The First Presbyterian Church of Goshen, NY, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is seeking a part-time Organist & Choir Director to lead and support our music ministry. This individual will play a vital role in enhancing worship, nurturing musical participation across all ages, and collaborating closely with pastoral leadership to support the spiritual life of the congregation.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Pastor and the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Goshen.

Time Commitment

• Sunday Worship Service: Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (including reasonable pre-service preparation time)
• Choir Rehearsal: One evening per week (day and time to be mutually agreed upon)
• Additional Services: Availability for funerals and weddings when requested (separately compensated)

This is a part-time position.

Primary Responsibilities

Worship & Music Leadership

• Serve as the principal organist/pianist for Sunday worship services and other scheduled services throughout the church year.
• Select and prepare appropriate music for worship services in collaboration with the Pastor, aligned with the liturgical calendar, sermon themes, and PCUSA worship traditions.
• Provide music for special services such as Christmas Eve, Holy Week, Easter, and other church-wide events as scheduled.

Choir Direction

• Direct the adult choir, including planning and leading weekly rehearsals.
• Recruit, encourage, and support choir members, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Select choir anthems that are musically appropriate, spiritually meaningful, and suitable for the choir’s abilities.

Children & Youth Music

• Support and help guide the church’s music ministry involving Sunday School students, in coordination with church leadership and Christian education staff or volunteers.
• Encourage intergenerational participation in music when appropriate.

Bell Choir (Desirable)

• Ability and willingness to work with and guide a bell choir is highly desirable, including rehearsals and occasional performances during worship.

Special Services (Additional Compensation)

• Provide music for funerals and weddings when requested and available.
• Coordinate directly with families and the Pastor regarding music selections for these services.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with the Pastor, Session, and church staff to support the overall worship and music ministry of the church.
• Attend occasional staff meetings or Session meetings when requested, particularly when music ministry planning is on the agenda.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with choir members, volunteers, and church leadership.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency as an organist and/or pianist suitable for congregational worship.
• Experience directing a choir, preferably in a church or faith-based setting.
• Familiarity with Christian worship traditions; experience within a PCUSA or mainline Protestant context is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate, plan ahead, and work independently.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Personal Attributes

• A supportive and pastoral approach to music ministry.
• Respect for the mission, values, and theology of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
• Dependable, flexible, and professional.
• Ability to engage musicians of varying skill levels.

Compensation

• Compensation is commensurate with experience.
• Additional compensation provided for weddings and funerals.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• A resume outlining relevant education and experience
• A brief cover letter describing interest in the position and approach to church music ministry