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Holy Trinity Lutheran Church & Lutheran Campus Ministry

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
 

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Lutheran Campus Ministry is seeking a full-time Cantor to lead and develop its music and worship ministry. Holy Trinity is a reconciling congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, located next to the University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill and within the vibrant North Carolina Triangle area. The active and inter-generational congregation strives to live Holy Trinity’s mission,

“Loving God, Loving Neighbor,” and has average weekly attendance of 250-300.

  

Working collaboratively with the Parish Pastor and the Campus Pastor, the Cantor will nurture and support the musical expression of the people

– the assembly, choral and handbell groups, solo singers, and instrumentalists – and serve as the primary organist/pianist for all worship services.

The ideal candidate will delight in the liturgy and make musical selections consistent with the church’s theological foundation.

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In applying for this position please send a cover letter with contact information, a resume, and a list of references to Pastor Will Rose at prwill@holytrinitychapelhill.org

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Position Description: Cantor 

 

Objective:

The Cantor will lead the musical expression of the people – the assembly, choral groups, solo singers, handbells and instrumentalists – and serve as the primary organist/pianist for all worship services.

 

Lines of Responsibility:

The Cantor serves under the supervision of the Parish Pastor and the Campus Pastor and is responsible to the Congregational Council.

 

Qualifications/Education

  • Degree: Bachelors or Masters of Music with an emphasis in Sacred Music preferred 

  • Proficiency in piano, organ, voice 

  • Familiar with Lutheran theology and committed to assembly singing

  • Able to relate to all age groups

  • Effective communication and organizational skills

  • Ability to relate in a professional manner to church members, staff, volunteers, and the public

  • Ability to work with minimal supervision

  • Able to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks

 

Time Expectations:

Full time – an average of 40 hours per week (more in some seasons, fewer in others)

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Performance Evaluation:

Annually by the Personnel Committee with input from the Congregational Council

 

Benefits are as per ELCA North Carolina Guidelines for Lay Rostered Leaders:

This position does not allow for housing since Lay Rostered Leaders are regular employees. This position allows for pension and benefits as outlined by the ELCA North Carolina Synod. This position allows for Paid Leaves as outlined by the ELCA North Carolina Synod (Continuing Education, Vacation, Sick Leave, Maternity/Parenting Leave, and Sabbatical). This position allows for Reimbursed Professional Expenses as outlined by the ELCA North Carolina Synod (Automobile and Book/Periodical Expense).
 

Responsibilities:

 

  1. Plan and coordinate the entire music program.

  2. Provide leadership and resources in the area of music improving all our programs.

  3. Coordinate the planning of worship and other musical activities in the congregation and campus ministry. 

  4. Provide musical leadership (organ, piano, et al.) for all worship services, including but not limited to: Sundays, midweek services, seasonal festivals, funerals and campus ministry worship.

  5. Direct and rehearse musical ensembles, currently including Chancel Choir (adult SATB), Lutheran Campus Ministry Choir, Youth Choir (grades 6-12), Joyful Noise (grades 1-5), and Handbell Ensemble; work with instrumentalists and singers for 8:30 service.

  6. Educate, train and enrich all musicians participating in the program; making available new resources and ideas through leadership and collaboration. 

  7. Recruit and facilitate participation from all age groups within the congregation.

  8. Attend regular staff meetings. Determine, submit and monitor annual budget requirements for the music program. Serve as staff liaison to the Worship & Arts Ministry Team.

  9. Maintain and grow the music library and supervise the maintenance of all instruments.

  10. Participate with the church staff, synod staff and church council in facilitating congregational goals, assuming responsibility for tasks as mutually agreed.This includes attending synod and conference gatherings as appropriate to the position.

  11. Maintain professional competency by practicing, performing, attending continued education opportunities and other relevant activities.

  12. Be a liason to the University and community music groups this includes recruiting and supervising choral scholars and music interns. As well as provide organ lessons, free of charge, to one student in the congregation or LCM who has completed a minimum of two years of piano study.

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In addition, the Cantor shall:

  • Be permitted to use the church organ and piano for private teaching.  Scheduling should not conflict with congregational activities.

  • Participate with other staff in congregational activities and programs, demonstrating a desire to be collegial and share gifts and responsibilities.

  • Find a substitute when necessary.

  • Give thirty days (written and verbal) notice of intent to terminate employment.

 

This congregation shall:

  • Pay a substitute when the Cantor is on vacation.

  • Maintain wedding guidelines which will include a policy for compensating the Cantor since playing for weddings are not part of the position.

  • Defer to the Cantor who will determine if other organists for weddings or funerals are appropriate for our instruments.

  • Provide an annual performance review and opportunity for mutual dialog, goal setting, and conflict resolution.

 

In applying for this position please send a cover letter with contact information, a resume, and a list of references to Pastor Will Rose at prwill@holytrinitychapelhill.org

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