Music Ministry

At First Presbyterian Church, music is more than a part of worship—it’s a ministry that unites us in faith, inspires our spirits, and amplifies our collective voice in praise. As part of our faith community, we invite you to engage with a dynamic worship music program designed to touch hearts and encourage active participation.

Our Values & Vision

  • Every hymn, instrument, and voice serves as a tool for reflection, celebration, and inspiration at First Presbyterian Church. We encourage a space where music draws us closer to God and motivates us to live out our faith in tangible ways.

    Our approach to worship is not defined by labels like “traditional” or “modern.” Instead, we seek to create an intimate and engaging experience that resonates with everyone who gathers.

Worship Overview

  • Each worship service is thoughtfully designed to resonate with our congregation—blending a variety of musical styles to inspire hearts and minds. From adorning hymns to uplifting songs, our worship forms a bridge between all ages, sharing in a collective praise that fills our sanctuary.

    Our worship service is one of expression and participation where everyone is encouraged to sing. You will find guided hymn sings, moving musical reflections by Caryn, our pianist, prepared songs from our Worship team and Omnis Choir, and occasional special guests from Capital University and other respectable musicians from our community.

    You will quickly become immersed in an atmosphere of joy, unity, and reverence through our church’s transformative power of music.

Serving Through Song

  • Serving as the heart of our music ministry, the Worship Team guides our congregation in worship to cultivate a spirit of togetherness in praise to God.

    Join Us!

    Rehearsals for the Worship Team are held weekly on Wednesdays from 8-9 p.m. in the church sanctuary. This time of preparation is open to those who feel called to serve through music. If you are interested in using your gifts to enrich our worship, we invite you to join us and become a part of this transformative ministry.

  • The Omnis Choir is perfect for those who enjoy singing but prefer a less frequent commitment. This group offers a relaxed yet meaningful opportunity to contribute to worship, singing every 4-6 weeks and on major holidays.

    Join Us!

    Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m.

    Coming Soon…

    The Omnis Choir will collaborate on a large choir concert in Spring 2025! Whether you're a seasoned singer or just enjoy music, we hope you’ll accept our invite to be a part of this special occasion.

  • The Celebration Ringers, directed by Bill Wittman, are a group of handbell musicians that offer thoughtful and uplifting performances to complement our worship service. This group performs during special events at the church and during the occasional worship service.

    Join Us!

    Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in the bell room at First Presbyterian (room 318).

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

First Presbyterian Church invites the community to an evening of sacred music with TRINITY: Our God of Hope and Help, a concert exploring the depth, power, and mystery of the triune God. Featuring the Dayspring Vocal Ensemble, The Omnis Choir, string quintet, organ, and piano, this event will present a compelling selection of hymns, choral masterworks, and a Commissioning Ensemble Premiere of a brand-new work, Trinity: Our God of Hope and Help by Marianne Foreman.

Under the direction of John M. McClain, this concert is more than just a collection of beautiful music—it is an opportunity to reflect on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a way that words alone cannot fully capture. The program is carefully designed to lead the listener through a journey of faith, beginning with anthems that magnify God's holiness, followed by reflections on Christ, and then, the Holy Spirit. Music by composers such as Craig Courtney, John Ness Beck, Stanford Scriven, Chris Tomlin, Mozart, and Karen Marolli will provide a rich and engaging tapestry of sound, culminating in a premiere of Foreman’s work, a moving and deeply expressive musical statement on the Trinity.

Join us at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, Ohio, for an evening of exceptional choral music as we host The Singing Men of Ohio from Ohio University. This esteemed ensemble, comprising both undergraduate and graduate students, specializes in tenor-bass choral repertoire and is celebrated for its rich harmonies and dynamic performances.

Established in 1989 by Dr. Ira T. Zook, The Singing Men of Ohio (SMO) revived the university's glee club tradition, blending professional musical training with opportunities for creative expression. Guided by their motto, Unitas per Harmonium (unity through harmony), SMO has toured extensively across the Midwest, East Coast, Florida, Wyoming, and even China, sharing their passion for men's choral singing with diverse audiences. The group is currently directed by Dr. Peter Haley, who continues their legacy of musical excellence.

Their performances are renowned for diverse programming, including spirituals, motets, folk songs, musical theater, barbershop melodies, and their unique brand of high jinks. The ensemble's sonorous tone and attention to detail have earned them invitations to prestigious events, such as performing at the Ohio Music Education Association professional conference in Columbus.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the vibrant and harmonious sounds of The Singing Men of Ohio. The concert will take place on Wednesday, March 26, at 7 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 222 N Broad St., Lancaster, Ohio. This is a non-ticketed event, and all are welcome to attend!

Eager to pursue or learn more about music ministry opportunities? Fill out the form below, and we’ll follow up with you to help you take the next step.

  • "WOW!!!!! That was so beautiful & amazing. I felt like I should have been watching the royal family at the cathedral. Great job John McClain & the entire assembly."

  • "This is so beautiful. To see you using your God given skill to come to this level of presentation! God bless you as you bless others through music!"

  • "It was beautiful! So glad to be in the sanctuary this morning to witness the incredible music. Thank you all!"

  • "So beautiful. Gave me chills and tears..happy tears. It surely is what heaven will sound like...you are the master of music. Well done."

  • "Breathtakingly beautiful. A Sunday I will never forget. Thank you to everyone involved."

  • "Love love love this!! So beautiful! I cannot even begin to imagine being a member at your church, WOW!! Praise the Lord for beautiful music!"