Music plays an essential role in the worship life of St. John's. Musical choices encompass a variety of styles in one blended worship service.
We use hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship (the ELCA’s worship book) along with material from African American traditions, chant-style singing from Taize’ and Iona, multiple resources from the global Christian community, and original contributions by St. John's members
Our adult choir assists regularly in the leadership of Sunday worship and provides special music as needed. During the school year, the choir practices on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m.
Liturgical music can be anything from the ELW to a setting by our own musicians. Instrumentation may include pipe organ, piano, woodwinds, African drums, brass, Indonesian ankglungs, and other global instruments depending on the character of the musical selection.
Member Musicians
Members and friends of St. John's of all ages often share their musical gifts during Sunday worship. Instrumental and vocal soloists and small ensembles are actively encouraged to offer a prelude or offertory, or help out on a hymn. Our director of music works with members to coordinate their musical gifts with the worship needs of the church.
Special Musical Groups
Since our musical makeup is ever changing, and to ensure all who want to participate have the opportunity, much of our music is provided by “occasional ensembles” such as our Sunday School children, bell choir, Ponce Pearls (women of the congregation), and the Oakdale Boys (men of the congregation). If none of these strikes your fancy we'll create a new one!
Adult Choir
Most Wednesdays from September through May, the choir will be “la-la-la-ing” in the choir room from 7 PM-8:30 PM. The group provides musical leadership in Sunday worship, often contributing an anthem and multiple other sung responses throughout the service. Practices are casual but focused, offering an opportunity for musical fellowship with a circle of St. John's vocalists.
St. John’s is fluid in its musical resources and choir is no different. We realize that the demands of today's society mean that the ability of members to commit to participating in an organization such as the choir may be a challenge. Have no fear! If you love to sing and are only in the area for a short time or can’t commit to a full year of singing, we’d love for you to join us for a season - or more - or less! If you can only give enough time to sing on a special festival like Easter or help out with an anthem that takes more singers, you will still be embraced by the choir for what you are able to contribute.
Another St. John’s perk: Each month to six weeks, we have what we call Tacet Wednesday, which mean choir members get the night off and simply support the congregation the following Sunday, with no big “special music” responsibilities.