Fall at St. Paul’s always brings with it a renewed sense of mission, of calling, and of community, and as we are about to return to our 8:45 and 10:45 Sunday service schedule there is ample opportunity for singers and musicians of all ages to join us in all kinds of worship!
The 8:45 am Sunday service features music led by a band, with a blend of hymns, worship songs, and other music from a wide array of eras and traditions. Musicians and singers are welcome at any time, and there is no regular midweek rehearsal. Music and materials are sent out every week, and we gather at 8 am Sunday mornings to rehearse before the service. The band also participates in many special services and events throughout the year, like Beer and Pop and Carols, the annual Christmas Pageant, and our themed summer Eucharists, which have featured music from artists as diverse as U2, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, and more.
The 10:45 am Sunday service features the St. Paul’s Chancel Choir, who offer their voices by leading hymns, psalm intoning, and the service music which unifies our vocal praise during worship. Comprised of adult volunteers of diverse backgrounds, the choir offers a diverse repertoire that features historic staples by composers of the past as well as anthems and musical works of this century that feature a variety of contrasting styles and genres. In addition to our voices, our music is further glorified as we are accompanied by our magnificent and mighty Schantz pipe organ (Opus 2156, 1998) and other instrumental music that features the many musical gifts and talents our members have to offer. The Chancel Choir rehearses Thursday evenings from 7:15 pm until 9:00 pm during the program year, and again on Sunday morning at 9:45 am prior to worship. Musical training, reading ability, and choral singing experience are pluses but not requirements.
The St. Paul’s Handbell Choir is an inclusive community, whether you have a musical background or not, and we frequently offer workshops in basic musical notation and ringing techniques for those who are new to handbells. We are particularly interested in welcoming children to our group; we believe handbell ringing is an excellent way to introduce children to music or complement the music lessons they already have.
The music ministry at St. Paul’s is joyous and alive, and its sum is far greater than the individual parts – which is a testament to the dynamic community that you help to create! We have many participants who sing in the Choir and also ring handbells, or who play in the Band and also sing in the Choir. There are so many ways to get involved, and we welcome you to any and all of these groups with open arms and treasure whatever interests and abilities you are willing to share with the St. Paul’s community.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Bob Melvin, Director of 8:45 Music and Youth Minister,
Dr. Douglas-Jayd Burn, Organist and Choirmaster,
Jan Littrell, Handbell Choir
For more information, reach out to:
- 8:45 service/Band: Bob Melvin ([email protected] or (412) 531-7153 x 18)
- 10:45 service/Chancel Choir: Dr. Douglas-Jayd Burn ([email protected] or (412) 531-7153 x 16)
- Handbells: Jan Littrell ([email protected] or text (814) 312-4669)