Path to Membership

What is the path to membership?

Each person approaches this in their own way and time. We honor this and encourage you to do what is right for you. And, we’re here to help you along the way.

The only two steadfast requirements for membership, according to our bylaws, are the signing of the membership book and making a yearly financial pledge to support stewardship of the church, according to your financial means. This can be done at any time by appointment with the Director of Ministries.

However, we encourage you to think of membership as a considered journey along a meaningful path. Many people have asked for a suggested route, so we have sketched it out below:

Please fill out a Contact Us form below at the bottom of the page and indicate that you would like information on joining UUC. This allows us to get your contact information into the church database so that we can help you connect with the people and programs that make up this church community. We’ll also let you know when Exploring UU classes are scheduled, as well as advise you of other events and information for members and friends of the church.

If you are new to UUC, we encourage you to get to know us over the course of a year or so. Come on Sundays for one of our two church services (children’s programs and child care are available while you attend). You may want to watch recordings of our live-streamed Sunday services, or listen to past sermons in your favorite podcast app or on the UUC website. We also encourage you to check out some of the other Unitarian Universalist churches in the Seattle area since we all have our own unique personalities.

Then we recommend that you experience the community and UU faith in action on a deeper level through

Attending at least one class, small group experience or social gathering at UUC or in a member’s home (be sure you’re active in UUC Connect to see all the options).
Volunteering in some way within the UUC community (contact our Director of Ministries, check in at the UUC Info station in Nathan Johnson Hall on Sunday, drop by the UUC Info Session after any Sunday Service, or visit the church office at other times if you’d like some help finding the right opportunity).
Participating in a social justice workshop or action. The UUC Calendar and the News on our website homepage are handy guides to upcoming events and activities.
Enrolling your children in Family Ministry programs and encourage your middle schoolers and older teens to participate in youth activities.

Attend the “Exploring UU” classes. These four classes, 90 minutes each (sometimes offered in other configurations), offer an excellent overview of Unitarian Universalism and University Unitarian Church, along with opportunities for personal reflection and interaction with other prospective members. There is no charge for the course, but please do register in advance so that we can better plan for those attending.

These classes are usually scheduled once a quarter or so, and may be available online as well as in person. The presentation format varies to address the different scheduling needs of those interested in attending. There is no charge for this class, which fulfills the education requirement for UUC membership and is open to all—those who are curious, those who are ready to join, or those who are long-time members at UUC or other UU congregations. We do ask you to register in advance to help us better plan for you, but we are usually able to accommodate drop-in attendance too. For classes held in the church building, child care is available if requested in advance, typically at the time of registration.

If you are unable to take the class or believe you have already met the learning requirement through other UU experience, contact the Director of Ministries to arrange an interview and/or materials that might answer specific questions about UU or UUC.

Confirm Your Pledge or request a meeting with a Visiting Steward to discuss your pledge commitment. By making and fulfilling a financial pledge of whatever size is right for you, you are not only showing a commitment to sustaining this community, but also participating in the planning process for the annual operating budget.

Sign the Membership Book. This can be done at any time by appointment with the Director of Ministries.

New Member Celebration

At least once a year, we hold a New Member Celebration. The whole church re-covenants as members during each of the worship services. After the second service, those who are ready to join are welcomed to a reception with those who have become members within the last two years. New members may sign the book and turn in their pledge forms right there, and join recent members in being honored in a welcoming ceremony led by the senior minister and witnessed by key leaders of the church.

If you are interested in joining and/or have questions to discuss, please contact our Director of Ministries.

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