St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Sussex, WI

Expectations/Ministry Description: Music Minister

The Music Minister of St. Alban’s is expected to fulfill the vital role of bringing appropriate and vibrant music to St. Alban’s worship experiences. The Music Minister of St. Alban’s sees this as more than a job, but a ministry, a way to worship God, encourage others to participate, and genuinely enjoys being present at St. Alban’s.

Specific Expectations:

· Provide music for Sunday morning 10:00am service

· organ/keyboard

· play other instruments or provide other musicians when appropriate

· Able to play from

o Episcopal Hymnal 1982

o Wonder, Love, and Praise

o Lift Every Voice and Sing II

o Service Music

o Other Episcopal Resources

o Participate in music selection

· Provide music for special occasion/holiday services in addition to Sundays

o Thanksgiving (Wednesday evening in November)

o Christmas Eve (2 services)

o Lessons and Carols (Sunday evening in December)

o Maundy Thursday (Thursday evening)

o Good Friday (midday on Friday)

o Easter Vigil (Saturday night)

o Other major events at St. Alban’s pertaining to Diocese/CCOS

· Work with laypeople to participate musically in worship

· Prepare for Sunday morning worship

· Teach congregation new hymns

· Lead congregation in singing

· Lead/Rehearse choir as needed

· Collaborate with Sunday school for children’s programs (i.e. Christmas pageants, special seasonal songs, etc)

· Work with Rector and meet with Rector as needed

In a worship service, music should be an integral part that allows people to journey deeper into the mystery of the liturgy. The music should reflect the “mood” of the service and enrich the spirituality of the worship. The variety of services will therefore require reflection of a variety of “moods”. The person who is selected to serve as our Music Minister should be one who enjoys music and is enthusiastic about playing in a manner that encourages participation from others.

Specific Sunday Expectations: Music Minister should arrive about 30 minutes prior to the service; provide prelude music to add to the quiet, prayerful atmosphere. The Music Minister is expected to play at least 5 hymns per service, 2 – 3 service music pieces, instrumental music after the Gospel is proclaimed, and instrumental music during distribution of Holy Communion.

In the Episcopal Church, the Music Minister answer to the Rector, who has the final say on all things concerning the liturgy, including the music.