Job Opening: Children’s Music & Faith Formation Director
Position Overview
The Plymouth Church in Framingham, MA is an Open and Affirming congregation in the United Church of Christ. As a church gathered by God, open to everyone, following the way of Jesus, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, we grow wiser and kinder, and more useful to the healing and repair of society. We are a gracious, fun, and healthy community of people trying to make a positive impact in the world.
The Search Committee welcomes applications from candidates who are interested in all or part of the position. As a church, we understand the evolving nature of family life and how children engage with religious programming.
After many years, our Children and Youth Music Director is retiring. The Church is looking for someone to shape our children and youth music program and assist our evolving Faith Formation program.
We hope this person will bring a love of music and a love of God to our children. We presently offer a one classroom Faith Workshop during worship for children up to Grade 5. We rely on volunteers to lead discussion and activities. Youth Group (Grades 6-12) is led by the Senior Pastor.
The Search Committee hopes to interview and select a candidate as soon as possible, to begin employment by September 2025.
A Church in Transformation
The job description might seem like… a lot. We recognize that one person may not be able to meet every expectation expressed here. (Hey, dream big, right?) We are open to the Spirit’s guidance in shaping and reshaping us to meet the gifts and skills of whoever is being called by God to join us. We hope you will apply and enjoy the conversation about what we might do together.
Responsibilities
The position includes both leadership of Faith Formation and Music Direction.
The Director facilitates participation of children and families in the worship life of the church.
The Director leads and teaches Children’s Music
Organizes and directs a small youth choir (approximately 3rd-8th)
(approximately 1 hour preparation, 1 hour rehearsal weekly)Communicates with singers and parents regarding choir matters
(monthly)Provides musical enrichment for Faith Workshop (weekly)
Participates in special programming and events for children and families, involving volunteers as needed (seasonally, i.e. Christmas and Easter)
Develops budget for children Choir (annually)
The Director coordinates Faith Formation
Designs and implements the Faith Workshop program
(approximately 1 hour preparation, 1 hour for class weekly)Recruits and coach lay volunteers (seasonally)
Attends Family Coordinating Committee meetings (1-2 hours monthly)
Develops relationships with children and encourage them on their faith journey (weekly)
Proposes the Annual budget for Faith Workshop (annually)
The Director oversees the general administrative operation of Children’s Music and Faith Formation including resource management, record keeping, and communication.
The Director meets with the staff team to coordinate programs and receive support, as necessary.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated:
Intermediate keyboard or guitar and vocal skills
Ability to work effectively and sensitively with children in a group setting
Experience teaching children
Experience in choral singing and knowledge of vocal technique for young singers
Encouragement of all kinds of musicality in children and youth
Knowledge of Christian faith and support for traditions of the United Church of Christ
Knowledge of vocal technique for young singers
Ability to maintain high expectations in a positive way
Good communication and interpersonal skills and classroom management experience
Encouragement of all kinds of musicality in children and youth
A commitment to building relationship with children and parents
Openness to innovation and new thinking
Bachelor’s degree (preferred), with additional experience in music education with children. Experience with church music and Children’s Faith Formation.
Expectations
The Plymouth Church is committed to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse. All employees and lay leaders who work with children are expected to comply with our Safe Church Policies and regular background checks.
Hours
Part-time position, September to June
8-12 hours/week; hours vary to meet the obligations of the position. (Hours may adjust as understanding of the position matures.)
The Director has discretion as to the frequency of choir rehearsals and performances.
Worship services are on Sundays at 10:00am.
Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Selected Worship Videos
Weekly worship services are live-streamed to YouTube and available after on our Channel.
Pageant, December 15, 2024
Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025
Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025
Cascarones, 2025
About The Plymouth Church
The Plymouth Church in Framingham, MA is an Open and Affirming congregation in the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ. Explore our Vision, Core Values and Bedrock Beliefs here. The church was founded in 1701 and has the notable distinction of being the location for the first public performance and singing of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. We are a church with a long history seeking ways to be relevant and useful in today’s world. For more information about the congregation and our ministries, please explore our website.
How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please email your resume or CV to Rev. Gregory Morisse.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.