Jobs and Substitutes

 

For information on jobs and substitutes, please contact Ellen Hunt, our placement director.

Organ substitutes listed are members in good standing of the Harrisburg AGO Chapter, though their qualifications have not been endorsed by the Chapter. It is the hiring organization’s responsibility to ask for specific information – education, experience, recent references, and to discuss these items with the chosen substitute. Click the following link to view the Substitute List.

The hiring organization and the organist should agree on a reasonable fee before the service. The Harrisburg Chapter does not publish a fee schedule.

Positions Available

Worship Choir Director - Mt Zion UCC, York
CORE COMPETENCIES:
● Faithful follower of Jesus Christ, able to provide spiritual leadership.
● Mission ownership: Aligns with mission, vision, values, and beliefs of Mt. Zion U.C.C. and leads the ministry area in such a way that is consistent with said mission, vision, values, and beliefs. Accepting of different skills, life experiences, and abilities of all people. Spiritual maturity: Models and develops humility, teachability, accountability, andservant leadership in all roles.
● Interpersonal skills: Demonstrates the ability to lead others. Demonstrates the skills of active listening and openly accepts constructive criticism. Productively engages and resolves interpersonal conflict. Holds others accountable in the spirit of love. Engages people positively, with a demeanor of optimism and abundance.
● BA/BS Music preferred but not required, with an emphasis on vocal and choral direction and performance.
● Flexible and supportive of the special needs of each worship experience.
● Ability to provide for or arrange all phases of Christian music including classical, traditional, and contemporary, according to the needs of the worship event.
● Sense of humor.

REPORTS TO: Pastor

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
● Ensure appropriate musical representation in worship as scheduled in conjunction with the Pastor, September through Pentecost. This might include Worship Choir, small ensembles, praise band, etc.
● Recruit people to participate in the music ministries of Mt. Zion U.C.C.
● Plan and coordinate all anthems and special music in conjunction with the Pastor, organist/accompanist, and Worship Ministry Teams from September through Pentecost.
● Distribute music to organist/accompanist and other musicians in a timely manner and communicate schedules for rehearsals and performances.
● Purchase music and related supplies as necessary and submit budget request for the music ministry to Worship Core in August.
● Assist in planning music for special services during Lent and Advent and be present for services on Christmas Eve and Easter when ensembles are scheduled.
● Oversee and maintain the music library.
● Serve as substitute musician when organist/accompanist is on vacation as available.
● Plan and direct one cantata in coordination with the Pastor and music staff.
● Lead praise team participation in at least 5 worship services from September through May in conjunction with Worship Ministry Teams.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
● Employed on an annual basis as per established schedule.
● Requests for leave must be approved by the Pastor.
● In case of sickness or emergency, it is the Worship Choir Director's responsibility to advise the Pastor and organist/accompanist as soon as possible.
● Paid vacation as agreed annually with the Personnel Committee.
● Compensation and benefits as recommended by Personnel Committee and approved by Council
● Resignation notice is to be submitted in writing to the Senior Pastor and Personnel Committee at least four weeks in advance of anticipated departure from duties.

EVALUATION
Performance of this job will be evaluated on an annual basis by the Pastor.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Respond to: Mt. Zion Personnel Committee, 1054 Ridgewood Rd., York, PA 17406

Cantor / Minister of Music · Trinity Lutheran Church, 527 Washington Street, Reading PA 19601 
Hours per week: 40+
When position is available: December
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Contact Name: Pr. Hans E. Becklin
Summary of Position
Trinity’s Cantor / Minister of Music proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ by developing, coordinating, and supervising the entire musical program of the congregation. Along with the other members of the Program Staff, s/he forms and develops the congregation’s common life, especially in the areas of worship and spirituality. S/he represents Trinity throughout Berks County and the region as an ambassador for the congregation. Read the full job description and timeline for applicants here.
Benefits
Salary commensurate with experience. Silver+ health plan through Portico Benefits Services (or, if waived due to spouse/partner’s coverage, a buy-out is offered); 6% match for retirement. Four weeks of paid vacation annually, including four Sundays. Two weeks of paid continuing education, including two Sundays.
About Trinity Lutheran Church
Trinity, founded in 1751, is a vibrant, liturgical congregation in the downtown of Pennsylvania’s fourth-largest city. Our landmark building, built in the last decade of the eighteenth century, pulses with music, worship, learning, and service. Our professional staff of eight (five full-time, including two ministers) works alongside our Vestry and committees to ensure excellence in all we do.

A regional congregation, our members travel from across the county to worship, learn, and serve with us. We are proudly Lutheran, and all that we do is centered on Christ’s call to us in Baptism and His presence in the Eucharist. Through our music-making, we offer a sacrifice of thanks and praise to God while also drawing closer to one another as siblings in Christ.

