Spotlight on Music: Here we are

Here we are.

Sitting with that statement. I wonder if that’s it, that’s everything: Here we are to make community together in all the ways it happens. Here we are to show up for each other, for what is important to us, for what we want to nurture and perpetuate, because we love this place. We love this church. We love this people and the persons that comprise this community of faith, love, and life. Together.

Within and throughout this community, Music shines on in the faithful devotion of volunteers preparing and serving food on Wednesday nights. It shines on in the creative activities for singers between rehearsals. It shines on in the wonderful music teachers and voices of children eager to learn their songs, to laugh and play and sing their hearts out. It shines on in the cohort of chimes ringing as a singular instrument. It shines on in the healing chants of solidarity and hope and of exquisite anthems of praise, prayer, and gratitude. It shines on in the voices of Sunday song leaders and special offerings.

We are all grateful to join in this work, to bring what we bring, to laugh and cry together, and share the joy and sorrow of life’s passages. Looking toward the balance of our 2025-26 music season, join us in cherishing and celebrating this community with music. Here are some of the ways you can show up for that:

• St. John’s own “Holy Smoke Jazz Band” will provide music for your dining and dancing pleasure on Shrove Tuesday, February 17^th!
• Lenten Evensong will happen in the Sanctuary Chancel at 4pm on Sunday, February 22^nd.
• Saxophonist Sam Pohlad will play during the 10am service on Sunday, March 1^st!
• Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1^st – 3^rd grade choirs sing their songs during upcoming Sunday services on February 22^nd, March 15^th, April 19^th, and May 10^th.
• 4^th – 8^th grade choir sing their songs during upcoming Sunday services on February 8^th, March 8^th, March 22^nd, and April 26^th.
• 4^th grade and up Chime choir rings their music during upcoming Sunday and Saturday services on February 22^nd, March 15^th, April 4^th, April 19^th, and May 10^th.
• Chant Circle sing their songs of hope and healing on Wednesday nights when the Festival Choir is not rehearsing.
• Festival Choir sings their songs during upcoming services on Palm Sunday (March 29), Easter Vigil (April 4^th), Easter Sunday (April 5^th), and the Day of Pentecost (May 29^th).
• Poem readers, song singers, instrument players and all manner of story tellers gather to share what they have to share with each other during upcoming Open Mic events on Fridays, February 27^th, March 27^th, April 24^th, and May 29^th.

For more information about Music Ministry at St. John’s, please contact:

Chad Smith, Minister of Music
chad@stjohns-mpls.org

Wendy Smith, Pre-K, Kindergarten & 1^st-3^rd grade Choir Director
wendyparquettesmith@yahoo.com

Aliese Hoesel, 4^th-8^th grade Choir Director
hoeselae@gmail.com