First Presbyterian Church of Downey

04/03/2026

Our virtual choir shares I Know That My Redeemer Lives by John Schimminger this Easter—a reflective setting of Job 19:25–27 that speaks to hope beyond loss.

This performance offers a quiet, personal assurance of faith: “I know that my Redeemer lives… whom I shall see for myself… and not as a stranger.”

We hope it brings you a moment of peace and hope this season.

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Music by John Schimminger | Words from Job 19:25-27Performed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyRemote contributions from: Rebecca King Som...

02/16/2026

Our virtual choir’s latest offering is John Schimminger’s setting of G. A. Studdert Kennedy’s powerful poem “When Jesus Came to Golgotha.” Kennedy’s text confronts us not only with the brutality of the Crucifixion, but with the quieter indifference of our own age.

John has graciously invited our virtual choir to record a number of his compositions over the years, and we are grateful once again for the opportunity to bring his music to life.

When Jesus Came to GolgothaMusic by John Schimminger | Words by G. A. Studdert KennedyPerformed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyRemote cont...

01/08/2026

Our virtual choir presents John Rutter’s setting of Robert Herrick’s 17th-century poem “What sweeter music.” This serene Christmas meditation reflects on the simplest and truest gift we can offer—the song of praise for the birth of Christ.
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What Sweeter MusicMusic by John Rutter | Words by Robert HerrickPerformed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyRemote contributions from: Reb...

12/23/2025

Our virtual choir’s latest offering is John Schimminger’s luminous setting of the English translation of O Magnum Mysterium, “O Great Mystery.” This text from the Matins of Christmas invites us to pause in wonder at the mystery of the Incarnation and the humility of the newborn Christ.

O great mystery,
and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the newborn Lord,
lying in a manger!
O blessed virgin, whose womb
was worthy to bear
the Lord Jesus Christ.
Alleluia!

Schimminger’s setting evokes the plainchant of the text's original setting, and culminates in a hypnotic Alleluia.

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O Great Mystery (O Magnum Mysterium)Music by John Schimminger | Words: TraditionalPerformed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyRemote contribu...

12/13/2025

Our virtual choir’s latest recording features Craig Courtney’s expressive setting of Susan Bentall Boersma’s poignant text, The Yearning. This piece reflects the deep human longing for Emmanuel — hope in the darkness, and joy in the promise of redemption.

The YearningMusic by Craig Courtney | Words by Susan Bentall BoersmaPerformed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyRemote contributions from: ...

12/05/2025

Our virtual choir's latest recording is Karl Heinrich Graun’s radiant 18th-century setting of “O praise the Lord, and magnify His name.” Graun’s music bridges Baroque and early Classical styles; we invite you to hear it brought to life by our singers:

O Praise the LordMusic by Karl H. Graun, arranged by John Cramer | Words adapted from Psalm 34:3Performed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyR...

11/22/2025

Our virtual choir's latest recording is of Michael Bailey's anthem “Light Our Way, Lord.” A prayer for guidance through storm and darkness, lifted in harmony.

Light Our Way, LordMusic and Words by Michael BaileyPerformed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyRemote contributions from: Rebecca King So...

09/30/2025

The Lord Says: My Plans for YouMusic by Benjamin Stanton | Text adapted from Jeremiah 29:11–14Performed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyRem...

09/30/2025

Our virtual choir's most recent recording is "The Lord Says: My Plans for You," composed by our former music director, Benjamin Stanton, with text adapted from Jeremiah 29:11-14:

The Lord Says: My Plans for YouMusic by Benjamin Stanton | Text adapted from Jeremiah 29:11–14Performed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyRem...

05/26/2025

Our 1000A Sunday worship services are once again streaming on YouTube:

Lord's Day Worship Service

05/25/2025

Our virtual choir's recording for Memorial Weekend is American composer John Schimminger's setting of WWI poet Alan Seeger's poem, "I Have a Rendezvous with Death."

Seeger’s haunting poem—written before his death in WWI—honors the solemn promise and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service, making it a poignant reflection for Memorial Weekend.

I Have a Rendezvous with DeathMusic by John Schimminger | Words by WWI poet Alan SeegerPerformed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyRemote con...

05/11/2025

From your FPCD family.

Email from First Presbyterian Church Downey You don't want to miss this.   Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching