Becoming a Member
The central task of the religious community is to unveil the bonds that bind each to all. … The religious community is essential, for alone our vision is too narrow to see all that must be seen, and our strength too limited to do all that must be done. Together, our vision widens and our strength is renewed. — Mark Morrison-Reed
Do the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism comprise your own views about how to live an ethical, fulfilling life? Are we the community in which you want to share your joys and concerns? Is this where you want your child to learn about and practice being a responsible, caring adult? The choice is, of course, yours.
Membership criteria. Anyone who is 18 years old, who is in accord with the mission of UUCSH and comes with good will, and who has completed a membership-orientation class may become a member.
Orientation class. UUCSH offers an orientation class, Pathway to Membership, several times yearly. Taught by the minister and members of the Membership Committee, the four-hour class presents Unitarian Universalist ideas and brief histories of the denomination and the UUCSH congregation. Participants, if they wish, may share why they chose to explore Unitarian Universalism and what led them to UUCSH. Class attendees learn about church programs and governance and may discover ways to connect with the congregation that are new to them. The class outlines what the congregation expects of members. Participation in Pathway to Membership in no way obligates an attendee to becoming a member.
The meaning of membership. If you become a member, the expectation is that you
- Have made a sincere commitment to living in accord with UU principles.
- Intend to pursue spiritual growth through participation in church life. This means
- Attending services. You make being at Sunnyhill on Sunday mornings a priority within the context of your obligations to self and others.
- Participating in church governance. (Only members can vote and serve on the Board of Trustees.)
- Contributing your time and talent to UUCSH activities.
- Maintaining productive, collegial relationships with congregants and staff.
- Will support UUCSH financially, in keeping with your circumstances. A percentage-of-income pledge is suggested; the decision about what to give is yours.
As in any life endeavor, the greater the participation, the more enriching the experience.
Signing the Member Book. Signing UUCSH’s Member Book is the action that initiates membership. Signing is a symbol of your commitment to Unitarian Universalist principles and UUCSH. Some new members sign the book as part of a Sunday service, in a Joining Ceremony. Others do so immediately after completing the Pathway to Membership class or privately, by appointment. A member may withdraw from membership by sending a signed and dated request to the Board of Trustees.
Ways to get to know us. Determining the answers to the questions that started this section takes time. Learn about Unitarian Universalism and UUCSH by attending services and participating in activities that interest you. Try one of the LifeCraft sessions. Sign up for the Pathway to Membership orientation or an adult-ed class. Join a Chalice Circle, help with a fundraiser or service project, or bring your talents to a committee. Reading the annual Program Guide is one way to learn about these options. Another is consulting with the Membership Committee chair, who can help you connect with UUCSH in a way that feeds your interests. Who is the chair? Ask any Sunday-morning greeter or the church administrator to introduce you.
UUCSH’s mission is to “foster intellectual and spiritual growth” and to “support one another on our lifelong journeys.” Even if you decide not to affiliate with this congregation, we hope we can be a stepping-stone on your spiritual path.
Walk through our red door and see if we are your community — or, to paraphrase one of the founders of our congregation, if we are the people you want to grow and grow old with. We hope so.