“To sing is to pray twice.” - St. Augustine

The mixed-voice Chancel Choir functions as primary music leadership during worship every Sunday throughout the active choral season, which extends from September through June (see calendar for additional details). Membership is comprised of interested individuals who commit to the regular schedule of this active ministry. Instruction in vocal production, sight singing, and professional ensemble skills is a regular part of every rehearsal. In addition to providing regular Sunday-morning service support, the Chancel Singers frequently offer independent projects and performances, along with unique services prominent in the liturgical calendar.

With a membership of around 30 singers, the ensemble rehearses an exciting and unique repertoire, drawing upon quality selections from many traditions. The group enjoys close fellowship in its ministry. Chancel Singers elect to attend weekly rehearsal either on Sundays following worship, from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, or on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:20 PM, thereby making commitment to this ministry viable for active professionals and family members. (The Director does not object to the fact that a number of singers opt to double up, and attend both!)

The Men's Choir at First Presbyterian Church in Ramsey is our resident TTBB, all-male choir. The ensemble is comprised of men from high school age onward, who enjoy singing quality music in a collegial environment. In addition to regular singing members of the Chancel Choir, the Men's Choir includes among its membership additional men from the congregation and the community. As part of our annual Sunday service on Father's Day, and in half-hour prelude to the 11:00 Christmas Eve Candlelight service, fathers, sons, brothers, and friends savor the opportunity to come together in song with the Men's Choir in this well-beloved tradition. In addition to its support of worship at various times throughout the year, the Men's Choir also participates in additional independent projects and collaborations. Rehearsal schedules vary throughout the year (announced well in advance), as necessary to prepare for upcoming appearances.

Periodically throughout the year, worship is enhanced with the resplendent sounds of the Agape Handbell Choir. Ringers enjoy the opportunity to play our beautiful set of English-made Whitechapel handbells. This enthusiastic group of 12-15 ringers always welcomes new members, in addition to new names on its a rotating substitute* list. The ensemble contributes to worship several times throughout the year, both as a featured ensemble, and in collaboration with others of our ensembles. Ringers also play a prominent part of the Advent Lessons & Carols celebration. Weekly rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings, from 7:45 to 9:15 PM.

*Active members of the Agape Handbell Choir are responsible for acquiring a substitute to cover their book, in the event of their necessary absence from rehearsal. In order to qualify for the sub list, an individual needs to be able to read music, and must have some familiarity with how to handle bells, orientation in which can be provided by the Director, if needed.

Children's Arts Program at First Presbyterian is a dynamic combination of musical and dramatic arts. Music-skill development is based on a foundation of ‘fixed-do,’ nurtured through interactive games and composition, and making use of the church’s Orff instruments and choir chimes. Vocal training, ear training and preparation of music for occasional service participation are regular parts of each rehearsal, in addition to preparation for special musical/dramatic productions, which occur throughout the active season. The program serves reading-age (third or fourth grade) through approximately eighth-grade participants, after which young musicians are prepared to enter the ranks of one or more of the three musical ensembles listed above, or chose to serve as assistants with the Children’s Arts Program. Rehearsal sessions are held on Tuesday afternoons, from 4:15 until 5:15. The Children's Arts Program encompasses the complete cast and musical ensemble supporting the popular annual 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Pageant.

Ramsey Day Celebration Performance

The Chancel Choir and Men’s Choir, accompanied by an instrumental ensemble, present a rousing performance of eclectic vocal music spanning African-American spirituals, traditional music from around the world, and all-time choral favorites. This year's Ramsey Day marks the Borough's centennial anniversary, at the same time that First Presbyterian Church celebrates its own hundredth year as a Presbyterian congregation.

(Ramsey High School Auditorium, 256 Main Street, Ramsey, NJ

There are no scheduled events for the month of October.

Ramsey Interfaith Council Service

The Chancel Choir gathers with friends of many faiths in a celebration of our common beliefs through music and fellowship. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.

Service of Advent Lessons and Carols

Our version of the traditional service originated in Kings’ College Chapel, Cambridge, England. This special service features unique seasonal repertoire by our various ensembles, along with scripture read by congregation members.

Living Nativity

New this year! Opportunity for three separate casts, professional dramatic lighting, meditative sound design, live animals, offered in our own church yard. Produced by Broadway actor/tenor Joel Robertson (one of our own singers!)

Christmas Eve: Pageant

This annual tradition--a dramatic rendering of the Christmas story--is prepared by our Children’s Arts Program, and includes traditional musical selections by the Children's Choir.

Christmas Eve: Candlelight

The early hours of Christmas morning arrive just before the conclusion of this intimate candlelight service. Come in reverence go forth in joy!

There are no scheduled events for the month of January.

Ash Wednesday Service

This intimate service of communion marks the beginning of the season of Lent, and includes the traditional distribution of ashes.

Palm Sunday

Beginning with reenactment of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, these services also serve to point the way into the events of Holy Week, to follow.

Maundy Thursday

Commemoration of the Last Supper shared by Jesus Christ with the disciples, through music and scripture.

Good Friday Meditations

Includes reflections on the final hours of Christ’s life using visual arts in a guided labyrinth meditative walk in the undercroft of The Historic Memorial Chapel. The labyrinth will be open from 12:00 to midnight, but closed during the 8 pm evening service. Audio meditations will also be available.

Good Friday Service

A solemn worship experience involving music, drama, and liturgical dance, this powerful service is based upon the Passion and the Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross.

Easter

Easter Sunday services celebrate the Resurrection of Christ with joyful musical offerings by the Chancel Choir, Agape Handbell Choir, and the Children’s Arts Program, along with instrumental accompaniment

Mother's Day

In honor of our mothers, church youth take an active leadership role during worship. Musical offerings by the Children's Arts Program.

Choir Sunday

Featuring the singers of the Chancel Choir, musical selections include favorite hymns and anthems selected from the season's repertory. This service marks the last Sunday service for the Chancel Choir before beginning its summer break.

Father's Day

As part of our annual tradition, the Men's Choir plays a featured role in the musical worship, as fathers, sons, brothers, and friends join each other in song.