Music Ministry
“Over my head…I hear music in the air. When I’m feeling gladness…I hear music in the air.
When the world is silent…I hear music in the air. When I think of Jesus…I hear music in the air.
There must be a God somewhere.” (African-American Spiritual)
Congregation (everyone)
The congregation is the primary 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 – coming together. We sing praises, laments, celebrations,
and sorrows. 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. 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).
It doesn’t say, “Sing only if you like the song, or are reasonable competent.” It just says, “sing.”
Our other choirs are comprised of people who have, or quite frankly find, the time to practice the
music for each worship service, so they are prepared to 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 characteristic of Lutheran worship, from
classic hymns and contemporary Christian, to global and gospel. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from
7:15-8:30 pm, September through May. We lead worship 2-3 Sunday mornings each month helping
the congregation learn unfamiliar music and lift their voices with confidence in familiar. We also lead
special events such as Holden Evening Prayer for All Saints, and Holden Evening Prayer for Advent.
Jubilee Handbell Choir (middle school, high school & adult)
The handbell choir leads worship about once a month playing the wide variety of music characteristic
of Lutheran worship. Rehearsals are Wednesdays 5:45-6:45 pm. Reading music is a plus, but not a
requirement.
Worship Band (middle school, high school & adult)
The Worship Band leads Contemporary Christian music for Sunday morning worship about once a
month. Rehearsals are the Thursday preceding the service, 6:00-7:00 pm.
Wednesday Night Worship Team (all ages)
WNWT leads music at Wednesday night worship, 6:45-7:15 pm, September to May
New Members
New members are encouraged and warmly welcomed at any time.
- We know that God doesn’t always call the equipped; often God equips the called.
- We value participation over performance, authenticity over perfection, purpose over preference, and substance over style.
- We encourage Tradition that can breathe, and Contemporary that can ground.
For more information, please contact Tom Paulson, Director of Music and Worship, at 651-777-7451 or tomp@stmarks-nsp.org.