Psalms 100:1-2 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the lands. Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
The music ministry at St. John United Church of Christ provides opportunities for individuals to use their musical talents in service to others, to enhance our worship experience through song, and to glorify God with praise!
We welcome you to experience the music ministry at St. John United Church of Christ. If you are interested in joining any of our music ensembles or provide music outside of an ensemble, please contact our Coordinator of Music, Andrew Renth, at arenth@hotmail.com.
CHANCEL CHOIR - Adult vocal ensemble that provides uplifting and inspiring vocal music twice a month and on special occasions. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30. Open to High School members and older. Come with a willing heart and voice!
Directed by Catherine Burge.
GOSPELETTES – A smaller subset of the Chancel Choir consisting of six to eight singers who specialize in gospel, spiritual, and a Capella singing in a less formal, more relaxed setting.
Directed by Catherine Burge.
YOUTH CHOIR – A vocal ensemble aimed at kids who love to sing and who may already be in their school choir or just love being on stage and singing to the Lord! This ensemble is open to any youth 1st grade through 8th grade. The ensemble sings four to five times a church season and rehearses every Sunday morning at 9:00 am, just before Sunday School.
Directed by Will Layman.
SUNDAY SCHOOL KIDS – The Sunday School classes come together to sing and dance to a song they learn in their weekly Sunday School music class. Led by directors Julie-Laakko-Swanson and Celeste Grodeon, the Sunday School Kids aged kindergarten through middle school provide a cute and uplifting affection of God’s love to the congregation. The Sunday School Kids sing four to five Sundays throughout the church year and only at the 10:30 service.
Directed by Julie Laakko-Swanson and Celeste Grodeon.
JUBILEE RINGERS – Adult handbell choir that plays four to five Sundays and for special events during the church calendar year. No previous experience required and is open to Middle School youth and older. Rehearsals are held on the three Wednesdays at 7:45 prior to the scheduled Sunday performance.
Directed by Will Layman.
HEAVENLY CHIMES – The Heavenly Chimes is a chimes choir for youth from 1st grade through 8th grade that plays four to five times a church year and on special occasions. Rehearsals are every Sunday morning at 10:00, right after Sunday School and right before 10:30 worship service.
Directed by Suzy Friederich and Josh Layman.
ST. JOHN BAND - The St. John Band consists of brass, woodwind, and percussion players, middle-school aged and older, who play to praise God and lift up the congregation through song. The band plays three times a church year by providing various anthems, accompanying hymns, and partnering with the Chancel Choir on various song selections. Rehearsals are held two weeks prior to playing in church, with the specific dates and times determined by the director.
Directed by Andrew Renth.
ST. JOHN BRASS - The brass players break out from the St. John Band and play in small quartets, quintets, or sextets for the congregation three to four times a year. They specialize in brass-focused anthems, accompanying congregational hymns, and playing together with the Chancel Choir on special occasions. Rehearsals are held two weeks prior to playing in church, with the specific dates and times determined by the director.
Directed by Andrew Renth.
ST. JOHN WOODWINDS -The woodwind players of the St. John Band get their opportunity to praise the Lord with their more light-hearted music within a small and focused ensemble (flute, clarinet, and flugelhorn). The St. John Woodwinds usually play three to four times a year providing anthems for more quiet and tranquil services. Rehearsals are held two weeks prior to playing in church, with the specific dates and times determined by the director.
Directed by Andrew Renth.
SOLOISTS, DUETS, AND SMALL ENSEMBLES – St. John’s music ministry provides opportunities for musicians of all ages to use their musical talents outside of the full-time music ensembles by way of solos, duets, and small ensembles. These opportunities are available throughout the church calendar year but are especially prevalent during the summer months when the regular music ensembles take a break.
Interested musicians should contact Coordinator of Music, Andrew Renth, at arenth@hotmail.com.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA - JOIN IN OUR "CHRISTMAS CANTATA" -- each December featuring your favorite carols and spirited music for the season.
MUSIC APPRECIATION SUNDAY – Every year in late April, all St. John music ensembles come together to provide the music for a special, one-time worship service. Our musicians offer thanksgiving and praise to God with the spirit and sound of music, while at the same time expressing our joys, thanks, and appreciation of God’s gift of music to our congregation.
