Asbury UMC, Delaware
Asbury United Methodist Church
Organist Job Description
Annual Compensation: $18,000 to $20,000
Contact: Reverand Katherine Osier
Email: Katherine Osier <rev.katie.osier@gmail.com>
Purpose:
Asbury is a congregation that spans generations, actively providing faith learning and engagement experiences for all families. Every Sunday during worship, we echo a resounding message: "Whoever you are, whatever your circumstances, however you identify yourself, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, if you come here to find God, you are welcome." Asbury UMC is known for the beauty and integrity of its worship services and its strong commitment to social justice and community outreach.
Position Summary:
The organist/accompanist provides musical support and content for all worship services, including weddings, funerals, and other church/community events as needed. The organist in cooperation with the Pastor and music staff will lead congregational singing, accompany the church choirs, soloists, and assist in the design and provision of appropriate musical offerings for worship.
Responsibilities:
The Organist shall:
1. Provide organ/piano service music year-round for the traditional worship service in coordination with the Pastor and other music staff .
2. Prepare appropriate music for the special services: Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and two Christmas Eve Services. The organist/accompanist will assist in planning and accompanying the Chancel choir for special events. This includes rehearsals when available.
3. Prepare sufficiently for optimum performance on the organ or piano for both rehearsals and worship. The organist/accompanist will accompany the Youth Choir, Jubilation Singers and Chancel Choir.
Current rehearsal requirements include (subject to change):
Chancel Choir: Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings from 10:00 -10:25 a.m.
Youth Choir and Jubilation Singers: as needed, 30 minutes per Sunday rehearsal when they sing.
4. Accompany instrumental and vocal soloists in worship as needed.
5. Provide special music as needed, in collaboration with the Pastor and Worship Team.
6. Attend worship meetings and special worship planning sessions throughout the year as needed. Meet with the Pastor and other music staff to create a cohesive worship service.
7. Play for special gatherings of the church when requested by the Pastor.
8. Play for funerals or weddings as available. Duties and compensation are covered in the Wedding Guidelines presently in effect.
9. Coordinate appropriate substitutes for worship services or special events. The organist may be asked to substitute for the Chancel Choir Director/Youth Choir Director, and Jubilation Singers Director as needed.
10. Plan with the Trustees for the care, tuning and maintenance of the Klais Organ and all pianos. This includes maintaining the service/repair log for the Klais Organ.
11. Work with staff and others to build member participation in music ministries.
Leave and Professional Development:
The organist will have four Sundays off annually and may request Sundays off for professional development purposes. Consideration will be given for special circumstances. Continuing education and professional development opportunities are encouraged. Requests for continuing education opportunities can be submitted to the Staff Parish Relations Team for additional time off in addition to financial support for these endeavors.
Accountability & Evaluation:
The Organist is accountable to the Staff Parish Relations Committee and the Pastor. All staff members at Asbury United Methodist Church are required to sign and follow our Safe Sanctuary Policy, a guideline of the United Methodist Church.
Performance reviews will be conducted annually by the Staff Parish Relations Team. This committee determines compensation in consultation with the Church Finance Team.
Instruments:
Asbury has a three manual, 25 rank tracker action pipe organ built by the Johannes Klais Company from Bonn, Germany, installed Spring, 2007. There are two baby grand pianos, a Baldwin and a Mason & Hamlin, in the Sanctuary and the adjoining Great Room. There are also three smaller pianos in the educational building (one upright, two studio pianos). A Zuckerman Harpsichord is housed in the Great Room. Asbury also has a three-octave set of Schulmerich handbells as well as a set of hand chimes.