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More than a HandshakeWhy Ushers Matter?Ushers are often the first people newcomers meet. Your smile, your help, your presence—it sets the tone. Whether it’s offering a seat, handing an order of service, or simply being a calm and kind presence, your role is vital to our beloved community. |
What Do Ushers Do?
Greet
Attendees Welcome newcomers and returning members with warmth. |
Distribute Materials
Offer the Order of Service, hymnals, and any special handouts. |
Support
& Care Help visitors, offer directions and assist during the service. |
Our Usher Values
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Hospitality
Presence Respect Inclusive Spirit Support |
For internal use only!
Building Our Usher Team:
A Four-Step Journey
1. Strategic Planning
We define the purpose, role, and goals of the Usher Team. We identify the values that will guide the team (examples in the section above). This includes identifying leadership roles, team structure, and the kind of experience we want to offer both to our visitors and to those who serve.
2. Recruitment & Onboarding
Next, we launch a welcoming and inspiring recruitment campaign to invite new members into this meaningful team. We set schedules, assign tasks, and offer flexible options to fit volunteers’ availability. Each usher receives coaching and guidance to ensure they feel confident, supported, and appreciated from the start. It’s not just about filling roles—it’s about building a team with heart.
Special sections in different webpages at uufsma.org, in the weekly newsletter and Online Order of Service.
3. Coaching, Scheduling, and Integration
As new members join, we integrate them into the team through consistent coaching, rotating schedules, and defined roles that match each person’s strengths. Through regular communication and shared feedback, we ensure that every usher feels included, prepared, and part of something greater.
4. Retention and Recognition
Over time, our focus shifts to sustainability. We celebrate milestones, acknowledge contributions, and continue listening to the needs of both the team and the UUFSMA community. By recognizing the vital role ushers play in the UUFSMA experience, we ensure this program not only succeeds but thrives.
We define the purpose, role, and goals of the Usher Team. We identify the values that will guide the team (examples in the section above). This includes identifying leadership roles, team structure, and the kind of experience we want to offer both to our visitors and to those who serve.
2. Recruitment & Onboarding
Next, we launch a welcoming and inspiring recruitment campaign to invite new members into this meaningful team. We set schedules, assign tasks, and offer flexible options to fit volunteers’ availability. Each usher receives coaching and guidance to ensure they feel confident, supported, and appreciated from the start. It’s not just about filling roles—it’s about building a team with heart.
Special sections in different webpages at uufsma.org, in the weekly newsletter and Online Order of Service.
3. Coaching, Scheduling, and Integration
As new members join, we integrate them into the team through consistent coaching, rotating schedules, and defined roles that match each person’s strengths. Through regular communication and shared feedback, we ensure that every usher feels included, prepared, and part of something greater.
4. Retention and Recognition
Over time, our focus shifts to sustainability. We celebrate milestones, acknowledge contributions, and continue listening to the needs of both the team and the UUFSMA community. By recognizing the vital role ushers play in the UUFSMA experience, we ensure this program not only succeeds but thrives.
Recruitment Ideas
1. Special Sunday Service (Live Call for Ushers)
To dedicate (if possible) one Sunday to the theme of welcome and hospitality. We can feature stories of impact and close with a live, gentle invitation to join the Usher Team.
2. Personal Invitations from Trusted Members
To ask a few current leaders to personally invite people they know. A heartfelt, one-on-one ask is much more powerful than any announcement.
3. Mini Usher Table at Coffee Hour
To set up a small but attractive info table where people can ask their questions, get more info or sign up!
5. “Try It Once” Invitations
To have a one Sunday invitation— no long-term commitment.
Motivation & Retention Ideas
6. Gratitude Lunch or Coffee
To gather the team in-person to share stories, reflect, and say thank you. It doesn’t need to be expensive or too much elaborated — just meaningful. This can be every now and then.
7. Custom Usher Name Badges or Pins
To give each usher a special badge or pin. This makes people feel proud and seen — and it creates visual identity in the Aldea.
9. “Usher of the Month”
Celebrate one team member per month with a small write-up where we share why their presence matters.
10. Usher Team WhatsApp or Email Thread
Keep a small group chat or newsletter alive where you:
To dedicate (if possible) one Sunday to the theme of welcome and hospitality. We can feature stories of impact and close with a live, gentle invitation to join the Usher Team.
2. Personal Invitations from Trusted Members
To ask a few current leaders to personally invite people they know. A heartfelt, one-on-one ask is much more powerful than any announcement.
3. Mini Usher Table at Coffee Hour
To set up a small but attractive info table where people can ask their questions, get more info or sign up!
5. “Try It Once” Invitations
To have a one Sunday invitation— no long-term commitment.
Motivation & Retention Ideas
6. Gratitude Lunch or Coffee
To gather the team in-person to share stories, reflect, and say thank you. It doesn’t need to be expensive or too much elaborated — just meaningful. This can be every now and then.
7. Custom Usher Name Badges or Pins
To give each usher a special badge or pin. This makes people feel proud and seen — and it creates visual identity in the Aldea.
9. “Usher of the Month”
Celebrate one team member per month with a small write-up where we share why their presence matters.
10. Usher Team WhatsApp or Email Thread
Keep a small group chat or newsletter alive where you:
- Share positive moments from services
- Share open shifts (without pressure)
- Encourage and affirm each other
Identity Elements
1. Choose a name for the program/project
2. Create a logo that represents the identity and core values of the program
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© Copyright 2026
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Miguel de Allende La Conexion, Aldama 3, Box 401k, San Miguel de Allende C,P. 37700, Guanajuato, Mexico [email protected] |