United Church Welcomes Helga Bartus as Associate Director of Music

United Church of Marco Island (UCMI) will welcome Helga Bartus as its full-time Associate Director of Music on Sunday, November 8. Bartus will join worship at both the 8:30 and 10:00 AM services.

Highly recommended and respected in the musical community, Bartus brings more than 25 years of experience in church music. She graduated from the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest. Her teaching experience includes the Leopold Mozart School of Music in Budaörs and the Béla Bartók School of Music in Vác. She has also pursued additional training at Saint Paul Theological Academy in Budapest and Montclair State University in New Jersey.

At UCMI, Bartus will accompany the choir, direct the bell choir, help develop the church’s concert series, and provide musical leadership throughout the year. Her work will support worship and help engage the wider community through music.

“We are delighted to welcome Helga to our music ministry,” said Kathleen Gerdes, UCMI’s Director of Music. “Her experience and musicianship will strengthen our worship, support our choirs, and help us continue offering meaningful music to the community throughout the year.”

“Music has a special way of bringing people together and opening the door to community,” said Pastor Ed. “We’re grateful Helga is joining us, and we look forward to the gifts she will share with the congregation and Marco Island.”

The November 8 services will also include recognition of veterans. A Welcome Home Brunch will follow, offering the congregation and community an opportunity to gather and extend a warm welcome to Bartus.

United Church of Marco Island is a community of faith committed to worship, music, fellowship, and service throughout the year.