At the dawn of the Reformation, Martin Luther promoted the singing of hymns to teach the faith and to encourage participation in the liturgy. Over the past five centuries, poets and musicians have added to this rich heritage and that outpouring continues to this day. St. James honors this tradition with hearty singing by our congregation and choirs every time we gather around word and sacrament.
WaterLife Choir (Grades K-5)
Meets during the 3:00-5:00 p.m. after-school youth group program each Wednesday of the school year. Grades K-2 have choir while grades 3-5 have Bible lesson, activities, and snack, then the groups switch. The choir sings six to seven times a year during family friendly WaterLife Services, held on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. as announced.
Middle & High School Music
Opportunities are provided for singing and instrumental music during regular youth group meeting times during the school year. Students are also encouraged to explore ways they may be involved in church music, whether in a choir or by offering vocal or instrumental talent.
Martin Luther Choir (Teens & Adults)
Meets 6:00-6:45 p.m. one Thursday a month from September to June and sings at the 8:15 a.m. service once a month, plus Christmas Eve.
St. James Choir (Teens & Adults)
Meets 7:00-8:30 p.m. every Thursday from September to June and sings at the 10:45 a.m. service every Sunday, plus Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
Summer Choir
Meets 10:20 a.m. on Sundays in June, July, and August, to learn an easier anthem to sing during the 10:45 a.m. service that follows.
Soloists & Small Groups
In addition to the choirs listed above, there are opportunities for vocal and instrumental solos and small groups throughout the year.
Jonathan Noel
Minister of Music
Braband Organ Scholarship
Timothy E. Braband, and his wife, Barbara served the St. James Congregation for 45 years in Music Ministry. The couple retired from St. James Lutheran Church in August 2020.
To honor their dedication and service to the Music Ministry at St. James, the Braband Organ Scholarship was created to support the education of future organists.