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Home  >  Ministries   >  Choirs

St. John's Choirs - All Ages

Philosophy Statement
The mission of the St. John’s Worship Ministry Team is to
facilitate worship that incarnates Jesus in our world.


“Where two or three are gathered together, there am I in the midst of them.” That is Jesus’ promise to us, and nothing we can do can change the reality that Jesus is indeed present when believers gather together. But believers can make Jesus’ presence more or less visible to each other and to the guest and visitor. We can be clear and faithful witnesses to the God we worship or offer a distorted and weak image of Christ.

It is our goal in the music ministries at St. John’s to faithfully witness to a Christ who is welcoming, compassionate, and life-giving. The God we worship is no cliché but is more than any one style or type of music or liturgy can comprehend. So we stretch toward the mystery not fully understanding all that God has packed into the music we perform but trusting the Holy Spirit to use us and use our song in ways we cannot imagine.

Most of our choirs meet on Wednesdays during Beloved Community - which includes choir rehearsals, religious enrichment times, musical skill training, confirmation, fellowship, worship, a shared meal, and just plain fun. 

Joyful Noise -  Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grades
Jennifer Girdler, Director
Rehearsals: Room 7 on the ground floor, Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 pm

The pre-readers in this age group will be exploring the elements of music, finding their singing voices, and learning to work and play in a group. While this group will sing in worship on occasion, their more important work revolves around the foundation being laid for life-long participation in worship.

Evangel Choir - 3rd, 4th,5th & 6th Grade Girls
Sarah Garner, Director
Rehearsals: Fuller Room on Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Girls this age are able to sing a pure unison, canons and rounds, and begin to move toward part singing. The music they sing can be more rhythmically sophisticated and stylistically varied. Many children in this age group are taking instrument lessons and are becoming comfortable with reading music. The Evangel Choir will sing for the 8:45 am service about once a month and will combine, especially for festivals, with Boy Choir.

Boy Choir - 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Grade Boys
Larry Christensen, Director
Rehearsals: Room 307 on Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Boys this age have their own unique needs and abilities that makes working apart from girls desirable. Some may still be trying to find their head voices, while others are feeling the powerful focus that comes with age. The Boy Choir will sing with the men on occasion for “men and boys” SATB literature, and with Evangel Choir for festivals. They will sing about once a month at 8:45 am.

Nexus - 9th through 12th Grades
Hannah Keeling, Director
Rehearsals: Multi-purpose Room on Wednesdays
6:30 to 7:25 ( 6:15 to 7:55 during Lent)
High School youth  meet Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15pm in Fuller. This group of students sings   monthly during the school year at the 8:45am worship service as well as appearances at Christmas, Easter and various youth programs throughout the year. Students interested in singing, playing instruments and leading worship are encouraged to participate in this music ensemble.

Voices in Praise
Anna Wolf, Director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays at 7:30 in Fuller Music Room. Youth who wish to serve their church through song can continue singing in a choir during their 7th & 8th grade confirmation years. V.I.P. signs alone, and combined with choirs

Cathedral Choir - Adults
Larry Christensen, Director
Rehearsals: Begin in MPR on Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:00 pm

Cathedral Choir is the primary adult singing ensemble at St. John’s, and the group sings for the 11:00 am service 3 out of 4 Sundays. It sings at 8:45 about once a month. Cathedral Choir also sings for major festival liturgies and Performing Arts events throughout the year. Cathedral Choir is well known in Central Iowa for its expressive singing and varied repertoire.

Cantorei - Adults
Larry Christensen, Director; Mark Garner, Facilitator
Rehearsals: 6:45 to 7:25 Wednesdays in the Choir Loft. (6:15 to 6:55 during Lent in Room 308)
This group, though no less talented than Cathedral Choir, requires a smaller commitment; a shorter rehearsal, simpler music and sings twice a month. They also frequently join with Nexus and V.I.P. for festivals.