I mean, I can sing decently by myself, but when the whole congregation is up and vocalizing, my voice just dies. I go flat. I go pitchy. I just suck….. i need help, eh?
Listen for your note on the piano or organ. Listen for your note from your section leader. THEN when you hear the note OUT THERE pull that note into your mind and hear it IN YOUR HEAD. When you mentally hear the note inside your mind, you will find it much easier to match the note with your voice.
PS
I know it sounds weird by try it … by yourself at the piano if you need to get a feel for it.