St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Music at St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s is blessed with a tradition of fine music. Music can be sacramental in that through its invisible and abstract nature it can link our minds and souls, through our sense of hearing, to the perfect world of God’s eternity. St. Mary’s employs music old and new in a variety of styles in worship, and seeks the best tunes and texts to support the message of the Gospel as we are together formed and fashioned into the likeness of Christ.

All are invited to participate in the music at services. The congregation is the largest choir. Singing the liturgy and hymns is an integral part of worship, for we use our most basic instrument, our body, to offer praise to God.  A wide variety of music is used:  classical to jazz, global-folk to chant – just as the Church as the Communion of Saints comprises all times and places.

Congregational song, choral music for all ages, handbells, organ, piano and other instruments all are all part of the music scene at St. Mary’s. This year, as we assess future growth of the worship and music program of this place, many of these groups will see a relaxed performance schedule. For the Fall of 2009 to Spring of 2010 we are striving to take stock of the many gifts possessed by those that come to St. Mary’s, and seek to incorporate these gifts into our communal life of prayer and praise. A Music and Worship Support Committee will convene to discern gifts, plan for growth, more deeply connect worship and music, and listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit who leads us in our life in Christ.  During this time, instead of weekly rehearsals of children’s, youth, and handbell choirs, shorter 3 or 4- week “blasts” for each of these groups will provide participation for those interested in these areas to perhaps try something new -  without a long time commitment. The Magnificat Choir (adult choir) will remain on a weekly schedule to support the sung liturgy on Sundays. However, one Sunday a month, a schola (a smaller group of musicians composed of members of the choir and those that might want to sing less regularly) will assist in leading congregational song so that members of the choir may take a Sunday “off.”

We hope that this more relaxed season will allow our fallow musical earth to bring forth new and exciting future yields.

Musicians of any age that would like to share their gifts and talent on an occasional basis are welcomed and expected. If you play a wind or brass instrument, guitar, piano, percussion, or sing, please consider sharing your gifts with us once, or once in a while. We will always make room for you in our music program!

 A year-long schedule of all musical activities will be available on the website in August. May we be blessed by another wonderful year of praising our Maker!         Bjorn Gustafson, Director of Music