Becoming a Member

We consider ourselves to be One Church, Many Paths.  Just as there is no one “right way” to religious truth, in a Unitarian Universalist church, there is no one single path to membership.  Each person at Heritage Church is on a unique personal journey.  Some newcomers are ready to join the congregation after just a few visits; for others, the path to membership may take a year or more. 

 

In the end, though, all that is necessary to become a member of our church is to express, in writing, a desire to join, and a willingness to take up the rights and responsibilities of membership.  Your note may be addressed either to the Minister or the Board of Trustees.

 

It is our experience that new members of our community benefit from learning our history and traditions, from meeting others at a similar place in their religious journey, and from having a clear understanding of the expectations of membership in a free religious society.  Thus, we offer you some guidance on your personal “Path to Membership”.  Below are some of the guideposts that you might look for on your path.  Though these milestones are listed in a “checklist” form, remember—they are not a requirement of membership, nor are they necessarily a linear progression toward membership.  Every person’s path is different.

 

We hope that this information is helpful as you discern where your own religious journey is taking you.  And, it is our sincere hope, too, that your path will lead you to make Heritage Church a vital and ongoing part of your spiritual and social life.

 

 

Suggested Steps on the “Path”

 

· Attend Sunday worship services regularly for several weeks.  Get a feel for who and what we are, as a religious community of seekers.  See Calendar for upcoming topics.

· Attend and participate in a “Get Acquainted Dinner” hosted quarterly by our Membership Committee.  This is an informal evening meal that offers a chance to meet other newcomers and leaders of the church, break bread together, and share our journeys.  Upcoming dates for dinners will be listed in the Calendar.

· Attend and participate in an “Introduction to Unitarian Universalism” session led by the minister.  This is an opportunity to learn more about our free faith and the values we share.  It is often held immediately following the “Get Acquainted Dinner” listed above.  See Calendar for dates for upcoming sessions.  Attend and participate in a “Membership Orientation” session offered by the Membership Committee.  Here you will learn about the rights and responsibilities of membership at Heritage, and about opportunities for service and deeper involvement in our community.  See Calendar for dates for upcoming sessions. 

· Get involved in ongoing learning at Heritage.  A wide variety of groups, classes, and other opportunities appear in the Community section of our website.

· Discuss membership with the minister or the chair of the Membership Committee, and ask any questions you may have about joining Heritage Church.

· Write a brief note or letter to the Minister or the President of the Board, indicating your desire to become a member of our congregation.

· Sign the membership book.  (This is often done during a special quarterly ceremony in the Sunday worship service, but it is not required that you participate in the public ritual—only that you sign the book.)

Celebrating Life

Creating Community

Seeking Justice

Ministry of Celebrations & Teaching

Teaching, worship creating and support, Religious Education, Choir and Music, Ushers

Ministry of Outreach & Service

Membership Committee, Hospitality, Social Action, Greeting, Communications and

Technology, Denominational Activities

Ministry of Care & Stewardship

Care of Buildings & Grounds, Care Committee, Committee on Ministry, Nursery & Childcare, Dinner Parties, Social Activities & Interest Groups, Fundraising, Stewardship, Planned Giving & Finance, Board of Trustees, Long-Range Planning

Expectations of Membership

 

At Heritage, as in all Unitarian Universalist churches, we do not tell you what you have to “believe”.  There is no creed you must assent to, no religious doctrine you must adhere to.  Ours (and yours) is a free religion.

 

Yet, with that freedom come certain responsibilities.  We do have expectations of our members.  Here are five ways in which we will ask you to demonstrate your commitment to our congregation:

 

· Attend worship services as regularly as possible.

· Participate in church activities during the week as able.

· Continue your own religious growth and education.

· Contribute to our community by offering your:

           - annual pledge of volunteer time and service to HUUC

           - annual pledge of financial stewardship to the church

           - talents and energy to service in the broader world

· Participate in congregational meetings and decision-making.

 

 

In the end, what you get out of Heritage Church—whether as a member, or as a contributing friend—is up to you.  The more you participate in the life of this special congregation, the more you will receive back.

 

Again, we hope that you will join us at Heritage Church.  We hope that your path will lead you to call Heritage Church your own.

Volunteer Opportunities

           See Community for more information