By Martha Bell, Congregational Engagement

UUCWC worship associates help us live our core value of shared ministry. Representing diverse ages and voices, they serve as lay speakers from the pulpit, allowing the congregation to hear from fellow members as well as from our ministers and staff.

Why Participate as a Worship Associate?

As a worship associate, you’ll work directly with the minister, music director, and others to help shape a meaningful service. This valuable one-on-one time with the worship leaders can lead to a deeper understanding of the worship experience and real opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Serving as a worship associate also offers the opportunity to become more comfortable with public speaking and storytelling in a supportive environment. 

More About the Worship Associate Experience

Most worship associates have been members of the congregation for at least a year; however, the minister can invite anyone, whether a friend or a member, to serve in this role. Worship associates serve a two-year term and can re-up for a second term.

Worship Associates choose their Sundays and how often they want to serve. For each Sunday, worship participants share service notes through a Google Doc, starting on the Wednesday before the service. Based on the theme of the service, the worship associate writes a financial affirmation, shares it with the minister by the Friday before the service, and delivers it from the pulpit on Sunday.

A worship associate doesn’t need to be an experienced public speaker or have extensive knowledge of Unitarian Universalism. As long as someone understands the importance of the Sunday service, wants to help communicate that importance, and wishes to share a bit of their personal experience with the congregation, they can be an effective worship associate.

Interested? Like to learn more? Speak to Rev. Kim or email her at minister@uucwc.org.