Music and Worship Arts
Music is an integral part of life at First Universalist, both in Sunday morning services and other activities. Under the direction of our professional staff, dozens of members and friends participate in ensembles or as soloists. Guest artists make occasional appearances.
See the list at right for ways to get involved, formally or informally, vocally or instrumentally, with our First Universalists who love music!
Professional Leadership
John Jensen serves as Music Director and pianist. John has a Masters degree from the University of Southern California and was an Artist in Residence at Grinnell College for many years before moving to the Twin Cities. He is well-known as a solo performer, ensemble player, accompanist and recording artist. John is equally at home with the classical repertoire and modern jazz.
Mary Bohman has worked for over 20 years as a voice teacher, choir director, music therapist, and performer. She worked for six years in the religious education program at First Universalist Church and this is her 7th year as the Children’s Music Coordinator. Mary is a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry and attends United Theological Seminary and anticipates graduating in May 2012.
Ruth MacKenzie is an artist whose compass has taken her in many creative directions. Her theatrical creations: Kalevala: Dream of the Salmon Maiden, The Snow Queen, and Theotokos, have been produced by the Guthrie Theatre, The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium and The Children’s Theater Company. She has performed concerts throughout the United States and the Nordic countries. She is the recipient of two McKnight Fellowships and a Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Grant, NY. Ruth received her Master of Divinity degree in the spring of 2011. She served as Ministerial Intern at First Universalist in 2010/2011, and was hired as Worship Arts Director soon after. As Worship Arts Director, Ruth coordinates music, visual arts, and choreography for each worship service, helps create intergenerational services, chairs the Worship Arts Team (made up of congregants), and crafts opportunities for all congregants to experience the enlivening power of creativity.