Redeemed

I was privileged this morning to be able sing the special music in church this morning. I chose “Redeemed” by Fanny J. Crosby, using the “Ada” tune, rather than the familiar “Redeemed” tune. I always liked the lilting feel of that hymn.

Jonathan not only played for me, but also recorded the videos from the services. I’ve posted both of them below, but they are practically identical. It’s just a smidgen out of my really comfortable singing range, and I kept forgetting to breathe, but otherwise I really appreciated having the opportunity to sing.

8:30 Worship Service

10:50 Worship Service

I heard that while I was singing during  the first service, a little red-headed bird kept on bouncing around on the window sill behind me, and flew off when I was finished. I wish I had seen it.

A song from the heart

A song from the heart,
Reaching toward the skies.
A song from the soul,
Touching those that go by.

Sing the song in your heart,
For the Lord is always near.
He will lift up your soul,
For He holds you dear.

Praise the Lord in your heart
Let His praise be in your mouth.
Sing His praise in your soul,
Shout it to both north and south.

Worship God in your heart.
Seek His good night and day.
Hold His words in your soul,
Keep his truth with you always.

For God is high and lifted up,
Far above the works of man.
Far above the stars and galaxies
Shines the light of the true I AM.

Organist Needed

Spreading the word:

 

Seeking Organist & Accompanist for Avondale United Methodist Church of KCMO.

 

Applications Due by no later than January 15, 2014.

 

 

Please share the attached Job Description.

 

Many Thanks !

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

ORGANIST & ACCOMPANIST

Avondale United Methodist Church 3101 NE Winn Road, KCMO 64117

The Organist and Accompanist is a part-time, salaried position, responsible for providing the best possible music for worship, weddings, funerals, and other church occasions. Upbeat leadership is expected in the areas of gospel, contemporary, traditional and other musical genres, appealing to all ages and a diversity of backgrounds.

SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

1. Work in close cooperation with the Senior Pastor, Director of Music Ministries, Bell Choir Director, and Worship Work Area to provide music that is invitational to a diversity of people.

2. Accompany chancel choir during 10:50 Worship and rehearsals from the First Sunday after Labor Day through the First Sunday in July, as well as for various Holy Days such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Community Thanksgiving Celebration, Christmas Eve. Rehearsals currently are on Wednesdays @ 7 pmand Sundays @ 10:30 am.

3. Recruit participants for chancel choir, with help from the congregation.

4. Help Director of Music Ministries develop new musical groups (such as worship

   ensembles to share a variety of musical genres, as well as youth and children’s choirs).

5. Assist Director of Music Ministries to arrange for individuals and ensembles to share

   special music during both 8:30 and 10:50 Worship, as well as special occasions

   throughout the year.

6. Consult with Director of Music Ministries who manages the annual music budget and

   assist in keeping music organized and cataloged.

7. Lock building with Director of Music Ministries at conclusion of Wednesday rehearsals,

   or arrange for a minimum of two persons to do so.

EXPECTATIONS:

1. Assist Director of Music Ministries in developing and growing a diversity of new musical groups.

2. Be proficient in leading congregational singing with tracker organ and piano and keyboard, as well as accompanying chancel choir and soloists and other ensembles.

3. Proficiency on a tracker pipe organ is a must. Proficiency on other instruments is a plus.

4. Introduce congregation to new music that will attract a diversity of people.

5. Be skilled in helping Director of Music Ministries train choirs and musical groups, and in selection of music.

6. Good verbal and written communication.

7. Effective planning and organizational skills are a must.

8. Lead ensembles toward excellence in musical performance while creating Christian

   community. This includes demonstrating understanding of working with volunteers

   of varying musical abilities.

9. Provide oversight and hands-on support for youth and children’s music.

10. Attend monthly staff meetings and all Worship Work Area meetings.

11. Participate in the entirety of both 8:30 Worship and 10:50Worship every Sunday.

12. Be accountable to the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, with supervision by the

    Senior Pastor.

13. Participate in one continuing education event every year that may involve being away

    for a Sunday. The Staff-Parish Relations Committee must approve the particular event in order for the expense to be covered by the church budget.

EVALUATION & REVIEWS:

1. The first 60 days will be a “trial period.” If within this period the Organist & Accompanist or the Staff-Parish Relations Committee or the Senior Pastor feels
   this employment is not a “good match,” then the employee or employer may terminate this agreement “without prejudice.”

2. After the first 60-day “trial period,” a minimum of two weeks written notice will be provided by either the Organist and Accompanist or the Staff-Parish Relations Committee in order to terminate this employment.

3. This position will be reviewed after six months. Performance will be evaluated and an annual continuance (based on yearly review) will be offered, or a 2-week notice will be given.

4. The Organist and Accompanist will meet with the Staff-Parish Relations Committee annually for a performance evaluation.

OTHER DETAILS:

1. Every potential employee must complete Avondale United Methodist Church’s Local Safe Sanctuary Training that includes a national background check. Results of this background check must be received and reviewed by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee before any person is hired. The fee will be covered by Avondale UMC.

2. This is a part-time, salaried position. Hours are expected to be 10 to 15 per week. Salary will be negotiated based on experience.

3. The Organist and Accompanist will be provided with two paid weeks of vacation each year. These weeks must be approved in advance by the Senior Pastor.

4. Only applicants who are not presently involved with Avondale UMC will be considered.

TO APPLY:

Email resume to Rev. Gary Ponder Williams: umpastorgary@gmail.com,
or mail resume to Avondale UMC, 3101 NE Winn Road, KCMO 64117,

by no later than January 15, 2014.