Minister's Musing

Rev. Mark Ward
Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville

March 2010

It’s a question i’ve often heard from people who come to our church after having been part of another religious tradition: Why do you close down over the summer? Actually, we don’t close down these days, although this church once did and some still do. But we do scale way back on what goes on here. Between the middle of June and the end of August we reduce the number of weekly services from two to one, the choir and music director take a break, our religious education program provides activities designed for all ages, instead of individual classes, and I usually take a long break.

When I came to this church, the board asked that I have some presence here during the summer and explore ways of our becoming more of a year-round church. I agreed, and since 2004, while I take the month of July off, I am back to lead worship twice in August and am usually in the office most of the month. Looking at summer services over the past several years, I’ve noticed that attendance has been rising – averaging around 200 per Sunday. I also note that in a vacation center like this, we get a lot of church shopping in the warm months. It seems to me that we’re about at the point where we have the critical mass for two services during most of the year. And, I think, the consistency of timing would add some stability to what we do.

So, at this point in my planning for the coming church year I’m looking at continuing two services through the summer. Whether we can do this will depend in part on how our Annual Budget Drive turns out. Two services will cost more – more for musicians, sound techs, childcare workers, guest speakers. The choir’s schedule would remain the same, and our RE program would continue to have activities for all ages during summer months, with, likely, minimal programming at the early service. And I expect that my schedule will be roughly the same. I’ll continue to take most of July and a week or so in August off – the demands of this work are heavy and I need time to recharge and plan. But I intend to look for compelling speakers and programs for summer services, including a special worship focus that I think you will enjoy. I welcome any thoughts you care to share on this change.

Finally, as long as we’re talking about worship I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the seven worship associates who have been helping me this year. I created this program last year as a way of enriching your worship experience and getting some help in preparing the Sunday experience. My hopes for this program have been exceeded several times over. They have done wonderful work, and I am grateful for your positive response to them. So, this coming year I’d like to expand the program. I’d like to add five more people to the six adults we have and invite another youth to join us, replacing Bill Williamson, who heads off to college. If you’re interested or want to recommend someone, please let me know. I’ll also keep my eyes open for people whom I think would be well-suited.