Monona United Methodist Church (MUMC) is a congregation based in Monona, Wisconsin. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive community with an active presence in our city. From monthly Community Meals to our solar energy initiative, we are committed to being more than a place of Sunday worship. We have a robust, vibrant congregation who are passionate about issues that affect our wider community. MUMC is a proud member of the Wisconsin Annual Conference in the United Methodist Church and maintains strong ties with other affirming churches in the Madison community and beyond. The position of organist will be central to our 10 am worship service, especially as we move toward a weekly livestream in addition to live services.
Position Summary
The organist will provide music for the various occasions of the Monona United Methodist Church's programs including worship, funerals, weddings, special Sunday School activities, special choir events or seasonal church services such as Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, etc. In the case of weddings and funerals, it is understood that the family will decide whether to request the services of MUMC's organist or of another organist. If the family decides to use a MUMC organist, it will be their responsibility to pay the organist the fee established with the family by the organist.
Qualifications
- Excellent organ skills—technical dexterity and accuracy; command of the instrument, skillful registrations; improvisatory skills a plus.
- Knowledge of classical organ repertoire and an understanding of liturgical repertoire
- A true church organist with service-playing experience;
- Ability to play hymns with dexterity and ease. The skill to make adjustment in a service setting
- Excellent accompanying skills and experience as a collaborative musician
- Excellent sight-reading skills and improvisatory skills as needed
- Strong piano skills;
- Strong sense of commitment to the Church;
- A team player who works well with others—staff and lay-people; can be flexible
- A degree in organ/music preferred but not required.
Expectations
- To serve as the church organist for the 10:00 am worship service weekly, providing weekly service music including the Prelude and Postlude.
- Accompany the choir and guest musicians as requested and needed through the choral season and in the summer months.
- Accompany for special services including Holy Week and Easter, Christmas, and additional events throughout the year as agreed on with the Pastor.
- Play for weddings and funerals, as needed. Additional remuneration for funerals will be paid by the family and is detailed in the Funeral Policy. Remuneration for weddings is listed in the wedding manual and is paid separately.
- To act as a liaison for the church with church and wedding music. Discuss with the Pastor and Worship committee any music that is deemed inappropriate for these types of services. This communication should also be in place for weekly services.
- Maintain the needs of the organ. Communicate issues as they arise and coordinate maintenance and tuning of the instrument as needed
- To be a musical representative of Monona United Methodist Church, always presenting a spirit of willingness and cooperation regarding the music department, worship, and the church at large.
- Secure substitutes as needed. If unable to do so, staff assistance can be provided.
- Maintain a weekly plan of music and submit selections for the upcoming Sunday no later than Wednesday of the week prior
- Meet annually with the SPRC to review the contract and to discuss the “joys and concerns” of both employee and employer.
- Compliance with, and ongoing adherence to, the Safe Sanctuary Guidelines.
Position Hours and Compensation
The monthly salary ranges from $900 to $1,100, depending on experience and expertise, and will be finalized after the interview. In addition to a monthly salary, the successful candidate will be provided three weeks paid vacation annually with the opportunity for an increase after review each year.
This position has flexible hours based on what is required to prepare music for upcoming services or other events of the Church. While hours vary, the expectation is that a minimum of 5-7 hours per week would be committed to this position. This allowance includes a weekly Sunday morning service and rehearsal beforehand as well as practice time throughout the week The Staff Parish Relations Committee will review compensation and hours annually. Interested candidates should send a resume with references and cover letter to pastor.yohan.hong@gmail.com as soon as possible. Review will be ongoing until the position is filled.
Monona United Methodist Church is an affirming, inclusive community that does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, origin, physical or mental ability, or religion.
