Music & Arts
First Congregational Church
Welcome
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC KAJSA TEITELBAUM
We are delighted that you are exploring our church, Sunday services, and the many ministries that make up our vibrant community. This brochure highlights the Sacred Arts at FCC – our music and visual arts programs.
At FCC, the Sacred Arts are truly sacred. We honor creativity and inspiration with gratitude, cherishing the gifts God has placed among us. Just as our covenants are designed to welcome and honor everyone who enters our doors, we believe every person who wishes to participate in the Sacred Arts, whether visual or musical, has something unique to offer and is warmly invited to share their gifts.
As the Director of Music, I want to offer a glimpse of what is available for you, both through musical events and during our Sunday morning worship.
There are many ways to engage with music at FCC, whether as a listener, visitor, or active participant. Our sanctuary often hosts concerts by community groups, CU music students, and our own ensembles. Each Wednesday at noon, you can enjoy organ music during lunch in the sanctuary.
On Sunday mornings, you are invited to participate in worship through our many musical ensembles. We offer vocal choirs, handbell choirs, string and woodwind ensembles, and a variety of instrumental constellations. Truly, the only limit to our music is our imagination, as we lift our voices and instruments in praise to God.
Take a moment to explore what we offer and see where your interests and talents might find a home. I look forward to welcoming you at one, or many, of our weekly rehearsals or concerts.
Sincerely,
Kajsa Teitelbaum Director of Music
Chancel Choir
2025 First Congregational
Chancel Choir
Our adult choir welcomes anyone who loves to sing. Composed entirely of volunteers, we delight in making music together and sharing it with our congregation. Our repertoire spans from Bach and earlier works to contemporary compositions, offering a rich and varied musical experience. We sing regularly on Sunday mornings throughout the church program year, and once or twice a year, we present a larger choral work, often accompanied by orchestra and sometimes in collaboration with other choirs from our community.
Thursdays 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Choir room Kajsa Teitelbaum, Director of Music kajsa@firstcong.net
“If you’re seeking a way to routinely feel grounded, to strike a deep chord within your soul, and to do it with others under superb direction, then singing in the choir here is bound to do that for you. That’s what it’s done for me”.
– Kent Fraser
“Singing in the FCC choir under Kajsa’s direction is, itself, a religious experience. Performing church music is for me a pathway to a spiritual place and a connection to and with a greater reality. Music as theology”.
– David Skaggs
“It is satisfying to play such an important role in the congregation’s experience on Sunday mornings”.
– Stewart Hoover
More Musical Ensembles at First Congregational
Music is at the heart of our worship and community life. Whether singing, ringing, or playing an instrument, there is a place for everyone to participate, learn, and share their gifts. No prior experience is needed, just an open heart and a love of music.
HANDBELL CHOIRS
Directed by Kajsa Teitelbaum kajsa@firstcong.net
Our handbell choirs welcome participants of all ages and backgrounds. Each ensemble offers a unique way to make music together:
Congregational Bells
Tuesdays, 5:30–6:45 p.m. | Sanctuary Rings monthly in worship on a 5-octave set of Malmark Bells, and occasionally at holiday services, festivals, and conferences.
Silver Bells
Tuesdays, 12:30–1:15 p.m. | Sanctuary
A daytime ensemble for those who prefer not to drive at night, with a relaxed and fun approach to music-making.
Youth Bells
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:15 p.m. | Sanctuary
Open to grades 6–12, this group builds community while learning and ringing in a supportive environment.
MUSIC FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Directed by Anne Martinez anne@firstcong.net
Programs for children and youth foster musical growth, creativity, and joy.
Joyful Littles
Wednesdays at 10:00 & 10:45 a.m. | Faith Cave (Lower Level)
For ages 0–5 with caregivers. A free music and rhythm class with playful exploration and optional nursery playtime afterward.
Joyful Noise
3rd & 4th Sundays, 11:45–12:30 p.m. | Faith Cave (Lower Level)
A choir for grades K–5. Performs on their own and with Faith Singers and the Chancel Choir.
