The Meaning of Membership

The path to membership is a journey toward a deeper commitment to liberal religious values and to this congregation.

Choosing to become a Member of UUCV means you are ready to join us in

• searching for deeper meaning and understanding
• living in loving and covenantal relationship with one another
• growing a vital, nurturing community,
• and in acting on our values in the wider world.

As Members, we recognize that UUCV is our chosen church home – and thus we endeavor to cultivate a generous and appreciative heart through active engagement in our congregation, attending to the quality of our personal relationships, and contributing generously within our means to the church’s operating budget and our social programs. Look for the flyer “Engagement at UUCV” for specific ways to begin connecting.

The Path to Membership

Our Membership Team regularly offers path to membership events. On the first Sunday of each month, after each service, a relaxed gathering titled “Is UU for U?” meets during coffee hour. Conversation is facilitated, but guided by the interests and questions of attendees.

We also ask that you attend a series of 3 Path to Membership classes. These classes are offered quarterly and delve more deeply into understanding of church membership, UUCV’s history, and Unitarian Universalism in general.

Please contact membership@uucvan.org for more information on social or informal gatherings for newcomers. The most current information regarding Membership activities will be found in our Weekly Bulletin.

There are many ways to become a part of our UUCV family.

We welcome VISITORS on Sunday morning. We ask you to complete a Visitor’s Form if you are comfortable doing so. Sometimes it takes two or three visits before you are ready to tell us who you are. Take your time. Soon you will know whether you want to continue coming. Then you become a . . .

NEWCOMER who attends Sunday services, comes to other events and classes, and learns about our mission. As you deepen your connection you may wish to register as a FRIEND or become a MEMBER.

FRIENDS receive a nametag, are entered into our member directory, and support the church financially. You can serve on committees and borrow our library materials.

MEMBERS: When you know you are committed to UUCV as a congregation of interesting, caring people with shared values, the next step is becoming a Member. In addition to all of the above, Members can assume leadership roles on committees, teams and the Board of Trustees. Members also have the privilege of voting at congregational meetings.

What are the responsibilities of membership?

• TIME: We hope you will come often to Sunday morning services, the one time each week we all can be together. Your presence with us is important.  We also hope you will come to social gatherings of the Congregation, such as picnics, potlucks, and other fun activities.
• TALENT: Find a way to be involved in the life of the Congregation, sharing your gifts and talents, maybe stretching your comfort level to learn new skills. We will encourage you! For example, you might consider singing in the choir, serving on a committee, teaching in church school, making coffee once a month, helping with a social justice project.
• TREASURE: Support the Congregation generously, whatever generosity means to you. We have some guidelines to help you make your decision. Some of us can give thousands. Others can give just a few dollars a month. Please don’t let money keep you from joining.

How do I join when I am ready?

Whether you are new to Unitarian Universalism or you are a UU transferring your membership from another church, we ask that you attend a series of 3 Path to Membership classes. If you have questions about membership, please contact the Membership Committee.

Recommended activities:

• Attend events at church to get to know other new people, the membership team, and a few church leaders.
• Attend Path to Membership classes to meet our minister, learn how our church works, how to get involved, and our relationship to the larger denomination.
• Join a Chalice Circle.
• Attend an Ingathering Ceremony during a Sunday service to be introduced to the congregation.
• Let us know how we can help you integrate into UUCV and feel at home.  
• Participate in our semi-annual auctions. Offerings include such things as sharing a meal with a small group in someone’s home, which can turn “fellow congregants” into “friends”.