Worship & Music

Where Worship Has Roots and Room
Worship & Music

Worship With Us Sundays

A pastor offers a blessing during a weekday service in the chapel

Sundays, 9 a.m. | Chapel | September through May

The Contemplative Service

The Contemplative Service is an unhurried hour of Scripture, silence, and communion. It draws from both ancient and contemporary forms of worship, weaving in practices that slow people down and help them listen. Communion is offered every week as an act of grace and renewal. A sermon follows the reading of Scripture.

This service pauses for summer, beginning May 24. During summer months, one Traditional Service is held at 11 a.m. Check the current bulletin for the seasonal schedule.

A wide view of the congregation and choir during worship in the sanctuary

Sundays, 11 a.m. | Sanctuary | Year-round

The Traditional Service

The Traditional Service is the full, historic expression of Presbyterian worship. The Sanctuary Choir leads, the organ fills the room, and the liturgy moves through corporate prayer, the reading of God’s Word, and a sermon that applies Scripture to real life. This service is offered every Sunday of the year.

First-time visitors are welcomed at the door. Ushers will hand you a bulletin and help you find a seat. Come as you are.

Marking Life’s Sacred Moments

Life is more than just Sunday morning. At First Presbyterian, we facilitate meaningful worship services for life’s most significant events: baptism, weddings, and funeral or memorial services.

If we can come alongside your family during these times, please let us know how we can serve you. For funerals and memorial services, contact us here.

A wedding ceremony at the front of the sanctuary with the choir and a cellist

Weddings

First Presbyterian’s Sanctuary is a space of extraordinary beauty, and this congregation’s pastoral staff is glad to marry couples who have a relationship with the church. Contact the church office to begin the conversation about a wedding at First Pres.

Wedding Guidelines

Ornamental ironwork and greenery beside the historic church building

Funerals and Memorial Services

The pastoral staff is available to walk with families through grief. When a member passes away, the church community shows up: through pastoral care, through the Flower Ministry, through Meal Ministry, and through the service itself. Funerals and memorial services can be held in the Sanctuary or the Chapel.

A pastor baptizes a toddler at the baptismal font

Baptisms

Baptism is available for both infants and adults at First Presbyterian. It’s understood here as a covenant act, the beginning of a life claimed by God and held by the congregation. Contact the church office or fill out the baptism inquiry form to get started.

Residents of a senior living community gather for a worship service

TV Ministry

Worship Wherever You Are

For more than 60 years, First Presbyterian Church has brought worship into the homes of people who cannot physically attend church. Long before streaming was an option, this congregation found ways to make sure Sunday morning reached beyond its walls.

The 11 a.m. Traditional Service is broadcast live on WAXN-Channel 64. The service is rebroadcast the following Saturday at 9 a.m. The broadcast is closed-captioned. Check your local cable provider listings for the channel in your area.

Both Sunday services are also livestreamed every week and archived so you can watch from home, from a hospital room, or from anywhere in the world. Some people in this congregation have been worshipping with First Pres online for years without ever stepping inside the building. That’s a genuine connection with a community that holds you.

Roku Streaming Instructions FireStick Streaming Instructions

Music at First Presbyterian Church

Music has always been central to worship at First Pres. It’s not background or atmosphere. It’s a way of proclaiming truth, carrying people into Scripture, and helping a congregation speak together with one voice.

The Music Ministry includes choirs and handbell ensembles for every age, from children learning their first anthems to adult singers who’ve been rehearsing in this sanctuary for decades. The organ anchors the sound of the Traditional Service. Whether you sing, play an instrument, or simply love to listen, music here is worth paying attention to.

Adult Ensembles

Get Involved with Adult Ensembles

The adult choir sings during a worship service in the sanctuary

Sanctuary Choir

Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This choir leads music for the 11 a.m. Sunday service as well as special services and programs throughout the year. The Sanctuary Choir sings across the full spectrum of sacred music and provides a close-knit community within the church. New voices of all ages are always welcome. Some music-reading ability, pitch-matching skills, and a love of singing are required.

Handbell ringers perform in the sanctuary

Adult Handbells

Rehearsals: Tuesdays, Noon to 1 p.m.

This skilled handbell ensemble rings in worship regularly throughout the year and participates in larger church events. Prior handbell and music-reading experience is encouraged. Ringers are always welcome to join.

Youth Ensembles

Get Involved with Youth Ensembles

Youth handbell ringers perform in the sanctuary

Ivey Ringers (Grades 6th-12th)

Rehearsals: Sundays, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

A handbell ensemble for middle and high school ringers. Ivey Ringers rehearse weekly, lead in worship throughout the year, and take part in weekend and summer ministry tours to share the love of Christ with others.

A young woman sings a solo during a youth worship service

Youth Choir (Grades 6th-12th)

Rehearsals: Sundays, 5:15 to 6 p.m.

Students of all skill levels are welcome. Youth use their voices to lead worship, build faith, and form friendships that last well beyond Sunday. The Youth Choir participates in ministry tours throughout the year.

Children’s Ensembles

Get Involved with Children’s Ensembles

Children play Orff instruments seated on the floor during children's choir

Carol Choir

Ages 4.5 Through 1st Grade | Wednesdays, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. | Room P307

Through songs and games, these young musicians learn the fundamentals of music, faith, and teamwork, and they participate in worship through their music.

Children in costume perform in a children's choir musical

Kirk Choir

2nd Through 5th Grade | Sundays, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. | Room P119

All experience levels welcome. Kirk Choir leads in worship throughout the year and presents a spring musical.

Beginning Handbells

2nd Through 5th Grade | Sundays, 6:45 to 7:05 p.m. | Room P114

A beginner ensemble for students ready to explore handbell technique. No music-reading experience required. This group rehearses weekly and rings in worship once per semester.

Signature Events Every Year

A choir and orchestra perform a Christmas concert for a full audience

Singing in the Season

In early December, the entire Music Ministry comes together with full orchestra to present this beloved community program, open to all.

Choir members process through the sanctuary during a Christmas service

Lessons and Carols

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Sanctuary Choir and orchestra lead a soaring service of seasonal music, joined by guest instrumentalists from the Charlotte Symphony and the broader Charlotte region.

The choir sings in the chancel before a full sanctuary

Music Sunday

Each Spring, this music-led worship service features the Sanctuary Choir, pastors, and guest instrumentalists in a thematic experience built around song.

There’s a Place for You in the Music Ministry

Singer, instrumentalist, handbell ringer, or simply someone who loves to be part of something beautiful on Sunday morning. The Music Ministry at First Presbyterian has a place for you at every age and skill level. Reach out to Will Young, Director of Music Ministries, to find your spot.

Contact Will Young

Meet the Music Ministry Team

Will Young

Director of Music Ministries

wyoung@firstpres-charlotte.org

Kaitlyn Davros

Associate Director of Music

kdavros@firstpres-charlotte.org

Barb Frith

Music Ministry Administrative Assistant

bfrith@firstpres-charlotte.org

Trevor Cook

Carol Choir Director

tcook@firstpres-charlotte.org

Kelly Harder

Music Associate / Administrative Assistant for Formation

kpotts@firstpres-charlotte.org