FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES

STOP BY FOR A PRAYER U STAY FOR A LIFETIME

A native of Indiana, Dr. Colglazier has served a number of churches throughout his career, most notably University Christian Church in Forth Worth, Texas, the second largest congregation of his denomination.  During his nearly decade long tenure as Sr. Minister, Dr. Colglazier led the church through a period of outstanding membership growth, expanding programming and financial stewardship.   While there he provided strategic planning leadership for a multi-million dollar renovation and building project.  Additionally, Dr. Colglazier was a noted community leader and a regular columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.  Most recently, Dr. Colglazier served the famed Riverside Church in New York City where he served as Interim Chief Program Minister and Head of Staff.  While at Riverside he worked with all programming areas in the life of the church an often filled the pulpit in the absence of the now retired Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr.  Since concluding his work in New York, Dr. Colglazier has taken an intentional pause in his professional life in order to work on a major book about doubt and faith.

As a preacher, Dr. Colglazier is inspiring, challenging, compassionate, and above all, an engaging speaker.  In addition to exploring the deeper meanings of biblical texts, he brings a fresh contemporary way of thinking about God, life and the human experience.  Dr. Colglazier feels strongly that preaching should challenge the mind to think and the heart to feel, lifting up the essence of God found and celebrated in the life of Jesus.  His sermons have been anthologized in a variety of publications, and he was the editor of a national collection of sermons on the importance of peacemaking.  His sermon delivered the week of 9-11-2001 was featured in a book as well.  Homiletics profession, Ronald Allen, has called Dr. Colglazier a "poet, preacher, theologian and visionary of life charged with the awareness of the living God."

First Church is pleased and proud to welcome Dr. Colglazier and his lovely wife, Marti, to our fellowship.  (Note:  Dr. Colglazier's books are now available through our website bookstore.   You will also find copies of some of the movies that were filmed at our Cedar Lake Camp and the church as well as some older (Used) recordings as they are located. Funds raised from sale of church, school and camp related goods are donated to First Church. I do not make a profit from them. For those who are frugal shoppers, used copies will be posted as they become available.

The Memorial to our Saints section is greatly expended. If you have obituaries or names that will help to expand our list of former members and friends, please let me know. kpegelow@hotmail.com. (your webmaster). I have been going through old church records and old newspaper collections in an attempt to make this section more complete. Photographs of these people would be greatly welcomed. If you have e-mail, you can send me a copy. Format needs to be jpeg at 200 dpsi. If you do not have the ability to scan photos, contact me and I'll give you the information as to where to send your photo. Please do not send original photographs. They will not be returned.

Thanks. (Your webmaster)

UAn angel has joined God's heavenly choir and they are the richer for it. First Church and the Cathedral Choir regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Betty Malcolm, a member of both organizations for many years and a dear friend to all who knew her. Her husband, Larry, was no doubt anxiously waiting at the pearly gates to finally welcome her home.

SUNDAYS 9:30 A.M. FAITH DEVELOPMENT SERIES. Look for a new group, the Young Adult Fellowship class is growing. It is comprised of young adults who are seeking ways to share a fellowship with others. We have found this to be somewhat transcient but nonetheless vibrant as many of the members are working full time jobs or attending school and drop in when they are in town. I highly encourage people to check this group out. One thing I like about this concept is that it gives you a sense of a "church home" to come back to in our busy lives. Its good to have connectivity in our lives. So if you are on the go a lot and if you are interested in attending this group, contact Rev. Jung at djung@fccla.org for further information. Our regular services include:

• 10:30 AM Organ Prelude in the Sanctuary;
• 11:00 traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary
• 12:30 Korean Worship Service in Wong Chapel

