Music Ministry

Music has always played an important role in the life of our church, reflecting the diversity of our congregation and our local neighborhood.  In addition the wide variety of music used in worship, the church sponsors several public musical events per year.  Come join us for one of our upcoming concerts.

The Chancel and Youth Choirs of the Flatbush-Tompkins Church present the Christmas story in pageant with songs of the season and carol-singing by candlelight.

The traditional service of readings from the Old and New Testaments alternating with music by the church's four choirs and carols sung by the congregation.

The Senior Youth Choir hosts this annual event to support the Jermaine Gazader College Help Fund of the church.  Come hear upbeat gospel music and support a worthy cause.

Choirs:
The four choirs of Flatbush-Tompkins are directed by Eric Birk, Organist and Choir Director.

The Chancel Choir
The Flatbush-Tompkins Congregational Church Chancel Choir has an inherited choral tradition of over 100 years. Building on that tradition, our choirs provide music for services and concerts, reflecting the multicultural diversity of our congregation and local community. However, the mission of the chancel choir is, as ministers of music, to worship the Lord and spread the gospel in song while leading the congregation in the singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. The adult Chancel Choir in its current form has existed for over 85 years as a part-volunteer, part professional endeavor with paid soloists serving as section leaders who assist in the training of choir members. The choir presents three major concerts per season at Flatbush-Tompkins Congregational Church and has performed as a guest choir throughout Brooklyn. 

Youth and Children’s Choirs
The purposes of our youth choir ministry are 1) to present age-appropriate acts of praise in song to God in regular and special services of the church 2) to learn to sing and read music 3) to provide an opportunity for positive experiences in Christian education and worship training. Our children’s and youth choirs are grouped by age into three choirs: the Cherub Choir for ages 4 to 7 (through first grade); the Angel Choir, for ages 8 – 11 (through sixth grade); and the Senior Youth Choir, for ages 12 to 18 (grades seven through twelve).  Regular rehearsal schedules (Sept. - May) are: 
 

Cherub Choir (ages 4-7)                        Sundays at 9:00 am to 9:30 a.m.

Angel Choir (ages 8-11)                        Tuesdays at 5:30 pm to 6:20 p.m.

Senior Youth Choir (ages 12-18)          Tuesdays at 6:30 pm to 7:20 p.m.

To join a youth choir, prospective choristers must have written parental permission, and attend the annual summer youth choir kick-off party or meet (accompanied by a parent) for a private interview with the choir director.

Youth Choir Calendar

The Organ:
Our 27 rank Austin pipe organ, recently refurbished, is the primary instrument in our musical praise. To read the full specification and about earlier organs at Flatbush-Tompkins Congregational Church, see http://www.nycago.org/Organs/Bkln/html/Flatbush-Tompkins.html