Music Ministry
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church & School has a wonderful tradition of congregational song. St. Paul's Music Ministry welcomes musicians of all ages and backgrounds to express their faith and praise God through music. From the beauty of congregational song to traditional choir anthems or more contemporary styles, we celebrate the diversity of God's gifts in our congregation.
Bells of Praise
Bells of Praise is open to any ringer of middle school age and up. The choir plays several times during the school year, offering special music and supporting hymnody and psalmody. The choir uses a set of four octaves of Schulmerich bells and four octaves of chimes. Bells of Praise also participates in other special services throughout the year.
Bells of Praise rehearses weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Chancel Choir
St. Paul’s Chancel Choir is the primary choir of the church, responsible for leading hymnody, presenting choral anthems, and otherwise enhancing worship through their musical offerings. Open to all singers 7th grade to adults, the Chancel Choir strives to learn and present music of the highest quality, while leading with sensitivity, passion, and humility. Their repertoire spans from the 14th century to present, ranging from accessible hymn arrangements to more complex choral works. Large works that the Chancel Choir has recently performed include Requiems by John Rutter and Dan Forrest and an Advent cantata by J.S. Bach.
In addition to weekly worship leadership, the Chancel Choir also participates in several special musical events each year, including an annual All Saints Vigil in November and a special Advent service.
Chancel Choir rehearses 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Cherub Choir
You are never too young to connect to God by connecting to others, never too young to serve God by serving others, and never too young to share the faith through music. This choir is for children age 3 through second grade and seeks to help children find their singing voices, develop social skills, and contribute to worship once a month. Bible stories connected to seasons of the church year are included in the teaching of age-appropriate musical selections. Actions are often used to aid in memorization.
Cherub Choir is led by Karen Dickman, accompanied on guitar by Ael Suhr, on piano by Marcia Haugen, and assisted by teenage helpers Hunter and Kaitlyn Myrmo. Cherub Choir meets Wednesdays after Saints Alive during the school year.
Friends of the Lord
Friends of the Lord is an enthusiastic group students in grades 3-6. Directed by Erika Benschoter, Friends of the Lord works to expand musical horizons, increase music literacy, and refine vocal technique, allowing children to let their beautiful voices shine in worship through the singing of hymns and anthems. A highlight of the choir's season is their leadership of a Holden Evening Prayer service during Lent.
Friends of the Lord meets Wednesdays after Saints Alive and Connect during the school year.
11 a.m. Contemporary Worship Team
The 11 a.m. Contemporary Worship Team leads music for St. Paul’s 11 a.m. Contemporary service. The team is comprised of different people each week, based on their availability and willingness to volunteer. Each week involves a 45-minute long rehearsal to explore the music on the Saturday before worship, and then the worship service itself. The team members also contribute with their talents on guitar, drum set, hand percussion, and other instruments.