Job Overview
Christ Episcopal Church was founded in 1870 and has a long and rich tradition of liturgy and music. A part of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, Christ Church is located in the coastal community of Eureka, about 250 miles north of San Francisco. Located in the heart of the city, the church is an architectural gem built of native redwood, and is home to the Kegg Pipe Organ, considered to be one of the finest instruments of its type between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon.
The primary responsibility of the Music Coordinator/Organist is to coordinate the music program for worship services throughout the year and to serve as organist for weekly worship services as well as special services during Advent, Christmas, Holy Week and Easter. The position works closely with the Rector and Choir Director to plan music for the liturgical year. In addition, the Music Coordinator/Organist accompanies the choir (18-20 members) for weekly rehearsals and the services for which the choir provides anthems and helps lead the congregational singing from September through early June.
Eureka is a vibrant arts community, and Christ Church is an active participant in many local musical events. The church is utilized as a rehearsal and performance venue by several local music organizations, and is the location for community-wide events like the annual Messiah Sing-Along. The Kegg Pipe Organ is featured in church-sponsored organ concerts with nationally recognized artists. The “Sundays at 4” concert series, offered in the summer, features musicians from the church and the wider community.
Purpose
To assist the Rector in the Music Ministry of Christ Episcopal Church as we seek to glorify God, follow Jesus Christ, and serve all people through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Under the direction of the Rector or his/her designee, provide leadership and oversee music ministry activities at the church. In collaboration with the Rector and the Choir Director, plan and coordinate music for worship services, including selecting hymns and liturgical music.
- Plan, prepare, and play voluntary music, hymns, and service music for the 10:30 AM Sunday service each week and for various special services throughout the year, including Advent, Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter.
- Actively seek out and encourage parishioners to participate in church music events, including Sunday services, either as choristers or instrumentalists.
- Recommend and coordinate upkeep, tuning, and maintenance of all keyboard instruments owned by the church.
- As available, play for special services including weddings and funerals. Compensation for playing at these special services will be negotiated on a case by case basis.
- Prepare an end-of-the-year report on the music ministries at Christ Church for the Annual Meeting. Articles for the monthly Chronicle are welcome and encouraged. An annual budget request will be prepared and submitted to the Finance Committee in November.
- Attend regular staff meetings and Worship Committee meetings.
- Meet regularly with Rector and Choir Director to plan worship music.
- Submit hymns, service music, and notes pertaining to music in worship to the Parish Administrator for inclusion in weekly bulletins.
- Accompany the Church Choir for weekly rehearsals and for Sunday services.
Work Environment
The Rector of Christ Church
The Rev. Daniel DeForest London has served as the rector of Christ Church since January 2018. He was ordained in the Diocese of Los Angeles and has served in several parishes in southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area. He earned his PhD in Christian Spirituality at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley in 2016. He is the author of two books as well as an article about the Kegg Pipe Organ in The American Organist magazine (Nov 2018). He enjoys playing guitar and planning worship that is rooted in the Anglican tradition and open to eclectic musical expressions from across the global Anglican communion and popular culture.
The Choir Director of Christ Church
David Powell began his operatic training at Cal Poly Humboldt. He then continued to the Boston Conservatory and studied privately in New York with Julliard faculty. He has had the opportunity to perform across the U.S., but the beauty of Humboldt County continues to lure him back. He completed his Master’s degree in Physical Theater and serves as the tenor soloist in the Messiah with the Eureka Symphony. He has worked as the Choir Director of Christ Church since 2019 and occasionally sings solos during the 10:30 Choral Eucharist.
The Choir of Christ Church
The Christ Church choir includes many accomplished and experienced musicians who are faithful and dedicated in their service throughout the choir year, providing the opportunity to perform a wide-ranging and diverse selection of music and anthems, under the leadership of a professional singer and choir director.
Qualifications
Support of the mission of Christ Episcopal Church: to glorify God, follow Jesus Christ, and serve all people through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Familiarity with the role of music in Christian liturgy.
A bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably with a major in music; particularly with an organ and/or keyboard emphasis.
Experience as a church organist, a minimum of three years is preferred (applicants with exemplary musicianship and keyboard skills and experience but who lack specific organ experience may be considered for the position).
Demonstrated organizational and administrative skills.
Developed pastoral skills.
Ability and willingness to work as a team member.
Ability to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for all musicians.
Salary and Terms of Employment
- 15 hours per week
- Compensation range: $15,500 – $20,000 annually
- Organ, piano and rehearsal room space for teaching private students, if desired
- A budget in the amount of $1,500 per year will be made available for Continuing Education, with a focus on church musicianship
How to Apply
Send the following by e-mail to:
Grey Brothers, Chair, Music Coordinator/Organist Search Committee
- Letter of introduction and inquiry
- Resume / CV
- Contact information, including phone number, mailing address, and e-mail address
- Three references, two of which have observed the applicant in a music working environment and one of which should be the rector of a parish (or equivalent)
We will acknowledge receipt of completed applications immediately via e-mail. We will make every effort to respect the confidentiality of all candidates and will only call references later in the process and with the candidate’s permission. We ask that candidates not send recordings or other supporting materials at this time.
Christ Episcopal Church Eureka 