Worship Associates
Current Worship Associates
Weijia Cheng
Jane Chronis
Thida Cornes
Mary Grebenkemper
Ed Haertel
Richard Heydt
Steven Mashin
Mike McLaughlin
Brian Weller
Who Can Be A Worship Associate?
Anyone who
is a member (including a youth member) of UUCPA
wants to engage in reflection and dialogue about the purposes of worship and the congregation
wishes to serve the people of UUCPA and our tradition
relishes opportunities for creativity and exploration of spiritual questions
views worship as part of their spiritual practice.
enjoys working as a team and getting to know members and ministers of UUCPA better.
Additionally, Amy assembles a group that will
represent the diversity of the community.
To begin as a Worship Associate, you do not have to feel 100% ready to step into the pulpit! On the contrary, a desire to learn and grow is a terrific asset to bring to the leading of worship.
Worship Associate Responsibilities
Help lead the service about once every three months.
Two or three weeks before the service, meet with the worship leader to brainstorm ideas together for hymns and other service elements.
Write a 1- to 2-page reflection on the service’s theme.
Commit to attending the three training & support sessions scheduled for the year.
For experienced WAs: When the speaker is a guest, be the host and “emcee.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Worship Associates serve? We suggest a term of three years, since past WAs report that around about one to one and a half years, they really feel like they’ve hit their stride. This is flexible, however. For example, teens who expect to go to college before their term expires are still welcome.
When does the next term begin? February 2024.
Can I teach Sunday School / go to Forum / sing in the choir, and still be a WA? Many Worship Associates have held these dual roles, since they are the WA only once about every three months.
Do I have to write and speak my own words? Ideally, yes. Some services, you might not write a reflection, if you prefer not to. However, attendees consistently say that the Worship Associate’s reflection is a highlight of the service, and WAs themselves report that delivering them is one of the most rewarding experiences, not only of being a WA, but of their time at UUCPA.
Are we leading services both online and in person? And how does that work? We have in-person services and also hybrid services: livestreamed on the internet and also conducted for those who gather in person. We don’t ask people to do anything that is unsafe for them, so if health concerns mean that it is best for you to lead remotely, from your home, then that’s how you will serve.
I was a Worship Associate once before and would like to do it again. Should I fill out an application? Not necessary—contact Amy for a conversation instead.
Who’s in charge? Our Parish Minister, Amy Zucker Morgenstern, is responsible for the quality of our worship services, so Worship Associates are accountable directly to her. Both Amy and the Worship Associates are ultimately accountable to the congregation.
Training & Support Schedule
To be announced.
How to apply
Complete the application by January 15, 2024.
Shaping Services
If you’re intrigued, but think that being a Worship Associate is not the role for you right now, there are many other ways to create inspiring services:
Worship Tech: to learn more about this role, e-mail the Worship Tech Team.