Murray Unitarian Universalist Church Welcomes Gregory J. Moses as Director of Music
We are pleased to announce that Gregory J. Moses has accepted the position of Director of Music. Greg brings over 23 years of experience as a pianist, organist, vocalist, and music educator and served as Music Director at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Taunton. A Unitarian Universalist, Greg brings deep familiarity with UU worship, congregational singing, and music as a source of spiritual connection and community.
Greg’s background includes leading choirs, collaborating closely with ministers and worship teams, selecting diverse and inclusive repertoire, and supporting musicians of all ages and abilities. His approach to music ministry is rooted in collaboration, care, and a belief that music helps guide us from the mind to the heart.
We are excited for the creativity, warmth, and shared leadership Greg will bring to our worship life and music program. Please join us in offering him a warm Murray welcome—we look forward to making music together!
Search and Hiring Process
To guide the search for a new Director of Music, Murray Unitarian Universalist Church first formed a Music Director Search Committee composed of Tim Bliss, Claudia Bins, Patty Bratberg, Ruth DeBrot, Allison MacDonald, Monica Weil, and Patrick Zsyk. This committee was charged with stewarding the entire search process with care, transparency, and alignment with the church’s evolving vision. Drawing on insights from Murray’s visioning retreats, the committee worked to ensure that the next Music Director would share a musical style and ministry approach aligned with the congregation’s values and direction.
The Search Committee developed a detailed job description reflecting the musical, spiritual, and collaborative needs of the congregation and oversaw the posting and review of applications. Applications were accepted on a rolling basis and included a letter of interest, résumé, and references. Committee members carefully reviewed all materials and selected candidates whose experience and philosophy best matched the goals of Murray UU Church.
Selected candidates participated in a structured interview process using a shared set of questions and standardised evaluation tools to ensure consistency and fairness. Interviews focused on music ministry philosophy, leadership and collaboration, congregation-centered programming, diversity and inclusion, and vision for the future of music at Murray.
A finalist was invited to campus for an on-site visit that included orientation in the sanctuary, meetings with the minister, shared ministry staff, and the Music Committee, a musical performance of the candidate’s choosing, and a rehearsal led by the candidate with the Murray UU choir. Feedback was gathered from committee members, staff, and choir participants, allowing for broad and thoughtful input into the decision-making process.
The Search Committee met bi-weekly following Sunday services throughout the search and remained committed to transparency, offering informal updates to congregants and planning opportunities for the congregation to meet candidates when appropriate.
After careful review and discussion of all feedback and evaluation materials, the Search Committee reached a consensus recommendation and brought it forward to church leadership in accordance with Murray UU Church’s governance practices.
While we continue to hold gratitude for our former Music Director, we look forward with confidence and enthusiasm to this next chapter of music ministry at Murray UU Church. Our shared commitment remains:
- To nurture the mind and spirit of our community through music
- To honor diversity of expression and engage the spirit beyond words
- To explore a rich and varied repertoire that reflects our inclusive, beloved community
We are deeply grateful to the Search Committee, staff, choir members, and congregants whose time, trust, and thoughtful participation made this process possible.