Faith Singers
3rd & 4th Sundays, 10:45–11:30 a.m. | Faith Cave (Lower Level)
A choir for grades 6–12. Offers friendship and expressive music-making, both independently and in collaboration with other choirs.
STRING ENSEMBLE kajsa@firstcong.net
A project-based group that gathers 2–3 times per semester to play in worship. Players of all levels—from beginner to professional—are warmly welcome. Wherever your gifts and interests lie, there is a place for you in the music ministry at FCC. Come sing, ring, or play with us!
Music Events at First Congregational
Join us for a new series of weekly Lunch Concerts in the Sanctuary, presented by our Director of Music, Kajsa Teitelbaum.
Every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m., you’re invited to bring your lunch and enjoy a midweek musical break in a peaceful setting. Each month will feature a seasonal theme, offering a fresh and reflective musical experience
September – Musical Favorites
October – Greet the Fall November – Gratitude
December – Advent and Christmas
Come as you are, bring a friend, and nourish your spirit through music and community.
Grieg and Rags
Saturday, October 25 at 4:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Piano music with Dr. Jessica Kressin (Chancel Choir Accompanist) and Marianna McLean. Edvard Grieg and Scott Joplin—two musical innovators—brought the world unforgettable rhythms and melodies: Joplin with the immortal ragtime and Grieg with a style both warm and edgy. Performing together as the Rhapsody Duo, Jessica and Marianna invite you to a lively and entertaining program blending the worlds of ragtime and romanticism.
Halloween Organ Concert
Sunday, October 26 at 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Spooky music, eerie imagery, and haunting poetry will set the mood for Halloween. Come in costume and receive a treat at the door!
Sawyer Memorial Organ Concert
Friday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
See back page for more information.
Swedish Lucia Celebration
Friday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Experience the beauty of a traditional Swedish Lucia procession. With candlelight, poetry, and music led by Lucia and her attendants, this beloved tradition brings warmth and light to the season.
Jingle Mingle
Saturday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m. | Plymouth Hall
After Boulder’s Lights of December parade, join us for holiday cheer with Congregational Bells playing festive favorites, cookie decorating, carolers, hot chocolate, and warm cider.
Music Sunday
Sunday, December 14 at 10:30 a.m. | Sanctuary
Each year on the third Sunday of Advent, our Chancel Choir offers a major musical work to celebrate the season. This year, they present Gaudete, a vibrant collection of carols from Piae Cantiones (1582), arranged for choir and woodwinds by Swedish composer Anders Öhrwall. Gaudete – Latin for “rejoice” – is also the name for the third Sunday in Advent, a joyful midpoint in the season of anticipation. Join us as we rejoice together in song and hope, preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
All The Way to Heaven is Heaven A Solo
Exhibition by Martie McMane
This exhibition takes its name from a phrase by 14th-century mystic Catherine of Siena: “All the way to heaven is heaven.”
To me, that means heaven is not a far-off place; it is both now and not yet. Heaven is found along the way – in beauty, in presence, in wonder.
Making art teaches me to see life differently. It slows me down, opens my eyes, and draws me into focused awareness. Each work is an attempt to honor what is, and to share something of the sacredness I see in the world.
For me, the process of making art begins with a relationship. What do I want to express? What story wants to be told? What is catching my attention? Why this subject, this scene, this time of day? Painting requires my full attention. So I ask: What has captivated me? What do I want to spend time with – looking at, thinking about, and trying to convey?”
I began painting and creating hand-made books when I was 63. My vocational calling was as a teacher and pastor. I never imagined I’d become a visual artist – but making art has become an important part of my spiritual journey. For me it is a kind of prayer, a quiet witness to mystery made visible.
Every painting offers me a small window through which I can encounter life more deeply. My hope is that some of the paintings will be windows for you too.
This exhibition is my witness to wonder, an offering of gratitude, a celebration of being.
May it offer you a breath of peace, a moment of stillness, and a glimpse of heaven.
Healing
SOULCOLLAGE®
A Creative Way to Gain Insight
What if you could discover wisdom, encouragement, and fresh insight—simply by working with images? Would you enjoy spending a few hours with others, exploring a creative way to receive positive encouragement? Why not give SoulCollage® a try!
