A Shared Ministry

Worship Associates are lay members of UU Princeton who work alongside the ministers and other service leaders to help shape and lead Sunday worship. The program is a reflection of our congregation’s commitment to shared ministry, providing an opportunity for laypeople to play a leadership role in our Sunday morning worship services.  

The most visible part of the role is offering a reading or a personal reflection near the beginning of the service—sharing a story, experience, or insight that connects personally to the day’s worship theme or sermon topic. This reflection expresses the diversity of experience in our congregation and our community. 

Worship Associates may also help plan the service, welcome the congregation, introduce elements of worship, or take on other leadership roles.

Associates don’t need to be experienced public speakers or worship experts. They just need a willingness to participate, collaborate, and help create something meaningful together. Being a worship associate is a chance to bring your own perspective and personality to worship while helping create a meaningful experience for the whole congregation. 

What’s Involved

Worship Associates:

• Serve at six or seven Sunday services throughout the year
• Arrive by 9:45 am on assigned Sundays to help prepare for worship
• Connect with the minister a couple of weeks beforehand to plan the service and discuss your role
• Attend Worship Associate training
• Attend Sunday worship regularly throughout the year
• Work collaboratively with ministers and other lay leaders

Think you might not be ready?  We encourage all congregants committed to the worship experience to apply. Worship associates, past and present, are happy to share what this ministry has meant to them. Contact Rev. Bill at bill@uuprinceton.org if you are interested in becoming a Worship Associate.