How to Join
Choosing membership represents a deeply personal decision, one that
signifies a connection with First Church Unitarian as a religious home,
a willingness to fully participate in its community, and a readiness to
reap the benefits of truly being part of such a community. It means a
person has made a decision to join a community that is searching for
truth, struggling for justice, and whose members live in loving
relationship with one another.
Considering Membership
When you no longer feel like a guest, and you feel like you’re at home
here, you may be ready to join our church family. If you have
progressed on your journey by completing the steps outlined in our
Path
to Membership Guide, and are ready to sign the
Membership
Book, please express your intent to join by registering
before
Membership
Sunday, the first Sunday of each month that church is in
session.
Steps to Membership
- Attend at
least four (4) worship services. Every Unitarian
Universalist congregation has its own distinct characteristics and
personality. Attending several Sunday worship services will
help you get to know us.
- Attend a
Membership Orientation class (offered throughout the church
year). At this gathering we will share personal journeys,
view a video about Unitarian Universalism, and provide an overview of
First Church Unitarian. It is strongly recommended for anyone
wishing to become a member.
- Read and
accept the Church Bylaws. To become a member, a
person shall express an understanding and acceptance of the Church
Bylaws.
- Complete the
form in the Path to Membership Guide. Each
individual age 16 years or older is eligible for membership.
Completed forms will be collected at the time you sign the Membership
Book.
- Express your
intent to join. Register on the schedule at the Membership
table in the front church entry way, by emailing membership@fculittle.org,
or by calling the church office at 978-486-3044.
- Sign the
Membership Book. Persons ready for membership are invited
to sign the Membership Book the first Sunday of each month that church
is in session, Membership Sunday. Generally the Membership Book is
signed in the presence of the Minister and/or a Deacon.
Benefits of Membership
Although many programs are open to nonmembers, membership affords
preferential access to certain services. Only members can hold
significant leadership positions and participate in congregational
decision-making, such as the calling of new ministers and voting at
warranted meetings. Members also have the satisfaction of helping to
create a sustaining community for today and the future – one
that brings transformation alive at the personal level and in the
larger
world.
Responsibilities of Membership
Becoming a member makes a serious commitment to support the church
community. That support has two aspects. One is the church’s need
for direct financial contributions from the membership on a continuing
basis. The other is participation in church life. Church life is
organized around a series of committees, composed of volunteer members
that function in conjunction with the minister. Active participation by
all church members is crucially important to a vital, growing church.
We are an accepting caring church community whose success depends upon
the continuing, mutual support of all of its members.