Opportunity: Apply to Be A First U Worship Associate

One of the gifts summer can offer is the opportunity to step back and reflect, “to pause for a moment on the forming edge of our lives,” as Rev. Kathleen McTigue wrote, resisting “ the headlong tumble into the next moment,” claiming “for ourselves awareness and gratitude” and the time to intentionally look not only inward, but outward toward each other. This summer, I’m taking the time to pause and reflect on what we need together in Sunday worship services.

You’ve likely heard me say that as we live into our shared vision of what First Universalist is and can be, we’re focusing on three key spiritual goals to support our intention to practice Beloved Community together. These three spiritual goals include:

• Strengthening spiritual resilience for the long haul by deepening spiritual practices that help us cultivate an island of peace within and extending the horizon beyond ourselves;
• Growing in humility, which is to say growing in the ability to accurately assess ourselves and the moment we find ourselves in, and to see and say who we are and how we do things;
• Fostering experiences of Beloved Community, which is to say experiences of unconditional and transformative love that transforms us individually and collectively and allows for mutual thriving, among and beyond our spiritual community at First Universalist. 

These goals and practices will shape our worship experience in the seasons ahead, and I hope you will, too. 

Unitarian Universalist worship at its best is an experience of co-creation, a shared ministry led in collaboration between ministers, church staff, and you. We believe in the power of our congregation to lead, inspire, and shape our worship experience. Our Worship Associates Program is a testament to this belief—offering every member the opportunity to contribute to our communal spiritual journey.

We’re currently in the process of welcoming new Worship Associates for the church year ahead, would you consider being one of them?

Worship Associates work closely with each other and the Worship Team, which includes Revs. Jen Crow and Laura Smidzik, Music Director Paolo Debuque, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries Allison Connelly-Vetter, and Resident Artist Aimee K. Bryant, to shape and lead our worship services. 

Why Join Us?

• Lead and Innovate: Your voice and vision can guide our worship, creating impactful and meaningful services.
• Deep Connection: Forge deeper bonds within our community, becoming part of a team dedicated to spiritual growth and collaboration.
• Personal and Professional Growth: Develop invaluable skills in public speaking, leadership, and theological reflection, mentored by experienced leaders.

“The real gift of Unitarian Universalism,” Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs wrote, “is the empowerment through participation.” We create this community together, giving, receiving and growing in the Universalist spirit of love and hope. 

We’ll be receiving applications through August 15. Please share your questions and your wonderings with me – and consider taking this risk for growth, community, and transformation. 

In gratitude,

Rev. Jen