The 91st annual convention of the National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. (NUCUAA) was held in St. Louis this year. The five-day event was held recently at the Hyatt Regency Hotel with workshops, spelling bees, dinners and other activities for the members of the association.
This year’s theme was “Embracing the Vision.” NUCUAA members made time to outreach program and donated time at the St. Patrick Center.
Filmore F. Gregory, president of NUCUAA, loves to see everyone again from all the regions coming together to reunite.
“It’s simply motivating and uplifting to see the smiles and familiar faces when we all come together and celebrate,” Gregory said.
“This convention allows us to refocus, reflect and sharpen our skills as ushers.”
NUCUAA members are located throughout America, covering 28 states, and the association is non-denominational. The ushers gathered for various programs, divided into local usher boards, district zones and state usher meetings.
Donna A. Hines, chairman of the NUCUAA Board of Directors, spoke on how the convention keeps up bonds between everyone.
“It’s the fellowship that keeps us together,” Hines said.
NUCUAA also conducted training, implemented outreach projects, managed the business of the organization and memorialized recently deceased ushers.
Frankie Roberson, vice president of the Missouri Chapter of the National United Church Ushers Association of America and chairman of the George T. Grier School of Ushering, was happy to know that NUCUAA would hold the convention in his state.
“I’m very pleased,” Roberson said.
Usher fashion
At a luncheon held for the members of NUCUAA, awards were given to members who showed their dedication, a drill team of children recited scriptures and the second annual fashion show took place.
The fashion show, themed “Bring It and Bring It Again,” was organized for entertainment. A committee decided which men from the different regions would participate in the show.
The men paraded in formal wear, tuxedos, fire-engine red suits and lime green socks, making sure to grasp the audience with their wardrobes.
At the end of the show, Roberson brought a lot of laughter and excitement to the crowd by impersonating St. Louis rock –n- roll singer the late Ike Turner.
The Reverend Sammie E. Jones ended the luncheon with a quick speech on how these ushers do not behave the same at church and how having fun occasionally is appropriate.
“Some people get so caught up into getting into heaven they forget how to have fun,” Jones said.
The Reverend Lamar Jones, young adult co-counselor and spiritual advisor for NUCUAA, spoke on how meeting annually is almost like a family gathering for all the ushers.
Lamar Jones said, “It’s just like a family reunion for ushering filled with building fellowship and friendship.”
For more information about NUCUAA or to join, go to nationalchurchushers.org.
