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PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Lynnewood is a Reconciling Congregation of the United Methodist Church. Our worship, Sunday school classes, youth groups, Bible study and programs make a Reconciling commitment to love and support all people, including LGBTQ+. We are a church that dares to question, love, and serve. Our support extends beyond our church to meet the needs of school children, families who have food insecurity, refugees and all seeking justice and kindness in our community.
We are looking for a CHANCEL CHOIR and HANDBELL DIRECTOR to develop musical opportunities for our traditional worship service. Your role would be to create loving, supportive community within our choir and handbell ringers, to develop their musical gifts and worship leadership skills, and to work with the Pastor and Worship Music Coordinator/Principal Accompanist to create a vibrant worship experience for our congregation. If you want to join a community committed to the inclusive love of Jesus Christ, love sacred music of many styles, value the role music plays in worship, and want to help others develop their musical gifts in joyful praise to God, this is the job for you!
HOURS: This is a part-time, salaried position requiring approximately 20-25 hours per week from mid-August to the first week of June. Preparation and planning hours are flexible and may be done remotely. Weekly requirements are worship, choir and handbell rehearsals, a weekly staff meeting and a monthly worship planning meeting.
SUPERVISOR: The Chancel Choir and Handbell Director reports directly to the Church Pastor, with guidance from the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC).
COMPENSATION: Compensation is $30-$33,000 depending upon experience and training. Following a 90 Day Probationary period and review, there is an annual evaluation and compensation review process.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan and Direct Special Music for the traditional worship service on most Sundays from the Sunday after Labor Day through early June. Current rotation would include conducting the Chancel Choir 3-4 Sundays per month and conducting the Handbells 5-7 times per year. The exact calendar would be coordinated with the Worship Music Coordinator/Principal Accompanist (*hereafter referred to as Worship Music Coordinator) and Pastor on an annual basis. If the Director cannot be present at a scheduled worship service or rehearsal, they are responsible for finding their replacement and communicating with the Worship Music Coordinator/Principal Accompanist and Pastor in a timely manner.
- Additional special music responsibilities for Christmas Eve, Holy Week and other holiday seasons are expected and will be coordinated with Worship Music Coordinator and Pastor. Chancel Choir Director may collaborate with Lynnewood instrumentalists and/or recruit instrumental ensembles for special events, concerts, or Sundays. If/when Children’s Choirs are developed, the Chancel Choir and Handbell Director may provide guidance. All special musical events are coordinated with the Worship Music Coordinator and Pastor.
- Musical Selection – In coordination with the Worship Music Coordinator and Pastor, develop a repertoire of anthems that fit with the worship service themes and reflect a variety of styles of both traditional and contemporary hymnody. Assist the Pastor with hymn selections, as needed.
- Rehearsal – Lead weekly Wed. night Chancel Choir and Handbell rehearsals to prepare for upcoming worship services or other special events. *Handbell rehearsals may occasionally take breaks, if not needed to prepare.
- Chancel Choir and Handbell Development – Develop the spirit and fellowship of the musical groups, develop an understanding of their role in worship leadership and increase musical ability. Engage in long-range planning for development.
- Recruitment – Make personal contact with persons who may have choir/handbell interest or musical talent and encourage existing group members to invite new people.
- Professional Relationships and Collaboration – Attend weekly staff meetings and monthly worship planning meetings to ensure effective coordination of traditional music program and align worship with the mission and polices of the church.
- Communication Skills– Utilize meetings, email, and planning documents to communicate effectively with the Choir, Pastor and Staff. Develop plans and communications that support the loving, inclusive mission of Lynnewood.
- Administration – Work in collaboration with the Worship Music Coordinator to develop a budget for the Lynnewood Music Program. Maintain the choral and handbell music library and files. Work with Worship Music Coordinator to ensure reporting and licensing needs are maintained.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must have successful experience conducting a choir; church choir preferred.
- Familiarity with sacred music from many styles and traditions.
- A degree in music with training in choral and instrumental ensemble conducting is preferred.
- Competent vocalist with worship leading experience preferred.
- Strong relational, planning and communication skills.
- Ability to work with singers and musicians with a variety of different skill levels.
- Proven experience working in a collaborative, team environment.
- Must be available Sunday mornings and some evenings.
- Must pass a background check.