Job Posting​

ABOUT HOSANNA: 

 

Hosanna! is a joyful faith community welcoming, honoring, and serving all people.  We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with an average worship attendance around 90.  We have one worship service each Sunday at 9:30 am that is also livestreamed online.  We are located at 2800 N. Church Rd., Liberty, MO  64068.  Our phone number is 816-781-7991.  We can be found online at https://www.hosannatogether.org and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hosanna.liberty.mo. 

 

Music is a big part of our worship, connecting us with each other and with God.  We love organ, piano, and many other instruments, embracing a combination of traditional and more contemporary music styles.  We joyfully sing the service music and hymns.  We also appreciate the tone and space that instrumental music creates for our worship.  Our primary piano is a Baldwin baby grand piano.  We are in the process of replacing our Rodgers 2-rank digital organ that has reached the end of its service life.  We are blessed to have a volunteer choir led by a part-time music director, which sings periodically in worship, as well as numerous members willing to offer occasional instrumental accompaniment.  We believe teaching the songs of faith to our many kids brightens their experience of God and the church.  Previous musicians have shared with us that the love they felt and the relationships they built with the congregation were some of the best parts of their job.  Hearing that makes our hearts sing. 

 

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

 

The Congregation Accompanist is called to serve Hosanna! Lutheran Church by playing organ and piano for regular and special worship services, planning and leading congregational instrumental music, and accompanying various musical ensembles within the congregation. 

 

POSITION DETAILS:

 

Performance Responsibilities:

• Play organ and/or piano for all regular worship services (one worship service on Sunday mornings). 

• Play organ and/or piano for all special worship services throughout the year (around 11 services).

• Accompany the adult choir for weekly Sunday rehearsals and occasional performances.

• Accompany performances of a youth/children’s choir and the children’s Christmas program. 

• Accompany vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles performing during worship, as needed. 

• Have first right of refusal for all additional services requiring music, such as weddings, funerals, etc. 

 

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Schedule and support occasional special instrumental performance in worship by youth and adult members.  Special instrumental music shall be scheduled not less than 6 times per year.

• Collaborate with the Pastor, Choral Director, and the Worship and Music Committee to select music and plan the shape of worship.  This involves attending Worship Committee meetings approximately 6 times per year via Zoom.

• Communicate plans, titles, and copyright information (when necessary) in a timely manner to the administrative assistant and the pastor. 

• Ensure that pianos, organ, and other instruments are maintained, as appropriate.

• Obtain a competent substitute for times when absent.

 

COMMITMENT AND COMPENSATION

 

• Estimated 8 hours per week average.

  • The time necessary will vary depending upon applicant’s experience and practice time required.

  • The musician may practice and prepare at home and/or in the church building at will.

  • The musician shall be in person Sunday mornings for these activities when held:choir rehearsal, worship, the start of faith formation, and other seasonal commitments.This is generally at most 8:30-11:00, though it can be as little as 9:15-10:45 during the summer and some weekends.

  • Additional time in person is required for special services.At the time of this contract, that includes Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and 6 Evening Prayer services (5 in Lent, 1 in Advent).Additional services may be added in consultation with the Accompanist as we identify ministry needs.

  • Some weeks will require significantly more time than average, while others significantly less.

• Salary $500-$1,425 month, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and ability.

  • Salary would be paid semi-monthly (twice per month). 

  • Although paid consistently throughout the year, it is expected that responsibilities and time commitments will vary throughout the year.  Special services (listed above) have been factored into the salary, as has lower commitment when the choir is not rehearsing.

• Three Sundays of paid leave will be provided.  Additional unpaid leave may be requested.

  • It is expected that leave will not be taken on the following dates:  Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas Eve.

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits are not offered with this position.

• This is considered a contract position. 

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ACCOUNTABILITY

 

The Congregation Accompanist shall report to the pastor on an on-going basis. 

 

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Minimum Requirements:

• Proficiency at playing both organ and piano

• Experience accompanying other musicians

• Knowledge of a wide variety of musical genres, and willingness to use them as applicable

• Strong organization and communication skills

 

Optional qualifications that would be favored and increase compensation within the range provided:

• Experience leading congregational music

• Higher musical proficiency

• A degree in music performance, direction, or education, and advanced music-related degrees

• Familiarity and experience with Lutheran and/or liturgical worship

• Skills with a variety of other instruments, handbells, and/or vocal performance

• A passion and talent for working with children, including those who might be neurodivergent

• A desire to build relationships and be part of the life of the congregation outside of worship

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PLEASE DIRECT INQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS VIA EMAIL to: 
Pastor Mike Kern at apply@hosannalutheranchurch.org.

Applicants are asked to submit a resume and cover letter to the address above.

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Download a PDF copy of this position description.