Choosing membership opens the door for you to call University Unitarian your spiritual home, to fully participate in its community, and to reap the benefits of truly being part of such a community.

Although many programs are open to nonmembers, membership affords preferential access to certain programs and services. Only members can hold significant leadership positions and participate in congregational decision-making, such as the calling of new ministers and voting at annual 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.

Considering Membership

Joining a spiritual community is an important and personal decision, one that calls for personal discernment, willingness, and commitment. A commitment to membership in the UUC community and this faith tradition arises from inward conviction, not an outward profession of faith. Each of us approaches and finds this in our own way and time. We honor your process of considering if UUC is the right “home” for you. Our aim is to lend support and offer information during your exploration, no matter the length of time or your decision.

The following questions may help in your own considerations:

Is there a match between your beliefs and values and the tenets of Unitarian Universalism?
Unitarian Universalism holds that the individual is the ultimate authority in religion, and that persons can join in a strong mutual fellowship without dogmatic conformity. UU prescribes no creed, yet calls each of us to “a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Church membership affords you a community in which to pursue your own path toward that truth and meaning. To guide us, a statement of Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes sets down a shared framework for spiritual practice, exploration of belief, and community.

Are you willing to participate in the life of the church?
With ample room for individual differences and pursuits, UUC’s community exists only through the energy, actions, and shared purpose of its members. We encourage you to contribute your time and talent to projects, programs, committees, events, classes, and church functions that “speak to you," so that your participation brings benefit to the community effort and fulfillment to you.

Church services, although not mandatory, are the centerpiece of UUC’s spiritual life, and a chance for members and visitors to connect. All members are encouraged to attend and participate as often and as fully as they can. Guided by our ministers, services still rely on the hands, voices, and hearts of the many in our community to create a powerful resonance that engages us all.

Unitarian Universalists have a proud heritage of congregational democracy. But a truly free church can remain such only when members give of themselves in the planning and work of the church. We urge members to participate in and vote at congregational meetings of the church, where priorities and policies are decided, church officers are selected, and the church budget is explained and approved.

The avenues for participation in UUC’s community are many, but can seem overwhelming to some. Use information from this website or our Program Guide as starting places, or contact the church office.

Are you willing to make a financial commitment to UUC?
Church bylaws require a financial commitment each year to maintain active membership. Members, together with those who regularly attend church and those with children in UUC’s church school, make a financial pledge and contribution to the church, according to ability. UUC depends primarily on these pledges and contributions for its operations and sustainability. Other income, such as Sunday collections, defrays only a very small portion of the church expenses.

We do not dictate levels of giving, but ask members to view their pledges as investments in this community – its current operations and its future capabilities. We hope members contribute in a way that comes of generosity and responsibility, and that reflects the importance of this community in their lives. We recognize that pledges will vary widely, dependent on individual circumstances. Many in our congregation follow a suggested 2.5% to 5% annual giving to the church.

The Path to Membership

If you want to learn more about pursuing membership at UUC, read about the Path to Membership.