Music Ministry at First Congregational Church of Anchorage

Chancel Choir

The chancel choir at First Congregational Church of Anchorage is a friendly and welcoming group of singers that rehearses Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm. We sing in the Sunday Morning service September through the first Sunday of June. Sunday rehearsal is from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. If you enjoy singing and being part of a joyful musical ministry, this is the group for you. We welcome all parts and perform many styles of music.

Peggy McBride is the Choral Music Director of First Congregational Church. She has been directing the chancel choir for over ten years. Peggy has a degree in Music Education from the University of Alaska Anchorage and teaches music at Ptarmigan Elementary School. She is also co-director of Anchorage Sound Celebration, an all-women's choir that performs extensively in Anchorage and in the lower 48. Check out this article about her.

"As the musical director at FCC, I believe that music is its own ministry within the church service. It should be used to strengthen and support the liturgy as well as celebrate the spirit. The best role of music in the church service is when it is melded with the church service and supports the liturgical message, celebrates the spirit and ministers to the soul. Please come and make a joyful noise to the Lord with us!" - Peggy McBride

Handbell Choir

FCC is the owner of a three-octave set of Malmark handbells (C3 to C7). The handbell choir meets September through June at 5:30 pm Wednesdays before chancel choir rehearsal, and performs easy to intermediate pieces monthly during worship services and other church celebrations, plus occasional solo/ensemble pieces. We always welcome more ringers, and would love to teach you to ring! We have a lot of fun! Prior musical experience is not required.  Caroline Valentine is our leader and we are a member of Handbell Musicians of America (formerly American Guild of English Handbell Ringers).