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Job Description

Job Title: Music Ministry Positions (Flexible Structure)

Position(s): Accompanist/Organist and Handbell Director

Reports To: Music Director, works with Senior Pastor, staff and committees

Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, (Flexible configuration, 12 hours total)

Location: Gilbert, Arizona

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and configuration

Benefits: Refer to Personnel Handbook for Benefits and Vacation, if aplicable

Start Date: Open until filled

 First United Methodist Church of Gilbert is a warm, inclusive and welcoming, multi-generational congregation with a heart for service and a commitment to inclusive worship. Located in the East Valley of the Phoenix metro area, we are celebrating our 110th anniversary this year and looking toward the future with hope and imagination. We celebrate the full range of music and collaboration from blue grass to classical, modern rock to hymns during our two services. We have a praise team, twenty-five voice chancel choir, ten-person handbell choir, children and youth musical experiences and leadership, occasional liturgical dance, guest artists and composers in residence and are looking forward to individuals who want to join us in the journey of worshiping God together! We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

Position Structure

We are open to the following configurations:

  • One combined position: Piano and Organ Collaboration Artist & Handbell Director (12 hours/week)
  • Two positions:
    • Piano and Organ Collaboration Artist (10 hours/week)
    • Handbell Director (2 hours/week)
  • Three positions:
    • Pianist (6 hours/week)
    • Organist (4 hours/week)
    • Handbell Director (2 hours/week)

We encourage applicants to indicate which configuration they are applying for and whether they are open to combining roles.

Pianist and Choral Accompanist (up to 6 hours/week)

  • Accompany weekly choir rehearsals and Sunday services
  • Support congregational singing, soloists, and other ensembles
  • Attend staff meetings or worship planning sessions as needed
  • Play for special services including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Thanksgiving, Blue Christmas, and possibly New Year's Eve and others as assigned.
  • weddings and memorial services as needed. These are separately compensated.
  • Makes recommendation for general maintenance for pianos, including preparation of a budget submitted to the Music Director in September for the following year's budget. Coordinates schedule for regular tuning or repair.

Organist (up to 4 hours/week)

  • Provide organ music for Sunday worship, including hymns, preludes, offertories, and postludes
  • Coordinate with music director and worship staff
  • weddings and memorial services as needed. These are separately compensated.
  • Makes recommendation for general maintenance for organ, including preparation of a budget submitted to the Music Director in September for the following year's budget. Coordinates schedule for regular maintenance or repair.

Handbell Director (2 hours/week):

  • Rehearse and direct the adult handbell ensemble (weekly rehearsal)
  • Select appropriate music for liturgical seasons
  • Prepare the group to participate in worship periodically throughout the year, including Christmas Eve and Easter

Desired Qualifications

  • Proficiency in piano and/or organ (depending on role)
  • Experience accompanying choirs and leading congregational worship
  • Familiarity with a wide variety of music, including sacred, choral, contemporary, and hymns across seasons
  • Excellent sightreading skills
  • For Handbell Director: experience conducting handbell choirs or similar ensembles
  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and church members
  • A heart for ministry, flexibility, and team spirit

Spiritual and Community Expectations

  • Maintain a personal and growing relationship with Christ.
  • Be an active participant in the life of the church community.
  • Exhibit a spirit of hospitality, inclusiveness, and servant leadership consistent with United Methodist Church principles and beliefs.
  • Respect the diversity of perspectives within the United Methodist Church within a Christian community.      
  • Ability to communicate in person, electronically, and in writing on a regular and timely basis.

To Apply

Please submit the following to WorshipLeader@GilbertUMC.org:

  • Cover letter indicating your interest and preferred configuration
  • Resume or CV
  • (Optional) Video or audio sample of performance or conducting
  • Three references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position(s) are filled.