First Congregational Church of Long Beach | The Church on the Corner of Justice and the Arts!

Upcoming Events

Adult Education

Sunday, October 12, 8:45 AM, Pownall Room & Zoom

Adult Education takes place Sundays at 8:45 AM in-person & via Zoom.

Sunday Worship

Sunday, October 12, 10:00 AM, Sanctuary

Join us for worship in-person in our historic Sanctuary or online. Worships are livestreamed on our YouTube channel - click here to view our Sunday worship livestream! Our Sanctuary is ADA accessible and listening devices are available. FCCLB is a liberal, Open & Affirming and unabashedly progressive church in the United Church of Christ denomination. Parking is available in the Civic Center parking structure on Broadway Ave & Third Street; we validate parking on Sunday morning.

Concerts in America presents: Joe Robinson

Wednesday, October 12, 2025, 7:30 PM

One of the world’s top fingerstyle guitarists — live on stage

Born in the rural Australian town of Kempsey, Joe grew up in a farmhouse with his three siblings, where his parents raised cattle, horses, sheep, dogs, chickens — and even snakes. By 13, he’d won the Australian National Songwriting Competition. At 17, he won Australia’s Got Talent. And by 18, he’d performed over 1,000 concerts and earned first prize at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. That same year, he moved to the U.S. at the invitation of guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel, who became both mentor and touring partner. The two have since toured together across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and Joe has been a regular guest at Emmanuel’s guitar camps. When Guitar Player magazine asked Tommy who he’d consider for the rare title of CGP – Certified Guitar Player (a distinction created by Chet Atkins and awarded to just four guitarists in his lifetime), he replied:

“Joe Robinson is the first that comes to mind.”

That kind of recognition — from one of the few CGPs in history — speaks for itself. Joe has released seven acclaimed studio albums, built a global audience through tours and online performances, and earned praise from The Washington Post, The New York Times, and leading voices across the industry. He’s also been invited to lead workshops and masterclasses at institutions like Berklee College of Music and the Musicians Institute, a rare recognition of his artistry by the academic world. Now based in Montana with his wife and young son, Joe continues to develop his voice as a solo artist on stages throughout the world. Church members can enjoy a 15% discount when purchasing tickets by clicking here.

BOCA presents: Bruce Russell Piano Concert

Sunday, October 19th, 3:00 PM

BOCA will welcome First Church’s own Bruce Russell for an afternoon piano recital at 3:00pm on Sunday, October 19th. Bruce is an accomplished pianist with a Masters in Performance from Cal State Long Beach and a Professional Certificate from the Manhattan School of Music. He has studied under Mark Uranker and Edith Hirshtal, a former student of Leon Fleischer. A native Southern Californian and resident of Long Beach, Bruce has been a music faculty member at Cerritos College and has studied with acclaimed Los Angeles-based instructors Kevin Fitz-Gerald, Neil Stannard and Jim McCormick. Bruce performs both as a soloist and as a collaborative pianist—and also sings with the Sanctuary Choir every Sunday at FCCLB! We know First Church holds many talented members, so come support one of them as Bruce blesses us with his musical gifts! Doors open at 2:30pm and free-will donations are welcome.

The Yellow Brick Road Leads to First Church

Friday, October 24th., 6:30 pm

Put on your ruby slippers and follow the Yellow Brick Road to First Church for BOCA's showing of the 1925 silent film version of The Wizard of Oz on Friday, October 24th. This silent film version of the American classic was directed by Larry Semon, who also stars as the Scarecrow alongside Dorothy Dwan as Dorothy Gale. BOCA welcomes Robert York back to the Mighty Moeller to score the film LIVE as it plays in the Sanctuary. Robert is a professional musician, composer, church organist and pianist who has performed at numerous venues including the historic Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles. The film will begin at 6:30pm and doors will open at 6:00pm. Costumes are highly encouraged to help everyone get into the Emerald City spirit. Free-will donations will be welcome.

One of the world’s top fingerstyle guitarists — live on stage

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