Sunday Morning Volunteers

Greeters offer the first welcome as people arrive on Sunday morning. They help create a sense of warmth and belonging at the door, offering a friendly presence and helping people feel seen as soon as they enter the building.

Greeters set the tone for the service through simple, personal hospitality that helps both newcomers and regular attenders feel at home.

Greeters receive on the job training.

Welcome Table volunteers provide information and support once people enter the building. They help with name tags, share details about congregational life, and answer basic questions about programs, spaces, and Sunday morning flow.

They play a key role in helping newcomers orient themselves and take their next step into community life at their own pace.

Welcomer training must be completed prior to sign-up.

Ushers help guide the flow of Sunday morning worship and support a smooth, comfortable experience for everyone in attendance. They assist people in finding seating, distribute service materials, and help ensure that the space is ready and accessible.

During the service, ushers support the Offering and help maintain a calm, organized flow. After the service, they assist with transitions as people leave and the space is reset.

Usher training mush be completed prior to sign-up.

Worship Associates work with the ministers, staff and guest preachers to plan and lead worship services. During most services, a Worship Associate leads some elements and may also offer a short reflection on the theme of the day. Worship Associates also meet about four times a year for ongoing reflection and learning.

Worship Associate training consists of pre-reading, a training session, and mentoring.

Tech Support Volunteers help support the sound, slides, cameras, and livestream elements that make Sunday morning worship accessible both in person and online. Volunteers work as part of a team and help create a smooth, welcoming worship experience for the congregation.

Roles include sound support, camera operation, and slides advancement during the service.

Some roles require more training than others, and volunteers receive guidance and support as they learn the system.

The Sunday Safety Coordinator helps ensure a safe environment for everyone at Albany UU. Each Sunday, they check emergency communication equipment, monitor and respond to safety concerns, coordinate with Sunday morning leaders, and communicate with emergency services when needed. During an emergency, the Coordinator helps guide the congregation’s response, communication, and movement according to established safety procedures.

Sunday Safety Coordinator training must be completed prior to sign-up.

Coffee Hour is a time of connection, conversation, and community after worship. Each Sunday, a hosting group or family takes responsibility for Coffee Hour by bringing food, helping with setup, and making sure everything is ready for the congregation to enjoy.

Hosting is a shared effort, and groups and families can decide how to divide the responsibilities among themselves. We welcome baked goods, fruit, cheese, and savory snacks, with gluten-free options encouraged so that more people can participate fully.

This role requires minimal training. Read the Coffee Hour Hosting Instructions

Flowers for Sunday worship help create a beautiful and welcoming space. Members and friends may donate funds or arrangements in honor or memory of loved ones or special events, or simply to contribute beauty to the shared worship experience.

No training required.

Each Sunday, we begin our service by lighting the chalice, a simple ritual that marks the start of our time together. Chalice Lighters gives families an opportunity to take part in this meaningful moment. Sign up to light the chalice together and help welcome the congregation into worship.

Easy training on Sunday right before service.