Milestones at First Church

Dr. Colglazier and his lovely wife Marti completed their first year at First Church this year. To those who have not heard this man preach, I must tell you that in my personal opinion, he is the finest pulpit preacher this church has seen since the days of Dr. Fifield. Under his leadership, this church has begun to grow expotentially. We have gone from a sprinkling of people in the pews to 50, then 100, and now see well over 200 to 300 people each and every Sunday and it continues to grow. We have gone from crickets in the parking lot to a situation wherein if you don't get here early, you may have to park across the street. If this trend continues, and I believe it will, the Trustees will need to start looking for additional parking in the very near future. For those of you who have not been around in a while, when I speak to the need for more parking, you need to know that we have the main parking lot now, plus a large parking lot that used to be 5th street, plus we continue to use the parking lot across the street and on-street parking and it is beginning to fill up rapidly on Sunday mornings.

The First Kids First program has continued to blossom and thrive. If you have children who are looking for a great learning experience, new friendships and a lot of fun, this is the place to be on Sunday mornings. We welcome your children not only to our educational experience, but as members of our faith community. (For the record, my Granddaughter, who is 11, became an official member of First Church at the last membership induction.)

We have a wonderful youth minister in Rev. Dae Jung. He is Chaplain of Pilgrim School and operates our Christian Education program. Under his leadership, a new young peoples ministry is developing. They meet for an occasional meal together, to network with one another and occasionally for an outting on the town. Its a good place to set down roots for those whose transient life makes it difficult to find a place to call their spiritual home. Many of our young people are in school or in jobs that require they travel as part of their jobs. They are indicating they find it settling to have a place to call home no matter how far away they need to go. First Church gives them a connection within their busy lives and the freedom to go where their travels take them. Its a very transient group at any one meeting, but has now grown to almost 30 members. We are looking forward to the next phase of our continuing educational growth.

Dr. Jonathan Talberg has completed his first year in residence as head of our choral music. For those of us who are old timers in the choir, it is exciting to see the growth in this group again. Jonathan is one of those consumate directors that makes the singer feel at one with the music. He is by and large one of the finest choral directors in Los Angeles. His music is a joy to sing and to hear. Since his arrival, this group is also beginning to grow again. He has brought several new members into the First Church family in recent months both from the choir and from the congregation at large. If you are seeking an opportunity to learn new repertoire and sing exciting music under a loving and caring director, you certainly could not find a better person. His choir and the congregation absolutely love Jonathan and his music and it shows.

For those of you who equate a church's success in dollars and cents, you will find that under the current leadership, this too has shown marked improvement. We have gone from a church in trouble to a church that is turning in solid financial reports. A church that was fighting constantly amongs the varied factions, to a church at peace, that is working in unity and harmony for a common goal. In short, this church has turned from a church that was squeaking by to a church that is shouting for joy and bubbling with laughter on any given day of the week. A church who's leadership stood on wobbling legs to a church that can stand on its own two feet and a staff that stands solidly behind a Senior Minister that they respect and admire.

Our people matter greatly to us. If you are seeking a church to call your own, we hope you will come and check us out. We are an open and welcoming church. Dr. Scott tells us all each Sunday that he loves us and he truly means it.

SAVE THE DATE

First Church is beginning a new inquirer's class in the near future for those interested in membership in First Church. The classes will be meet from 9:30 to 10:30 AM during the four Sundays it meets. Our next session date has not yet been set, but if you are interested in becoming a member of the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, speak with any of our ministers and they will be happy to submit your name and contact information to our membership committee to be sure you are included in the invitation to meet. I understand they are also adding a full-day class for those who cannot stretch their schedule over the required four Sunday meetings. Make the year 2010 the year you consider making your commitment.

Our church offers an Associate Membership for those who wish to be connected with First Church but wish to also retain their membership in another church. The difference between Full Membership and Associate Membership is that Associate members are not entitled to hold office or to vote. For a full Calendar of events, please see the official Church website calendar.

