Our Story​

In 1924, Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church (RCPC) was established in the newly growing neighborhood of the same name. One of its charter members composed a poem to celebrate the new congregation. The end of the first stanza states, “There’s a Temple that’s built for the service of God, a Haven of rest for the poor, a Beacon of hope for all who plod, called the Church of the Open Door.” Since that time “The Church of the Open Door” has been our defining characteristic. 

 

Located in a neighborhood where members walk to worship, others to school, and more to the local retail and dining district, we are also an urban congregation, located within the city limits of Roanoke, Virginia and thus concerned with issues of justice and poverty. Today some six hundred souls call RCPC their church home, gathering for worship, to study scripture, to pray with and for one another, and to serve the world in love.

 

Music at RCPC

Music fills our worship with hymns, anthems, prayer responses, instrumental offerings, major works, and more. While rooted in the Reformed tradition, we value music from all eras and nations and appreciate the diversity of the Holy Spirit’s witness in the world. 

 

In addition to the congregational song, our Sanctuary Choir of 35 singers, our God Alive Children’s Choir of 25 singers, our Youth Bell Choir of 11 ringers, and our five-octave adult Raleigh Court Ringers carry us into God’s presence throughout the year. 

 

Music at our 9:00 AM Chapel service is accompanied by our Walker Digital Organ (equivalent to 34 pipe ranks over three manuals and pedal), and a five-foot Model M Steinway grand piano. Worship in our sanctuary is supported by our 77-rank Moller organ (Opus 9091, 1958 with renovation and expansion in 2010, four manuals and pedal), and a five-foot Kawai grand piano.  In the summer of 2023, our chancel is being reconfigured to better accommodate our worship and music ministry, providing additional space for creative worship expression and more effective musical presentation.

 

Music rings through our church as well in monthly Evening Prayer services, special liturgical services throughout the year, our annual Worship on the Mountain outdoor service, the annual congregational retreat, and the summer Music at Raleigh Court Series. Learn more about our music ministry here.

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Major Responsibilities

RCPC is seeking a Director of Music Ministries to lead and enrich our music ministry as we move into our next 100 years of worship through music. Resources allow for one full-time and one part-time position; thus, the Search Committee is open to multiple avenues for fulfilling these responsibilities based on the gifts of the successful candidate.

• Plan and lead musical elements of worship in coordination with other ministry staff, ensuring that the music reflects a variety of styles and is related to the theme of the service.

• Conduct choir rehearsals, worship services, and special events and activities.

• Accompany choral, vocal solo, and instrumental music in worship.

• Prepare and offer sacred organ and piano repertoire with a high degree of excellence.  

• Discern musical gifts and talents within the congregation and community, and enlist, encourage, and enable the use of those gifts.

• Nurture the people and groups involved in the church’s music ministry.

• Serve as administrator of the music ministry including scheduling, employing guest musicians, budgeting, purchasing, and maintenance of all music-related assets.

• Prepare and oversee the annual Music at Raleigh Court Series, featuring regional guest performers and musical ensembles of RCPC.

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Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities​

We seek a candidate who . . .

• Has a deep Christian faith and a desire to share faith through music;

• Is a gifted and experienced musician with a broad repertoire and knowledge of sacred music;

• Has the ability and experience to equip, guide, and conduct adult, children, and youth choirs; handbell ensembles; and instrumentalists;

• Will work independently and collaboratively with volunteers and the RCPC ministry team; and, who

• Demonstrates strong organizational, computer, and oral and written communication skills.

Proficiency and experience in playing the organ and piano are highly preferred. Basic keyboarding skills are required.

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Compensation and Benefits

The Director of Music Ministries is a full-time position with a salary commensurate with experience and skills ($63,000-$70,000).  Benefits include Presbyterian Church USA medical, pension, and death and disability benefits; continuing education; vacation and holidays off.  A sabbatical is offered following six years of consecutive service.

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To Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter describing your interest in this position and the gifts, talents, and personal and professional qualities you would bring to RCPC. In addition, if available, we welcome a video recording of you playing an organ prelude or postlude, accompanying a congregational hymn, and conducting an adult choir anthem. Materials should be submitted to Jaye Harvey Wellons at musicsearch@rcpres.org.

 

This position is open until filled; however, applications will be reviewed beginning on April 1st with a desired starting date in the fall of 2023. All submissions will be handled confidentially. 

 

RCPC shares the policy of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and will recruit, hire, call, train, and promote all persons in job classifications without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religious affiliation (except, when after careful study, religious affiliation is determined to be a bona fide occupational qualification), or physical, mental, or medical disability unrelated to the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.