First Presbyterian Church of Downey

07/30/2026

Get ready for an awesome evening just for the little ones ages 4 and up. Our Kids Night Out is the perfect chance for kids to have a blast with games, crafts, and fun activities—all in a safe, friendly setting. Pizza will be provided!

Parents can enjoy some free time or stay with their kids. Don't miss this in-person fun night designed to keep the kiddos entertained and smiling!

07/03/2026

Our virtual choir’s latest recording is John Leavitt’s haunting arrangement of the traditional spiritual *Poor Wayfaring Stranger*.

This beloved American folk hymn gives voice to the soul’s pilgrimage through a world of sorrow. Leavitt’s expressive setting preserves the quiet simplicity of the melody while deepening its timeless message of faith, perseverance, and peace.

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Poor Wayfaring StrangerTraditional Spiritual | Arranged by John Le...

05/31/2026

Our virtual choir’s latest offering is John Schimminger’s *An Anthem for Compassion*, with words and music by the composer.

This anthem envisions a world guided by compassion rather than fear, by human dignity rather than force, and by the shared values that unite people across cultures and faiths. Its message is both hopeful and challenging: that lasting peace begins with caring for our neighbors and recognizing our common humanity.

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.

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An Anthem for Compassion (John Schimminger)Music and words by Joh...

05/24/2026

Our virtual choir’s latest offering is John Rutter’s setting of F. S. Pierpoint’s beloved hymn *“For the Beauty of the Earth”* — paired with a melody unmistakably Rutter in its warmth and lyric grace.

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For the Beauty of the Earth (John Rutter)Music by John Rutter | Words by F.S. PierpointPerformed by the Sheltering-In (Virtual) Choir of FPC DowneyRemote co...

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...