONTACT US We'd Love to Hear from you! Phone: (213) 385-1341   VISIT US First Congregational Church LA 540 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020     FOLLOW US @1stchurchla Laude — First Congregational Church of Los Angeles Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Who we are Our Values Our Staff Architectural History Visit Us Meetinghouse Newsletter Employment Watch & Listen Live Stream Community Children, Youth, and Families The Saturday Project Young Professionals Book Conversations with Rev. Michael Get Involved Collaboratives Food@First Gardens & Farm Music & Art Music The Great Organs Cathedral Choir Laude Kids and Teens Cathedral Ringers "The Mass" Album Fulfilling the Dream Events Events Weddings Filming Planning Packet Client & Vendor Venue Details Payments Events Newsletter Venue Details Calendar Give Make a Gift 2024 Pledge & Recurring Gift Payments Laude Laude The members of Laude represent some of the brightest vocal and choral stars in Los Angeles. Ensemble and business leaders, composers, soloists, film and stage actors, and instrumentalists make up this robust chamber group, lending it noted flexibility and strength. Laude members sing with the Cathedral Choir in addition to meeting on their own to present more intimate musical experiences. Each member also frequently presents solo features from the breadth of their professional acumen. Representation Laude shares The Cathedral’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity. The ensemble represents singers from diverse backgrounds and traditions. Their repertoire embraces the intense breadth of vocal music. They approach stylistic diversity with care and intention, acknowledging the ongoing challenges that exist within these goals. They seek leaders from within their ranks to share from their personal experiences and tools. When exploring repertoire outside of their skill sets, they seek input from outside of the group to illuminate the subtleties inherent within the ranks of diversity.  Upcoming Events Performances Laude leads FCCLA Sunday services, and throughout the year in special concerts. Their vocal flexibility and emotionally-engaging performances create transportive musical atmospheres. In addition to Sunday services, they lead annual events at FCCLA’s including Christmas Eve and the MLK “Fulfilling The Dream” concert , performed with Musica Angelica for the return of the Bach Festival to LA, were featured at the 2022 Western American Choral Directors Association Conference, gave the concert premiere of Patrick Cassidy’s “The Mass” with Martin Sheen as MC, performed John Sheppard’s “Media Vita” with Monday Evening Concerts, and gave the world premiere of Zeljko Marasovich’s “Souls Never Die.”  “Better Days” Ant Clemons, arr. James Hayden sung by Laude, Emily Goglia and David Saul Lee, Soloists, Jaquain Sloan, Vocal Percussion Film and Recording Laude’s live accomplishments are matched by their recording prowess. They are uniquely positioned for film and TV projects. As skilled readers with an intimate ensemble relationship they bring depth quickly to artistic projects. The singers of Laude have expansive vocal tools including capacity in varied styles of singing, and in extended singing techniques like overtone singing, mutliphonic singing, improvisation and more. Music Director, David Harris, leads the voice field in the explanation and application of varied vocal tools. Through his work with Laurel Irene and VoiceScienceWorks , and the N.E.O. Voice Festival with Fahad Siadat, he has elevated discourse for vocalists and composers around the wide capacity of the vocal instrument. David works closely with composers to help create integrated works for whatever project they sing, and has directed on a dozen albums with different ensembles. Laude recorded a staggering 300+ recordings during quarantine including three major works, multiple premieres, and the major work premiere of Patrick Cassidy’s “The Mass” for organ and choir that became their first album. They appear in multiple episodes of CBS’s “Strange Angel”, and are featured in Jackson Greenberg’s score for Barlow Jacob’s film “The Voyage Out.” “Lux Aurumque” by Eric Whitacre sung by Laude “Media Vita” performed by Laude on Monday Evening Concert’s Vita Nuova concert Premieres and Contemporary Composers Laude specializes in contemporary choral music and premieres of new choral works. Their unique vocal talents are matched by their interpretive passion. Music Director, David Harris, has premiered hundreds of pieces throughout his career. He is adept at working closely with composers and ensembles to find the creative centers of new compositions. The pieces that Laude premieres feel vibrantly new and convincingly established. In addition to performing known contemporary works, they have brought pieces into the world by composers including Saunder Choi, B.E. Boykin, David García Saldaña, Fahad Siadat, Molly Pease, David Harris, David Saul Lee, Joseph Rubenstein, Judy A. Rose, Jonathan David, Damion Geter, Kelly McCandless, Nick Strimple, Shawn Kirchner and Patrick Cassidy. By consistently creating new work, Laude aligns with First Church’s desire to lead into a progressive future. Their relationship with today’s creative voices feeds into their exploration of older works, giving their performances of pieces from different time periods vibrancy and newness. “Neque Diliges” by David Harris sung by Laude demonstrating overtone singing, multiphonic singing and vocal timbral variation techniques Services As the resident professional ensemble at FCCLA, Laude leads regularly on Sundays. Their music invites listeners into spaces for contemplation, exploration, and elation. Laude also cores the larger Cathedral Choir . Their strengths as leaders enrich and bolster the talents of the Cathedral Choir’s other industry professional and avocational singers, leading to integrated performances of exceptional artistry and spiritual connectivity every week. Laude’s singers are all accomplished career soloists, and many are composers. They enrich First Church spaces with the fruits of their professional energies.   Hiring Laude To hire Laude for concerts or recordings, please email Music and Arts Director David Harris ( [email protected] ) and Performing Arts and Events Director Chester McCurry ( [email protected] ) with questions and inquiries. Laude Members   Molly Pease (she/her) ( mollypeasemusic.com ) is a versatile, experimental and collaborative vocal artist and composer. She sings with LA Master Chorale, Tonality, HEX, C3LA and LA Choral Lab. Her most recent musical release is called “Inner Astronomy” ( innerastronomy.com ). Fahad Siadat (he/him) - Assistant Conductor Vocalist, composer, conductor ( FahadSiadat.com ), Director See-A-Dot Music Publishing ( seeadot.com ) Tiffany Ho (she/her) - Vocalist ( www.tiffanyhosoprano.com ). Sings with the Verdi Chorus (Fox Singer, www.verdichorus.org ), L.A. Master Chorale (auxiliary roster), and various opera companies and music organizations throughout L.A. Franklin Hobbs (he/him) - Singer, Voice Actor, Photographer ( www.franklinhobbs.com ) David Saul Lee (he/him) - Vocalist, Pianist, Multi-Instrumentalist ( DavidSaulLee.com ) Artistic Director Selah Gospel Choir ( SelahGospelChoir.com ) Sharon Chohi Kim (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist. She specializes in contemporary opera, experimental voice, and vocal improvisation. www.sharonchohikim.com Tanner Pfeiffer ( tannerpfeiffer.com ) is an artist–scholar of queer, experimental, and folk music. Tanner directs trans vocal