MINISTER OF MUSIC
Michael Matson, Music Director
Adult Choir
Calvary is known for its wonderful music program. The adult choir of 15 voices has a warm tone and a big sound for its size. Visitors often remark that it sounds like there are twice as many voices up in the choir loft! This group sings a Call to Worship and a Choir Anthem every Sunday at the 10:30 AM morning worship service. The adult choir also sings for mid-week Lenten services, a Thanksgiving Eve service and a Christmas Eve service, often in collaboration with choirs from other churches. This group sings for the annual fall music fundraiser "Harvest Dinner and Musical Evening," a variety show that helps raise funds for Calvary's music program. Bay Area professional musicians join Calvary's choir for the annual Christmas Cantata, a program of Christmas music presented during worship on the third Sunday of Advent at 10:30 AM.
Anyone who can carry a tune and enjoys singing is welcome to join this group, from high school age through senior citizens. Contact musical director Michael Matson, if interested. Calvary's phone number is (650) 588-2840.
Other Musical and Worship Leader Opportunities
During Lent, several members of Calvary's congregation present skits and dramas pertinent to the season. Calvary has also had, in the past, a Hand Bell Choir and a children's choir called "Young Believers." Members of Calvary are encouraged to participate in worship as lectors, ushers, greeters, acolytes, assisting ministers and as members of the Altar Guild.
Music Director Michael Matson
Michael Mason received his Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal and instrumental music education from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and his Master of Music degree in vocal performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He has sung with West Bay Opera, The Lamplighters, the San Francisco Symphony Chorus and The Carmel Bach Festival. He was tenor soloist for the Sing-It-Yourself Messiah at San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall in 1987. Mr. Matson has studied voice, trumpet, piano and organ. He has been Calvary's Choir Director since 1987, and Music Director since 1989.
Our Allen Renaissance Digital Organ
In 1991, Calvary raised funds and purchased a three-rank Allen Digital Electronic organ. Allen organs are known for their rich, warm and realistic sound. The sounds of the great pipe organs of the world are recorded digitally and incorporated into the beautifully blended Allen tone. Many visitors to Calvary think they are hearing a pipe organ, and wonder where the pipes are!
Philosophy of Music and Worship at Calvary Lutheran
Music Director Michael Matson graduated from Luther College which has as its motto: "Soli Deo Gloria" - "To God Alone Be the Glory." The choir at Calvary aspires to this goal, and even though we are a choir that "performs" well, we know that we sing for the Lord. Mr Matson strives to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the choir members in rehearsals and in worship. He leads the choir efficiently, but also with grace and humor. Sometimes there seems to be as much laughter as there is singing during rehearsal time!
Worship at Calvary is reverent yet light-hearted. Calvary is known for having a beautiful candle light Christmas Eve service (7:00 PM) and a rousing, and joyful Easter morning worship service with organ, trumpets and spirited singing (10:30 AM). Please come join us for these services, or any Sunday at 10:30 AM.
There is a place for you at Calvary!
Worship and Music at
Calvary Lutheran Church
