We believe that the music we play and sing, as an expression of our faith, is both a gift from God and an offering to God.
The music and arts ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest seeks to uplift the congregation in worship and in life through a diverse selection of music that speaks to the minds and hearts of all generations. We celebrate the value of both the old and the new.
Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. High school-aged and adult singers are encouraged to participate—no audition required. The Sanctuary Choir leads worship on a varying schedule. They also lead special music services and concerts throughout the year, such as the Messiah Project in 2018-19, in which the entire Messiah was sung over four different worship services. All are welcome! If you are interested in joining or have any questions about the Sanctuary Choir, contact Dr. Robert McConnell, Director of Worship and Music.
Adult Handbell Choirs
First Presbyterian’s music ministry offers two adult handbell choirs.
The Lakeminster Ringers meets weekly. This experienced group of ringers play in worship once a month and for special church and community events.
The Chancel Bells also meets weekly. This group includes both experienced ringers and beginners. If you are interested in learning a new skill and having a lot of fun, this is the group for you! The Chancel Bells play in worship approximately once a month.
First Presbyterian’s music ministry offers two adult handbell choirs and one for all ages!
Lakeminster Ringers meet on Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Chancel Bells meet on Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Children’s Choirs
Our children’s choirs welcome children age 4 through 6th grade. The children participate in worship monthly. No previous musical experience is required. All are welcome! Rehearsals run September 11, 2024 through April 9, 2025.
- Children age 5 through 1st Grade sing in our Cherub Choir, which meets on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:10pm.
- Children grades 2 through 6 are in our Carol Choir, which meets on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 4:45pm.
All children will gather together with their families in the Sanctuary for "Family Worship" 4:30 to 4:45pm.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Robert McConnell or Rachel Magnusson with any questions.
Register for Children's Choirs
First Presbyterian Church Music Tours
Over the past 40 years, our singers and ringers have had the chance to witness God's love in Jesus Christ on various music tours.
- 1979 Scotland (Sanctuary Choir)
- 1982 Germany & Switzerland (Lakeminster Ringers and Sanctuary Choir)
- 1985 England & Wales (Lakeminster Ringers and Sanctuary Choir)
- 1988 England (LakeminsterRingers)
- 1991 Canadian Maritimes (Sanctuary Choir)
- 1992 Wales & Ireland (Lakeminster Ringers)
- 1996 Prague, Vienna, Budapest (Lakeminster Ringers and Sanctuary Choir)
- 1999 Poland & Germany (Sanctuary Choir)
- 2003 Scotland (Lakeminster Ringers and Sanctuary Choir)
- 2007 Italy (Lakeminster Ringers and Sanctuary Choir)
- 2011 Ireland & Northern Ireland (Lakeminster Ringers and Sanctuary Choir)
- 2014 Latvia, Estonia & Finland (Lakeminster Ringers and Sanctuary Choir)
- 2019 Netherlands (Lakeminster Ringers)
- TBD Portugal & Spain (Lakeminster Ringers)