SoulCollage® invites participants to choose images that speak to them from hundreds provided, then arrange and paste them onto a 5” x 8” mat board. With gentle guidance from a trained facilitator, participants “read” their cards and uncover the wisdom these images reveal about their lives and questions.
The practice was created by Seena Frost, a therapist and Yale Divinity School graduate, who drew inspiration from psychologist Carl Jung’s belief that images and archetypes connect us to the deep wisdom of the unconscious. Frost envisioned SoulCollage® as a way for people to access healing and wholeness through the power of imagery.
Upcoming Workshops
Martie McMane, a certified SoulCollage® facilitator and our featured artist for the fall, will be offering two workshops—one open to the whole church and community, and another for the Women’s Spirituality Group.
We warmly invite you to come to one of the workshops and experience this safe, creative space for self-discovery. You don’t need to feel “artistic” or “talented” to participate. As Martie says, “It’s not about making a work of art. It’s about using imagery to evoke truths about the beautiful essence of who God has created us to be.” Come and see what wisdom your images have to share with you.
All the Way to Heaven is Heaven: Events
Experience the vibrant and contemplative work of Rev. Martie McMane.
Sunday, September 28, 11:45 a.m.
Reception for the Congregation
Join us in the Link for a warm gathering with Martie McMane. Enjoy light refreshments, and view the art.
Friday, October 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
NoBo First Friday Reception
The wider community is invited to explore the exhibit during this Open House.
Sunday, November 2, 11:45 a.m.Artist Talk with Rev. Martie McMane
Hear from Martie as she shares the creative journey, inspirations, and spiritual insights that shaped this exhibit. This is a chance to go deeper into the meaning and stories behind each piece.
Sunday, January 11 at 11:45 a.m.
Soul Collage Workshop with Martie McMane
Martie McMane, a certified SoulCollage® facilitator and our featured artist for the fall, will lead two workshops—one open to the whole community, and another for the Women’s Spirituality Group.
2025 Sawyer Memorial Organ Concert
Friday, November 21, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Announcing Our 2025 Organist: Simon Jacobs We are thrilled to welcome Simon Jacobs as our 2025 organist. Originally from Great Britain, Simon now resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Simon Jacobs’ musical journey began as a boy chorister at Truro Cathedral, UK, where he studied with distinguished organists including Andrew Nethsingha, Simon Morley, and Christopher Gray. He later served as an Organ Scholar at Christ’s College, Cambridge, followed by appointments at Salisbury Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
After moving to the U.S. in 2007, Simon held positions at several prominent churches, most recently as Organist and Choirmaster at Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs. In 2017, he returned briefly to Truro as Acting Assistant Director of Music at the cathedral, directing and accompanying its world-famous choir.
Simon has performed at renowned venues across the UK and US, including Westminster Cathedral, Washington National Cathedral, Saint Thomas Church (NYC), Trinity Church (Boston), and the Aspen Music Festival. He has also played three organ concertos with the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs.
Simon is highly regarded as a choral accompanist, having performed at St. Paul’s Cathedral (London), Hereford Cathedral, Grace Cathedral (San Francisco), and St. John’s Cathedral (Denver). His recordings include collaborations with Christ’s College, Salisbury Cathedral, and the Yale Schola Cantorum.
With a repertoire of over 300 organ works, Simon is also an accomplished improviser. He is an Associate of the Royal College of Organists.
Please join us for Simon’s debut performance at First Congregational Church on Friday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m. We look forward to a memorable evening –and many more to come.
Learn more at: www.simonrjacobs.com
The Sawyer Memorial Organ Concert was established in 2012 in memory of Jane Sawyer, former Director of Music at First Congregational Church. At the time of her passing, Jane generously left a gift to the church dedicated to the care of our beautiful organ and to bringing exceptional organists to share their artistry with our community. Since then, the concert series has featured outstanding musicians from across the United States and from Sweden – celebrating Jane’s legacy through music of the highest caliber.