Our worship services, concerts, and other programming are produced in broadcast quality and can be seen on cable television in our region as well as on YouTube and Facebook. We have proudly been a Reconciling in Christ congregation for over two decades, making us one of the pioneering Lutheran churches in Pennsylvania to warmly embrace the LGBTQ+ community as valued and integral members of our Christian family. [LISTED 5/1/24]

Part Time Director of Music/Organist/Choir Director - Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (CELC) of Linglestown. Description: CELC is seeking a skilled and passionate individual to serve as Director of Music/Organist/Choir Director for our Lutheran congregation within the Lower Susquehanna Synod. The chosen candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing our worship experience through their musical talents, leadership abilities, and commitment to the Lutheran tradition. The Director of Music develops and leads the worship music ministry for our church, in consultation with the Pastor and the members of the Worship and Music Committee, and provides leadership to the church choirs by completing the following essential duties:
● Understand and participate applying music to enhance Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America Liturgy at CELC
● Select and plan music for weekly and other worship services
● Select and purchase music in accordance with the budget, schedule, and conduct rehearsals for the adult choir and children’s choir
● Participate in the planning process of service with the Pastor and Worship and Music Committee
● Prepare the schedule of organists covering all services that require an organist
● Recruit or assist with recruiting members for all musical groups associated with the church
● Salary 15,000 - 18,000 depending upon education and experience
For additional information, please contact Donna Murray at dlm6122@comcast.net or 717-645-3341. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, application, and resume to Pastor Sean Titus at the Church Office at 1214 Crosby Street, Linglestown, PA 17112 or submit via email to pastor@churchonthehilltop.org. [Listed 3/22/2024]

Organist - Palmyra First United Methodist Church, 520 East Birch Street, Palmyra is looking for an organist for our Sunday 10:30 am service along with other duties to complete our worship experience.
Responsibilities:
- Provide organ/piano accompaniment during church services and events
- Play appropriate music for hymns, and other musical selections
- Collaborate with the pastor to enhance the overall musical experience
- Attend rehearsals and practice sessions as required
- Maintain and care for the church's organ
Skills:
- Proficient in playing the organ with a strong understanding of music theory
- Ability to read sheet music and chord charts
- Experience in playing for church services or similar events
- Familiarity with a variety of musical styles, including traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with the pastor and other musicians.
Future endeavor wanting to work with a choir or bell choir is a plus.
If you are passionate about music, have a heart for worship, and possess the necessary skills, we would love to hear from you. Join our team as a Church Organist and contribute to creating a meaningful worship experience for our congregation.
Job Type: Part-time
Weekly rate to include special services of Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Easter services. Funerals and weddings would be compensated by the family or wedding couple. 
4 Weeks’ vacation not including special services throughout the year.
Salary based on job duties. Weekly $200 to $250 to start.
Send resume to: admin@palmyrafirst.org [Listed 3/2/24]

Organist / Pianist – Lebanon VA Medical Center Chapel - One or two musicians needed to provide organ/piano music for all Sunday services and special events in coordination with the Chaplain. A detailed contract is available from the Chaplain.  [Listed 1/17/2024]

Christopher Lehr, M.Div., BCC
Lebanon VA Medical Center 
Office: 717-272-6621 x4881 cell: 717-454-5054

Organist – Trinity United Church of Christ, 2340 State Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520. Position open on February 1, 2024. Trinity UCC, East Petersburg, PA seeks organist. Must demonstrate proficiency and professional competence in organ and piano performance, as well as choir accompaniment. Should have some knowledge of church liturgy. Candidate should have ability to work with others as a member of a team. Compensation dependent on skill, training and experience. The organ at Trinity is a two manual digital Allen organ. Salary Range $12,500-14,500. https://www.trinityeastpete.org/ministries/ministry-of-music/ [Listed 11/30/23]

Minister of Music (part-time), First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Carlisle, Pennsylvania (ELCA), www.firstlutherancarlisle.org:  In addition to serving as the organist for all worship services (on our well-maintained three-manual 56-rank Aeolian-Skinner Opus 1155), the Minister of Music directs the 15-member Chancel Choir and collaborates in worship planning. The successful candidate will have gifts in leading the liturgy and congregational hymn-singing (from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings) and working with musicians of all ages and skill levels and good interpersonal skills. The 20-25 hour/week position (variable based on choir/church season) is expected to grow. Mid-point of salary range (based on experience and education) is $40,000. Health care and other benefits are available (employee only). For additional information contact Pastor Lisa Leber (pastor@firstlutherancarlisle.org or 717-215-6055). [Relisted 10/6/23]


Listings on this space are free. Also free are printed listings in the quarterly newsletter, The Bombarde.

To advertise a position with the Harrisburg Chapter, please contact our Placement Director Ellen Hunt.