Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts Ministries, is excited to invite you to consider applying to become a worship associate here at First Universalist, as we at once re-start a once vibrant program here and create its new place in our community from the ground up.

Worship associates are members of our community who serve as worship leaders with our current worship team. Associates participate in selecting worship themes throughout the year. They each contribute to the planning of worship services, having a voice in shaping what the community experiences together on Sunday mornings. Associates prepare words for different elements of worship and lead the congregation in service 2–4 times a year. They join the worship team in reflecting on what’s going well in our services and what ought to be improved. 

The term “worship associates” was developed at Oakland. The program was begun by Rev. Robert Eller-Isaacs, who was later joined by his wife Janne in co-ministry. The church formally adopted the program in 1988. 

“The sharing of power by the clergy and sharing the benefits of participation in the active ministry of the church is the real gift Unitarian Universalism has to offer its people,” said Eller-Isaacs.

Here’s what former worship associates at First Universalist have said about the program:

“I have been speaking in public since I was 12 years old. I do it professionally. But it was always about someone or something else. Being a Worship Associate has given me a chance to speak my truth, to be vulnerable, and to share my heart.” – Ginger Murphrey

“More than anything else I’ve done at First Universalist, being part of the Worship Associates team made me feel a part of this church.” – Marion Dane Bauer

“The worship associate circle expanded my soul in ways that I could not have imagined. Gathering with such a wonderful group has made me feel more connected to the church.” – Benjamin Miles

Before the beginning of the church year, worship associates come together to get to know the worship planning and leadership process here at First Universalist, and to train in important skills like what makes a great worship theme, speaking in public, and writing for worship. Along the way of their terms of service, worship associates will work closely with me (as well as with our ministers leading worship), receiving feedback to encourage and strengthen their worship leading technique and help them to become steadily more comfortable and proficient on the chancel. 

Worship associates are a vital part of how the community helps to build its own worship experience. Associates are valued members of the worship team and leaders in the community. They represent our community’s diversity of age, race, socio-economic background, spiritual perspective, culture. Still, the team will be united by a common love for our community, an investment in its worship, and an earnest desire to help build it up. 

If you’re interested in becoming a worship associate here, we invite your application to the program for the coming year. Applications are being accepted now through June 14, 2023, with our initial gathering to happen in July.