“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”
St. Paul’s has a long history of praising God through the gift of music. We encourage our
congregation to use their gifts of music in a variety of ways including:
- Sanctuary choir
- Hand bell choir
- Small ensembles
- Sunday school orchestra
- Seasonal musical offerings
If you are interested in participating in any of these groups, please contact our minister of music, Rick Jensen, through the church office. (717)244-2355
Choirs
Senior Choir:
This group sings every Sunday during the 8:30 AM service from September to June,
providing an anthem as part of the worship experience. The group is made up of primarily adults, but singers from grade 9 and up are welcome! We meet every Wednesday 7:30-9:00 PM
Handbell Choir: Our Handbell Choir, Joyful Vibrations, performs special music on average once a month during the 8:30 AM service and is also featured on Christmas Eve at
the half hour prelude to the late service. The group is made up primarily of adults, but ringers grade 9 and up are welcome! We meet every Monday at 7:00 PM.
St. Paul’s is always looking for performers to provide special music at our 10:45 AM “Fresh Air” service throughout the year, as well as the 8:30 AM service during July and August. Vocalists and instrumentalists are welcomed! To Volunteer please contact Rick Jensen the Music Director through the church office. (717)244-2355
Sunday School Orchestra
The Sunday School Orchestra was created in 1916 to perform sacred and classic music and accompany hymn singing during Sunday School each Sunday. Our current director, William Ritz, is the fifth member of the Ritz family to lead the orchestra. William’s great-grandfather, Joseph, founded the orchestra, and he was followed by his sons, Sherwood and Emory, as director. Emory’s son, Richard, was the next director, and his son William directs the orchestra now. If you would like to know how to join the orchestra call the church office at (717) 244-2355.
Music Staff
Rick Jensen: Music Program Director
“I attended West Chester University as a music major, and I’ve been the choral director at Columbia High School, Columbia, PA for 24 years. I have served St. Paul’s as the Music Program Director for 22 years. I am always looking for performers to provide special music at our 11:00 AM “Yahweh Cafe” service throughout the year, as well as the 8:30 AM service during July and August. Vocalists and instrumentalists are welcomed!” To volunteer please call our office at (717) 244-2355.
Church Organist: Robert Strickler
William Ritz: Sunday School Orchestra Director
