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Membership

 The Membership Committee has the primary function to plan and coordinate efforts to support, educate, and maintain records of University Unitarian Universalist Society (UUUS) members. In addition, we work to encourage and inform new members as well as those interested in more information regarding our faith and our congregation.

The following FAQ answers the most common questions related to membership:


Why should I join a Unitarian Universalist Congregation?

TEN GOOD REASONS for joining a Unitarian Universalist Congregation

  1. Because here we join with open hearts and minds to worship together, seeking what is sacred among us.
  2. Because here we are part of a long, liberal tradition of reason and tolerance, of hope and liberation.
  3. Because here we honor our Jewish and Christian roots, and also reach out to know the great truths found in other religious expressions.
  4. Because here we acknowledge that revelation is never sealed and empower ourselves to search for new truths.
  5. Because here we nurture our children's enthusiasms and encourage their questions.
  6. Because here we welcome diverse people and views.
  7. Because here we join our strength with others to create a more just society.
  8. Because here we respect the whole self--mind, body, and spirit working together.
  9. Because here we encourage each other to be true to ourselves.
  10. Because here we build a supportive community that eases our loneliness and opens our hearts.

By Bill and Barbara Hamilton-Holway and Mark Harris (UUA)

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Why would I be interested in joining this (UUUS) Fellowship?
  1. We'll never tell you what to believe!
  2. You are encouraged to search for your own personal truth and meaning.
  3. You gain a sense of community and fellowship with folks who value acceptance, learning, respect for all, truth, tolerance, justice, peace, and caring for our planet Earth.

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What does it mean to be a member of UUUS?

Members of UUUS join in a covenant to one another. Our membership covenant is a set of shared commitments to participate in and support UUUS. The covenant helps make clear the expectations that bond our congregation and strengthen its value for all of us.

As members of UUUS we covenant with one another to

  1. Participate in UUU’s communal activities;
  2. Help UUUS operate;
  3. Care for fellow members and our larger community;
  4. Respect one another’s beliefs and differences;
  5. Value children as our future;
  6. Ensure our church’s financial sustainability.

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Does membership at UUUS cost money?

At UUUS membership does not have a specific monetary cost. However,number six on the membership covenant is to 'Ensure our church’s financial sustainability'.  This means that we request regular contributions from members to allow us to maintain our facilities, support church programs and projects, and pay annual dues to the Unitarian Universalist Association.  These contributions are different for everyone.  As a member, you decide what you can contribute to the congregation.  Although it is vital that all members contribute their fair share, monetary constraints should not keep anyone from attending and participating as a UUUS member.

Due to the foresight of our founding members, we have a wonderful facility in a natural setting. To sustain our facilities and our programs, we need approximately $110,000 per year as of 2012. Approximately 88% of this requirement comes directly from member donations with the average family unit committing $1400 per year. We publish a Fair Share Giving Guide based on a guide provided by the Unitarian Universalist Association of America to give you an idea of giving levels. In order to plan the finances of UUUS, we rely on members making an annual financial commitment around April of each year for the next fiscal year, which runs from July to June.

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How can I find out more information regarding this congregation?

The best way to find out more about this congregation is to attend a Sunday Service. We are a welcoming community who love to have visitors. Since we are a lay-led congregation and have a variety of speakers and topics, we suggest coming back several times to decide if our community is the one you are seeking.

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How do I become a member?

At UUUS official membership begins when you sign our membership book.  If a frequent visitor has decided to take the journey toward membership, a committee member will help you make that step towards committing to the covenant and becoming part of the UUUS family.

We hold membership orientation classes once a month during most of the year.  These classes provide prospective members more information about the UU faith as well as providing information pertinent to our organization.  These classes are open to all.  Membership Orientation and Visitor Welcome classes are held at UUUS and begin at 9:15AM.

New Member Orientation

This class is intended for those who are new to membership or who are exploring the possibilities of joining the UUUS congregation. This orientation will provide a deeper understanding of the our congregation, how the church is organized and the programs offered.

Visitor Welcome Class

This class offers the opportunity to learn more about the Unitarian Universalist faith and its origins. First time visitors and those new to Unitarian Universalism will learn about the principles that guide us and receive a brief overview about the organization.

We welcome ALL visitors to both classes. You may sit in on the New Member Orientation and the Visitor Welcome classes with no obligation to join our congregation. Both classes are offered during the children’s RE (religious education) programing. Children may attend the RE class during this time. If you have any questions or would like to RSVP to either of the above classes please contact the office at: info@universityuus.org or call 407-737-4018.

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