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.
Beloved Community resumes on the Wednesday after Labor Day, September 9, 2009. Cathedral Choir will start on September 2nd. All of our singing choirs rehearse on Wednesdays while Bell Canto, our hand bell choir, practices of Thursday evenings. Chamber Orchestra rehearses Sunday mornings from 9:50 to 10:45 am beginning September 20th. There is always a need for song leaders and instrumentalists for Sunday School as well as the Music Ministry programs.
Kisasa Choristers- 3rd through 6th Grades
Sarah Garner, Director; Lisa Samuelson, Accompanist
“Kisasa Wimbo” is Swahili for “New Song”, and this group of dedicated and talented choristers indeed brings a “new song” into our worship. Combining the former Boy and Evangel Choirs of that age into one, powerful group, these young people sing repertoire of many styles, times, and cultures. Usually scheduled about once a month at the 8:45 am service, this group also sings for the 10 am Thanksgiving Day and the 5 pm Christmas Eve Services. Each May they present a musical as part of worship accompanied by the St. John’s Chamber Orchestra.
Cantorei – High School through Adult
Larry Christensen, Director; Doug Holmgren, Accompanist
This ensemble rehearses on Wednesday evenings during Beloved Community from 6:40 to 7:25 pm in the choir loft and leads worship at the 8:45 am service twice a month. The shorter, earlier rehearsal is ideal for parents of children who may be in a children’s choir or who need to get home for bed time, but it is not limited to that group and always welcomes new singers gladly. There is no audition required to sing in Cantorei.
Cathedral Choir – High School through Adult
Larry Christensen, Director; Sarah Garner, Accompanist
Cathedral Choir is the signature singing ensemble at St. John’s with a storied history dating back seven decades. It rehearses from 7:30 to 9:00 pm on Wednesdays beginning September 2nd and sings three times a month at 11 am, once a month at 8:45. It also sings for liturgies at major festivals including the annual “Candlelight Carol” service with orchestra at 11 pm Christmas Eve. Its repertoire is broad embracing traditional choral literature, spirituals and gospel songs, world music, as well as cantatas, masses, and major works. Cathedral Choir has appeared on local television and has released several recordings and CDs through the years. Still, there is no audition for this group.
