Music Ministry
"Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to humans that we should proclaim the Word of God through music." (Martin Luther)
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 a great singer. 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 reasonably competent.” It just says, “sing.”
Our other four choirs are composed of people who have or 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. 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. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:15-8:30 pm, September through May.
Joyful Voices Choir (grades 1-6)
The Joyful Voices Choir helps our young people learn basic music skills like rhythm, listening, matching pitch, and making beautiful sounds. It is often members’ first exposure to making music. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:00 pm from September to May.
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 5:15-6:00 pm.
Worship Band (middle school, high school & adult)
Returning this fall, the Worship Band leads contemporary Christian music for both Wednesday evening and Sunday morning worship. Singers, drummers, guitar and bass players needed. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 6:00-6:45 pm.
New Members
New members are encouraged and warmly welcomed at any time throughout the year in each of our choirs. 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.