"Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances."
~Maya Angelou
A Musical congregation
Building on a rich musical tradition, the Sanctuary Choir enjoys singing together and sharing a wide variety of musical offerings with the congregation. SAPUCC is fortunate to have two excellent organists who lift our singing, a Handbell Choir that enchants, professional musicians from our own congregation who inspire, and frequent guest singers and instrumentalists from the wider community who enrich our worship.
We are a musical congregation. I invite all of you in the pews (and on Zoom!) to add your voices, and to experience the deep healing and transformative power of song.
~John Habermann, Choir Director
Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir sings in worship 3 to 4 Sundays per month, and at special services such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Christmas Eve.
The Sanctuary Choir rehearses from 7:00 - 8:30 PM on Wednesday evenings, September through May.
handbell choir
SAPUCC has three octaves of beautiful Schulmerich handbells as well as a three octave set of Petit & Fritzen handbells. Mike Smith directs the Handbell Choir, and the bells play in worship 3 to 4 times per year. The rehearsal schedule is variable; see calendar for details.
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John Habermann
CHOIR DIRECTOR
Since the age of fifteen, John has served as a musician at several churches that represent a number of denominations. A Vocal Music Teacher since 1996, John spent his first four years at Centennial High School in Circles Pines, Minnesota, and currently teaches at Mounds Park Academy, a preK-12 private, college preparatory school located in St. Paul. John graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Minnesota and received his Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of St. Thomas. A resident of Northeast Minneapolis, John enjoys reading fiction, gardening, playing piano, and spending time with his orange tabby, Oscar.
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MELANIE OHNSTAD
ORGANIST
Melanie has been a church musician since her graduation from St. Olaf College in 1974. She led the music ministries of St. Stephen Lutheran, Wausau, WI, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Phoenix, AZ, and Westminster Presbyterian, Minneapolis. Melanie received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, has served as Dean of the Twin Cities Chapter of the AGO, and has accompanied Minnesota choirs on three separate European tours. Melanie was named Minister of Music Emerita at Westminster during her retirement celebrations and is now freelancing as an organist. She and her husband, Philip, are eager to spend more time with their families in Colorado and California and explore nature and cultures in the U.S. and abroad. She shares the organist position with Michelle Gehrz.
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MICHELLE GEHRZ
ORGANIST
Michelle loves sharing her passion and joy as a church musician, organist, choral conductor, music educator, and accompanist throughout the Twin Cities area. She has served as Organist/Choir Director at many churches including the Cathedral of St. Paul, Lake of the Isles Lutheran, Mount Calvary Lutheran in Excelsior, Hennepin Avenue UMC, and Minnetonka UMC. Michelle received her undergraduate degrees from St. Olaf College in Church Music and Music Education, the Master of Music degree from the University of Notre Dame in Sacred Music/Organ Performance. Michelle is on the Artistic Team of Directors with Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs in Bloomington, directs the Senior Chorale (55+) with the Music Association of Minnetonka, and is Artistic Director of Bella Lumina, an adult community treble choir in the Twin Cities. Her school music teaching career has spanned all grade levels K-12. Michelle is married to Jon (who keeps the home front steady!) and they are parents to Nate. Michelle will never turn down a good cup of coffee or a glass of wine especially if it comes with good conversation and laughter! She shares the organist position with Melanie Ohnstad.
