Music is an integral part of our lives. It surrounds all we do – we listen to music while we play, while we work, as we eat or exercise. Music is in our cars when we travel and on our phones. It’s in the background at the movies, restaurants, and wherever we shop. It is in our grocery stores, our doctor’s offices, and sporting events.

Throughout recorded history, people have used song and music to express many feelings. The Israelites sang after their deliverance from Egypt. David sang in times of trouble and rejoicing. Mary and Simeon sang songs of thanksgiving. John, on the island of Patmos, heard the glorious songs of the angles in his vision.

Music serves a communal purpose. People who sing together remember their story and the repeated memory of that common story binds us together. Music helps us become one in unity and purpose.

Music is God’s creation. It is a gift to God’s people to use in praise and adoration and in prayer. Through songs sung in worship, we learn about God and the story of salvation. These songs remain with us through life and persist when other memories fade. They give meaning to life and are a comfort in death.

Music serves the word of God and surrounds the sacraments. It gives shape to ritual action and expresses and forms faith. Martin Luther commended music as "an excellent gift from God." Our Lutheran Book of Worship offers this encouragement: "Freedom and flexibility in worship is a Lutheran inheritance, and there is room for ample variety in ceremony, music and liturgical form."

Musical expression is varied at St. John’s and there are rich opportunities for both those receiving the expression and those participating in them.

Chancel Choir: The Chancel Choir leads our 11:00 worship service and most other church-wide worship services. Rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room.

Sanctuary Choir: The Sanctuary Choir serves the 8:30 worship services and meets for rehearsals on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the choir room.

Carillon Handbells: The Carillon Handbells is our handbell choir that meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary balcony.

Orcha-Band: The Orcha-Band is made up of a variety of musical instruments and presents various times throughout the year. Their rehearsals are scheduled as needed.

Praise Team:  Praise Team serves the 8:30 service and rehearses Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.

Children’s Choir: The children’s choir is led by Lorna Arsenault. Lorna is a volunteer who enhances our children’s program through her talent and musical experience. The children sing during activities and during the Sunday School opening program.