Want to rock Sunday morning? These Twin Cities churches boast heavenly music

Sure, you should pick a church — or a synagogue or mosque — based on belief. But for many churchgoers, the music is also key. Here, a few churches that put music at the forefront:

When a church spawns a record label, you know the music must be good. At the House of Mercy in St. Paul, services start at 5 p.m., partly because "so many musicians are out late on Saturday night," said Russell Rathbun, a founding minister. Hymns include tunes from Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and the Carter family, and each week features a musical guest. Charlie Parr, Reina del Cid and Gordon Gano, of the Violent Femmes, have stopped by.

1514 Englewood Av., St. Paul

What more do you need than a historic refurbished organ in a gorgeous setting? At St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, music goes beyond Sunday services. The cathedral, on the southwestern edge of Loring Park, also puts on an evening music series: On April 29, soprano Maria Jette will perform folk music from the British Isles, and on May 13, soloists, choirs and strings will present works by Haydn and Mozart.

519 Oak Grove St., Mpls.

Once a month at Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church in St. Paul, the organ gets a break. Instead, a jazz trio takes over, performing hymns and standards. Saxophonist Nathan Hanson and drummer Davu Seru are among the regulars playing music by John Coltrane, Horace Silver and others. The jazz services are usually held on the third Sunday of the month.

105 W. University Av., St. Paul

Awaken Church in St. Paul counts singer/songwriter John Mark Nelson (a favorite on 89.3 the Current) as its music director, and a recent church-produced podcast featured his dulcet voice.

506 View St., St. Paul

JENNA ROSS