Church Music Director

First Church New Britain is a welcoming Protestant congregation with roots stretching back to 1754. We are a community of faith rooted and grounded in God's love for all people — a place where diversity is celebrated and everyone is respected as a child of God. Affiliated with the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ, we are guided by our mission to provide a caring, open environment where all are affirmed, supported, and encouraged to live their faith through service to others.

We gather each Sunday at 10:00 AM for worship — a weekly community of approximately 30–35 people. While small in number, we are rich in spirit, intention, and welcome. We believe there is a seat here for everyone, and that no matter where you are on life's journey, you belong here.

Our life together is shaped by five core values:

• Diverse–We celebrate the unique attributes of all of Creation and seek to recognize and support the diversity of our city and surrounding community.
• Sanctuary–We aim to be a safe, inclusive space where people receive comfort through worship, prayer, and mutual care.
• Rooted–We bear fruit where we've been planted, creating connections with neighbors and community partners.
• Hospitality–All who come through our doors should feel genuinely welcome, valued, and appreciated.
• Fun–We aim to be a 'third place' in the City, a joyful gathering space that leaves people excited to return.

THE OPPORTUNITY

After a thoughtful, 20-month congregational discernment process, First Church New Britain is entering an exciting new chapter in its worship life. We are actively transitioning toward a blended style of worship that honors our deep roots in traditional hymnody while embracing the energy and accessibility of contemporary music. This is not simply a stylistic shift — it is a Spirit-led vision for how music can draw people closer to God, to one another, and to the wider community.

We are seeking a Music Director who shares that vision — someone who can hold both the beauty of the traditional and the vitality of the contemporary and help our congregation experience intergenerational worship as something that is alive, welcoming, and transformative. This person will be a key creative and pastoral partner to the Minister, shaping Sunday intergenerational worship experiences week by week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Worship Leadership

• Collaborate closely with the Minister to plan, develop, and lead compelling Sunday worship experiences that reflect the congregation's blended worship vision.
• Select and arrange music that thoughtfully weaves together traditional hymns and contemporary worship, honoring the congregation's heritage while reaching new ears.
• Lead and develop the intergenerational musical elements of Sunday worship, including congregational singing, special music, and seasonal services.
• Support the liturgical calendar, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and other significant holy days.
• Help the congregation grow in confidence and joy as worshippers through music.

Concert Series Management

• Serve as the program manager for First Church's music concert series—including planning, artist coordination, scheduling, and logistics.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and regional musicians and performing groups.
• Help position the concert series as a meaningful community gathering in New Britain, consistent with our values of hospitality, welcome, and being a 'third place' in the city.

Community & Collaboration

• Engage congregants to participate in and contribute to the musical life of the church. This can include contributing to weekly audio and visual needs, choral singing, concert series collaboration, and integration of other instruments.
• Communicate openly and regularly with the Minister and church leadership regarding musical programming and concert planning.
• Represent the music ministry of First Church with enthusiasm and professionalism to the wider community.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for someone who brings both musical skill and genuine sensibility to this role. The ideal candidate will have:

• A degree in Music or a related field is preferred; however, candidates with substantial professional experience in music direction, worship leading, or a related discipline are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience leading or directing worship music in a church or faith community setting.
• A working knowledge of both traditional hymnody and contemporary Christian worship music, and an eagerness to blend them creatively.
• Proficiency in piano is required. Playing an organ is preferred, though not required. Candidates with other primary instruments who bring strong musical leadership will also be warmly considered.
• Ability to plan and manage programs and events, including the three-season concert series.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills — this role is deeply relational.
• Alignment with First Church's values of inclusion, welcome, and service to all people regardless of background or identity.
• Familiarity with UCC and/or mainline Protestant worship traditions is a plus, but not required.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief description of their musical philosophy and approach to worship to Pastor Antonio Vargas, Jr at antonio.vargas@firstnewbritain.org before May 1, 2026 . We welcome inquiries and conversations. First Church New Britain is an open and affirming congregation committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of our ministry and employment.

Pay: $20,000.00 - $28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20,000 - $28,000