Music Ministry

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 “The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning. It’s time to sing your song again.

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes”

(Jonas Myrin & Matt Redman)

Congregation (everyone)

 The congregation is the most important choir. It is all the people of God – young, not-so-young, middle-aged, toddler, white, black, brown, mixed, LGBTQ+, straight, humble, bombastic, marinated in the faith, doubters, spiritual but not religious – everyone coming together to sing praises, laments, celebrations, and sorrows as together we worship the God of the universe, love each other, and strive to become better followers in the ways of Jesus.

We all do our best to contribute, even if we’re not great singers. One of our community loves to say, “I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but I can beller with the best of them.” God listens more closely to the songs of our hearts, than the quality of our voices.

Scripture tells us “let us sing to God” (Psalm 95), “Make a joyful noise, break forth into joyous song” (Psalm 98), and “with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians). Notice that it doesn’t say, “Sing only if you like the song, or are reasonable competent.” It just says, “sing.”

Our other four choirs are composed of people who have, or quite frankly find the time to practice the music for each worship service, so they are prepared to help lead our community in song.

Choir of St. Mark's (middle school, high school & adult)

The Choir of St. Mark's sings the wide variety of music used in Lutheran worship, from classic hymns and contemporary Christian, to global and gospel. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:15-8:30 pm, September through May. The choir leads worship at most Sunday morning services helping the congregation learn unfamiliar music and lift their voices with confidence in the familiar. They also lead worship for special events such as a Christmas Cantata or hymn sing.

Jubilee Handbell Choir (middle school, high school & adult)

The handbell choir plays the wide variety of music used in Lutheran worship, from classic hymns and contemporary Christian, to global and gospel. Reading music is a plus, but not a requirement. Rehearsals are Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm.    

Worship Band (middle school, high school & adult)

The Worship Band leads contemporary Christian music for Sunday morning worship. Singers, drummers, guitar and bass players needed. Rehearsals are Thursdays about once a month, 6:00-7:00 pm.

Wednesday Night Worship Team

This team leads music at Wednesday night worship as scheduled.

Godspell Spring of 2025

Mandy Papenguth and Diane Sell will be directing Godspell in spring 2025. This multi-generational show has 10 principal characters and smaller roles for children and older adults. Auditions are early in December, rehearsals will begin in January 2025, and performance dates are late March and early April, before Holy Week. We need actors, singers, a choreographer, a stage manager, band members and set builders. For more information, contact the church office at 651-777-7451.

New Members

New members are encouraged and warmly welcomed at any time throughout the year in all our choirs and bands. We know that God doesn’t always call the equipped; often God equips the called.

For more information, please contact Tom Paulson, Director of Music and Worship, at 651-777-7451 or tomp@stmarks-nsp.org.