The worship associate program was officially developed (in its current state) at UUCT in 2012 when our previous minister, Rev. Sara Zimmerman took a lengthy sabbatical. She arranged for the speakers that filled in for her during her absence, but she wanted to have a few designated Lay Leaders to plan for the other aspects of the service as well as lead the congregation through our traditional rituals. While it was not without some minor problems, the result was a well-planned, cohesive program that flourished even though the minister was away. This resulted largely from excellent one on one training from the minister as well as a very supportive worship program committee and sabbatical committee.

Once Rev. Zimmerman returned she continued to use worship associates as needed for her Sundays away from the pulpit as well as for some of the other aspects of the service when she was in the pulpit, but the pool of associates had dwindled to a just a few by the time she retired.

The interim minister, Rev. Doak Mansfield worked with Diane Gainforth, previous worship associate and new chairperson of the worship program committee, to solicit and train approximately 12 new worship associates.

Three trainings were held, and we continue to meet as a group quarterly. The Sundays when the minister is away are now considered “Community Sundays,” and worship associates are encouraged to be creative and lead a service that does not have to follow the usual program. Naturally there are consistent components of the service  (namely, the offertory), but the other aspects may be suspended and replaced with something different. Some associates prefer to bring in an interesting speaker, while others may opt to handle the entire service. You will often find extra decorations, videos, or other extra touches we don’t often see. It is the intention of the program to make the Community Sunday program something that the congregation looks forward to so that we don’t lose those who miss the minister that Sunday.