The Cathedral Choir accepts volunteer singers throughout the year and occasionally hires extra singers for special events. Choir rehearsal start Thursday, September 3rd at 7:30 PM in the choir room. Church members only need to talk to Jonathan. Non-church members need to audition for him (so, start by talking with him). You do not need to be a member of First Church to sing in our choir, but we do expect you to respect our traditions and practices. Dr. Talberg can be reached through the music office at 213) 355-5242. Our dress code is black shoes and socks, dark skirts or trousers and white shirts for the ladies. Black shoes and socks, dark trousers and white shirts for the gentlemen. Our robes are red with a white surplice and are supplied by the church. Singers who will miss a rehearsal are expected to notify the director of their impending absence so that voicing concerns for the group as a whole can be addressed. We do a lot of sight-reading and cover a lot of material. If you need assistance learning the music, please ask for help. We sing in several languages, but assistance with pronunciation is given. Dr. Talberg prides himself in the quality of his presentations. His admonition to us all is "Never sing louder than lovely!" and "Never sing beyond the beauty of the note!" Under his direction, you will learn a great deal, most especially, the importance of singing with love. I have sung with this choir for over 40 years and must say that Dr. Talberg is one of the most musically exceptional directors I have ever worked with. His pride in his work makes us proud to perform for you.

Christmas Eve Services

• 5:00 PM - Family Friendly Services
• 10:30 PM Choral Prelude
• 11:00 PM - The Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols

The Light of the World comes again, bringing please, hope, joy and love. This is one of the most beloved services of the entire year, celebrating the birth of our Lord in Bethlehem. We celebrate the sights and sounds of Christmas as our Cathedral Choir and brass ensembles celebrate through music, liturgy and ritual, culminated by carol singing at the end of the service.

Saturday, January 23 - 2:00 PM

ORGAN CONCERT SERIES EVENT!

Crawl of the Great organs of First Church - limited capacity - reserve early! You will want to wear old clothes and rubber soled shoes as you will be going behind the walls!

This event has been chosen as"Pick of the Week" by LA WEEKLY. Our informative and interactive tours allows you access to some of the back chambers and walkways of the Great Organs and an up-close examination and explanation of the consoles. Our guides will explain the ranks and pipes of the Great Organs and usually give samples of their sounds. You will be climbing stairs and occasionally in close quarters. This is not an event for small, restless children.

Suggested Donation: $15.00 per person. This event sells out so don't delay in making your reservation if you wish to attend.

Sunday, February 21, 2010 - 4:00 PM - in the Sanctuary

ORGAN CONCERT SERIES EVENT!

A PROGRAM FOR DUAL ORGANS - Namhee Han and S Wayne Foster team up for a exciting dual organ program that simultaneously utilizes both consoles of the Great Organs. Ms. Han and Mr. Foster will perform a varied program that will include the music of Bach,Soler, Merkel and Gerre Hancock in addition to a performance of Calvin Hampton's Alexander Variations.

The Great Organs of First Church feature a unique instrumental capability that encompasses two complete keyboard consoles, one in the front of the Sanctuary and one in the back balcony of the Sanctuary. The entire instrument can be played from either console or it can be split, as you will hear at this concert, to create a double organ. To perform this concert requires miles of electrical wiring, hours of rehearsal and split second timing on the part of our organists, which only few organists can achieve. For this reason, it is only rarely that we have the pleasure of such a musical offering. If you enjoy this concert, be sure you let the church know so we can do one again in future.

Suggested donations are $20 per person. (This is a good donation opportunity! If our donors show their appreciation, the Trustees will let us do it again in future!)

Sunday, March 28 - 4:00 PM - In the Sanctuary

Special Music Event!

Music for Strings and Voices - USC Thornton Chamber Singers. An exciting new event for First Church, as the USC Thornton Chamber Singers present a concert of Brahms, Janiquin, des Prez and Dickau a well a Tarik O'Regan's "The Ecstacies Above" for choir, soloists and strings under the baton of Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe.

Tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event only. No pre-sale tickets. All proceeds to directly to USC Thornton Chamber Singers. Ticket costs will be $15.00 for general admission. Students and Seniors will pay $10 (show your ID please).

Service of the Holy Flame and Easter Vigil. The mood of the service transports us from the death and darkness of the crucifixion to the light and resurrection of Christ in a dramatic and triumphant celebration of Easter morning with music and special readings.

(NOTE: Please note the new time as this service moves to a more family-friendly hour!)

Easter Sunday - First Church celebrates the resurrection and renewal of life with full brass, the Cathedral Choir and the Great Organs and a Sanctuary bedecked with lilies. Come enjoy the singing of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, joyous hymns and an inspirational sermon by Senior Minister: Dr. R. Scott Colglazier. A festive reception follows.

(Easter Bonnets and resplendent dress encouraged!)

Sunday, April 18 - 4:00 PM - in the Sanctuary

ORGAN CONCERT SERIES EVENT!

Cameron Carpenter in Concert. Mr. Carpenter is known for his innovative and often flamboyant playing. The Wall Street Journal claims "..he challenges all preconceptions about organ music and its leading exponents..."

Suggested donations are $20.00 per person

Sunday, June 6 - 4:00 PM - in the Sanctuary

100th Anniversary Gala Celebration - Los Angeles Chapter of the American Guild of Organists - This will be a spectacular concert on the Great Organs of First Church. Scheduled to appear are Christoph Bull, S. Wayne Foster, Namhee Han, Cherry Rhodes, Carey Robertson, Frederick Swann (Organist Emeritus of First Church), Ladd Thomas an John West. This concert is free and a chance of a lifetime to hear some of the world's great organists.

There will be a Gala Reception after this concert for AGO members. Tickets can be purchased directly from the Los Angeles Chapter of the AGO . Please visit their website www.laago.org for ticket information or contact Elizabeth Lenti at 626) 583-2726.

As you can see, this is going to be a busy year for all.

If anyone has inquiries regarding employment opportunities at First Church, please direct your inquiries to the Chair, Board of Trustees.  Please include a copy of your resume.  Thanks.  

The Congregationalist Magazine is the publication for the National Association of Christian Congregational Churches and is available in PDF format for any who wish to read it.  Although we accept ministers of alternate denominations, all candidates must be cleared through the National Association before they can become a minister in a Congregational Church.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES WEBSITE

MUSIC DEPARTMENT 

PIPE ORGAN AND ORGAN CONCERT SERIES

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Donations can be made through First Church.  Please indicate the name of the receiving organization on your check.

As we approach the holiday seasons, take time to remember those less fortunate than yourselves. We are currently gathering food donations for those who, without our help, will have little for which to be thankful. Please remember these folks by dropping your donation of food, gift cards or certificates from a fast food place and/or cash to be forwarded to the appropriate organizations for distribution. If you are not a member or guest of First Church, we will still gladly accept your offerings of kindness. Just give them to the security guard and he will call someone to pick them up. Small dinner items that need no refrigeration or cooking are especially needed, such as tuna packets, peanut butter, packaged beverages, can be used by the homeless so that they, too, can be fed.

It doesn't take much to make someone happy and put a smile on their faces or to shed a light of hope in the dark corners of our world. If each person in this huge city gave only one thing, it would make a tremendous difference to someone who is alone, without hope and just plain scared. Lest you feel your contributions are not needed, take a moment and tell yourself, "there but for the grace of God, go I".

Please note, we are not a distribution center ourselves. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please help them get to one of the organizations named below and they will be directed to the proper agency from there.

Thanks.

First Church is a proud sponsor to the Los Angeles Food Link program, operating through Hope-Net and providing meals for the needy of Los Angeles Please bring food other than the suggested item at any time.   Bring self-opening containers whenever possible.  The Foodlink container is located in the Church Narthex.

Thanks

213) 385-1341 X203  - Curtis Rhodes .

  Tell them Katie sent you.

Hollygrove Children and Family Services