Choir & Music Ministry
A Joyful Sound
Music Director
Our Music Director and Organist, Marcia Hempel, was trained at New England Conservatory, Longy School, Hart School of Music, and Westminster Choir College.
She also participated in a variety of programs in jazz, improvisation and children’s music.
She arranges and composes music for choir, organ and voice. Marcia directs the First Church Choir, her own community chorus, the Harwich Women’s Chorus, and teaches children’s music at the Children’s Center in Harwich.
In addition, Marcia plans and plays for weddings, funerals and memorial services, and other special events at First Church.
Music Ministry
Music is at the heart of worship at First Congregational Church of Harwich enriching our services and lifting our spirits through a blend of tradition, creativity, and heartfelt expression. Our vibrant music ministry is led by our gifted and inspiring Choir Director Marsha Hempel, who brings out the best in every voice and instrument.
We are blessed with many musical talents in our congregation—singers, ringers, instrumentalists, and more—who share their gifts with joy and reverence.
Whether you enjoy singing, ringing, playing an instrument, or simply listening, there’s a place for you in our musical life. Come be part of the joyful sound!
Chancel Choir:
A welcoming group of singers who lead worship with traditional hymns, anthems, and special music. No formal training needed—just a love of singing and community.
Sunday Choir:
Our Pop-Up choir where all are welcome to sing! The first Sunday of each month any who want to participate show up and rehearse at 9:30 AM for that Sundays music. It’s fun and spirit filled!
Bell Choir:
A unique and cherished part of our worship life, offering beautiful, meditative pieces that stir the soul.
Folk and Acoustic Music:
In addition to classic hymns, we embrace folk-inspired music, spirituals, and contemporary sacred songs that speak to the heart.
Choir
First Church has an adult choir that ranges in size from 9 to 17, depending on the season of the year. Some members have been singing with the choir for many years; others are newer. The choir holds special events during the year including an Advent Christmas Concert, Music Sunday, and special services for Christmas Eve and Easter. They generally sing two anthems every Sunday, and are much beloved by the congregation.
Bell Choir
The Bell Choir is directed by Lynn Carver, who also arranges music for the bells. They number 6 to 9 ringers. They play for church services about once a month, and sometimes perform for Christmas events in town and nursing homes in the area.
Musical Events
Explain the variety of other seasonal events to get involved with.
Coffeehouses
Twice a year, in the spring and fall, the church holds Coffeehouses in the Parish Hall. This event includes members and friends of the church, who sing, play keyboard and guitar. A variety of pieces display their versatility with jazz, folk, show tunes and non-classical music. The local Cape Cod Ukulele Band and other musical groups sometimes join in.
Great refreshments and food, provided by church members, accompany the Coffeehouses. Generally, all of the seats in the house are full so plan to come early.
Organ Concerts
Our Music Director, Marcia Hempel, offers two organ concerts each year, generally in July and September. The concerts are about an hour, and include a variety of styles of organ music. Marcia has written her own ragtime music as well as other organ music. She likes to include jazz organ as well as other contemporary music by composers like Aberg and Cooman. The standard fare of Bach, Pachelbel and Buxtehude can also be heard.
The concerts are always free to the public, sponsored by the First Church Stevens Fund, unless visitors wish to make donations.
Advent Christmas Concert
Each year, the church choir combines with instrumentalists and a narrator to present our Advent Christmas Concert in conjunction with the Harwich Home for the Holidays weekend. The story of Jesus birth is accompanied by choral music, instrumental pieces, organ music, and carols – even an occasional secular Christmas song for fun. Our historic New England church draws individuals and families, and always looks especially beautiful with its seasonal decorations.
Special Music
We have instruments accompany us for Christmas Eve and Easter services, arranged by Marcia Hempel. Also, members of the church community perform with their instruments and as soloists and in duets throughout the year.