UUCV’s Worship Associates program offers an opportunity for laity to learn about worship by serving as liturgists and worship leaders. Our vision for the program is to expand the quality of the worship experience at UUCV and to offer instruction in preparation and presentation of worship, honoring the implicit trust the congregation places in its worship leaders and honoring our identity and values as Unitarian Universalists. An important part of the learning is to participate in presenting worship and to reflect on the experience.

Worship Associates agree to serve for a one-year term, which may be renewed by invitation for a maximum of two consecutive years. Participation in a half-day training is required of all new Worship Associates, and suggested for those who have prior experience. Each Worship Associate is expected to work with one of the ministers once per quarter, and to take full responsibility for a service with the assistance of another Worship Associate at least once during the year. (The number of Worship Associates will, of course, affect this scheduling.) We will meet monthly for scheduling, reflection, and continuing education. The ministers and Music Director offer training and coaching, and will work with each Worship Associate individually as needed. While the specific tasks may vary with your skills and interests, we may ask you to help research a sermon topic, suggest music and readings, write “Opening Words,” or a request for the offering, and/or choose an appropriate children’s moment activity or story. During the service you may be asked to light the chalice flame, present the children’s moment, or conduct other parts of the service.

The ministers will select a team of Worship Associates from among the applicants. Our criteria are both objective and subjective; they include creativity, speaking ability, interest in worship, interesting life experience, reliability, and ability to work as part of a team. We will also seek a balance of gender and age, and a range of theologies as we attempt to create an interesting team.

The application asks several questions that are intended to get you thinking about worship. Tell us what you have to offer the congregation and what you hope to get from the program. Don’t feel daunted by the questions—they don’t require a polished essay. In general, a brief thoughtful response is fine, but if you need more space, please feel free to attach another page.

Please contact either of us if you have any questions about the program.
Duane or Judy or call: 241-0410

Applications: Worship Associate   |   Youth Worship Associate