Music Ministry
Music in the church glorifies God and is integral to our worship and liturgy – worship being the core of our congregational life. It encourages the congregation’s song in corporate prayer and praise. Music takes us beyond words, enabling all present to encounter the mystery of God in Christ Jesus.
As we strive to foster and strengthen a lifelong appreciation for music in both children and adults, we offer abundant opportunities for singers and worshipers to become involved. Throughout the years, our choristers have found friendship, joy, and a welcoming community through their involvement in the choirs of St. John the Divine.
Music groups include:
- The SJD Chorister Program
ages 3 – grade 12; rehearses Wednesday afternoon - The SJD Chorale
Adults; rehearses Thursday evenings 7 – 9 pm - The Choir of St. John the Divine
An intergenerational choir combining the talents of our Junior and Senior Choristers and members of the SJD Chorale. - The SJD Worship Band
The band leads worship at the 9:15 am Awesome Worship service and 11:15 am Table service.
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7 – 9 pm in the Choir Room
The Chorale, our adult choir, sings weekly at the 9:00 am and 11:15 am traditional services. Choir members may choose to sing at one or both services. The Chorale also sings regular Evensong services and provides the musical leadership for Christmas and Easter celebrations along with the other great feasts of the church year. Music from the rich Anglican choral tradition forms the heart of its repertoire. There is no formal audition, but a meeting with the Director of Music is needed for voice placement. New members are always welcome.
The SJD Chorister Program offers a rich choral experience for children and youth from age 3 – grade 12. The program utilizes the Royal School of Church Music Voice for Life curriculum. All age-appropriate groups rehearse on Wednesdays and sing in various services throughout the year.
The SJD Worship Band exists to glorify God and lead his people in musical worship, through modern praise choruses, ancient hymns of the faith, and original compositions. Led by Sarah Gividen, the band leads the 9:15 am Awesome Worship service and 11:15 am Table service.
Evensong Series
The Choir of St. John the Divine leads this contemplative service of sung evening prayer in the Church at 5 pm.
Choral Evensong: January 5
Choral Evensong: February 2
Choral Evensong: March 2
Choral Evensong: April 6
Choral Evensong: May 4
Choral Evensong: June 1
Daryl Robinson Organ Recital
October 21, 7:30 - 9 pm: Concert Artist Daryl Robinson offers a solo organ concert on Monday, October 21, at 7:30 on our grand Létourneau organ. This is part of the annual East Texas Pipe Organ Festival. Free and open to the public.
ROCO Concert Series
Known as “the most fun you can have with serious music,” ROCO was founded in 2005 at The Church of St. John the Divine by oboist and Juilliard graduate, Alecia Lawyer. After multiple experiences in other musical start-ups, she saw the need for a sustainable and thriving model that would focus on authentic connections between musicians and audiences. Her work of “Wildcatting in the Arts” has expanded through a vibrant and multi-talented team that has made ROCO known for its dedication to living and diverse composers, multigenerational audiences, and free access to classical music for all.
20th Season Performances at St. John the Divine
5 - 7 pm in the Church
Courageous: February 8
Learn more about ROCO
Concert - Tenebrae: A Celestial Gift
Tenebrae, one of the most famous performing choral groups in the world, offers a concert at The Church of St. John the Divine on Saturday, November 9, at 7:30 pm. This event is ticketed; tickets can be purchased on the Performing Arts Houston website.
Advent Lessons and Carols
The Choir of St. John the Divine will lead this service of Advent Lessons and Carols on December 1 at 5 pm in the Church.
Music Ministry Staff
With degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Southern Methodist University, and Perkins School of Theology, Steve has served churches in Cincinnati, Mobile, and Roanoke, Virginia, before joining the staff at St. John the Divine in 2,000. In addition to his work at SJD, he has held numerous leadership roles in various professional organizations, including chairing several regional and national conferences. In his free time, Steve enjoys cycling and sharing his culinary skills.
After finishing her Master's in Voice Performance at the University of Texas, Anna moved to Houston with her then fiancé, Joe. Anna taught music at The Fay School, River Oaks Baptist, and St. Paul's UMC. Anna is also a vocalist, ranging from classical to jazz. She is happily married to Joe with twin daughters in college.
Sarah is a native Houstonian and lives with her husband Nick and their three wild and beautiful kids. She was raised in a musical family and has been performing, leading worship, and writing music all her life. Sarah is lucky enough to have found an insanely talented husband to join her in all of that. Her favorite hobbies are reading, binging true crime documentaries, enjoying all things Tex-Mex, and working out — to justify all the Tex-Mex!
Learn More
Eve of Epiphany Evensong and Feast of Lights
Jan 05, 2025 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
The SJD Chorale leads this service of sung evening prayer on the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany, followed by the burning of the greens, chalking of the church doors, and the roasting of the marshmallows for s’mores.
Choral Evensong
Feb 02, 2025 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm
The Choir of St. John the Divine will lead this service of sung evening prayer.
ROCO In Concert: Courageous
Feb 08, 2025 • 5:00am - 7:00pm
ROCO’s trailblazing spirit is embodied in “COURAGEOUS”, spotlighting the full 40-piece chamber orchestra, on February 8th at The Church of St. John the Divine!
