Knox United Church Mission Statement
We are called to be Christ’s witnesses by being a church that is welcoming, inclusive of everyone, and spiritually nurturing, reaching out in support and service to all people in our local and worldwide communities.
ABOUT US
Knox United Church is located in the Town of Georgina (Sutton) on the beautiful south shore of Lake Simcoe.
Founded in 1863, and approaching our 160th anniversary, we are a mature and family-oriented faith community with a well-established tradition of music as an integral and valued part of our worship experience. Several accomplished musicians are members of the congregation and would lend enthusiastic support to new music leadership. We have a small, but dedicated volunteer adult choir which is eager to begin singing together again during in-person worship services. We are seeking to become an affirming church and are growing an online presence.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This contract position is for a combined organist/choir director. This person will play for Sunday worship services on the organ or piano according to what suits the music. The organist will also be available for special services through the church year. As choir director, this person will conduct and accompany the Senior Choir for weekly rehearsals and worship. The musician works as part of a staff team, coordinating with the minister and chairperson or designate from the Worship and Music Ministry. It is expected that these responsibilities will be fulfilled in a manner that embodies the mission of Knox United Church as stated above.
LINES OF AUTHORITY
The musician is accountable to the Worship and Music Ministry on a monthly basis, attending ministry meetings as an ex-officio member. The Ministry and Personnel Ministry will conduct an annual review as well as being available to assist in any personnel matters.
WORKING HOURS
The workweek of about 8 hours consists of rehearsal time once a week with the Senior Choir, Sunday morning worship, preparation time as needed for music selection and practice. Occasionally there will be extra rehearsals for special services/concerts. This is a 10-month contract position—July and August are excluded as well as the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare and play music for Sunday worship services that correlates with liturgical themes and lectionary passages.
- Select choir music with likewise correlation and with an openness to a variety of musical styles.
- Ensure copyright conditions for use of music are met.
- Practice with the Senior Choir once a week and direct/accompany the choir for worship.
- Liaise with the Minister and appropriate church ministries for worship planning and selecting music for various special services such as seasonal, baptisms, and communion.
- Provide organ/piano music for weddings at the church (including rehearsals) when available.
- Play the organ for funerals when available.
QUALITIES AND SKILLS
- Passion for building up the music ministry of Knox United Church
- Competence on organ (Cambridge 730 Rodgers),
- piano (Yamaha), and in choral conducting
- Openness to a variety of worship and music styles
- Knowledge and understanding of United Church practices and repertoire a definite asset.
- Creativity
- Initiative
- Flexibility
- Enthusiasm
- Collegial working style
- Sense of humour
- Commitment to the mission and ministry of Knox United Church
REMUNERATION: $900-$1200/month based on qualifications and experience. Compensation may be provided for extra time required for special concerts and events.
START DATE: September 2022
Resumés may be sent:
- by email: Knox United Church officeknoxsutton@gmail.com
- by mail: Box 989, Sutton West, ON L0E1R0 Attn: Office Administrator
CLOSING DATE for applications – June 30, 2022