Membership and Stewardship

What is Membership?

Our church is supported by a diverse community of people. Many of these people choose to become members of the church because:

  • They want to make a public statement of support for our ministry and programs
  • They are committed to fostering Unitarian Universalism within our wider community
  • Membership means a deeper level of involvement in the ministry shared between our minister and our lay people

Members of First Universalist are those who realize that our faith is built on a tradition of strong congregational involvement and the vision of our lay leadership.  This community is a spiritual home for them and their families and they enjoy being able to say, “This is my church!”

“Live together, talk together, walk together. We are all One."
— Swami Satyananda

The Benefits of Membership

Most importantly, you will be part of this vital, liberating institution that stands for the worth and dignity of all people, the health of our planet, and the conscious care of our neighbors. Members also enjoy the following:

  • The right to vote in the Annual Meeting of First Universalist Church, held every June
  • A subscription to UU World magazine, the national journal of our Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
  • Inclusion in all our publications including Channels, the BUUGLE, and, “member’s only” web pages
  • The invitation to sit down with our Minister and other professional staff to discuss your needs and gifts as they pertain to our spiritual life together when you’re ready to “sign the book”

"Beings have gathered for centuries seeking a higher purpose and deeper life than they could find alone. We are grateful that you have found your way here, and that you have decided to make a commitment to this faith community. We hope that you will allow yourselves to know and to be known, to minister to and to be ministered unto, to love and to be loved, by this community."
—Rev. Victoria Weinstein, adapted

How to Become a Member

As a friend of First Universalist Church of Yarmouth you are welcome to participate fully in the worship life and programming of our church.  We look forward to seeing you on Sunday mornings and at vespers services, welcome your children and youth into our Religious Exploration programs, and appreciate your participation in our Adult Religious Education opportunities, Councils, and committees.  When you are ready to become a member, especially if you have attended one of our Newcomer Gatherings and feel ready to make the commitment to membership, the following guidelines will be helpful:

  • All persons 16 years and older are eligible for membership
  • While we adhere to no religious creed, it is important that our members have a basic understanding of what it means to affirm and promote our Principles and Purposes, a copy of which can be found at http://www.uua.org/visitors/6798.shtml, or in our church offices. This covenant is how we agree to be together in joyful community
  • If possible, attend one of the Newcomer Gatherings hosted every fall and spring by our Welcoming Committee, and, when you’re ready, participate in a UU Theology class offered every fall by our minister, Rev. Jennifer Emrich
  • When you’re ready to join, make an appointment to meet with Rev. Jennifer to discuss your gifts and needs, and officially sign our membership book. Rev. Jennifer will help you explore where and how you can best get connected in our community, as well as detailing our expectations that you pledge time, talent, and financial resources to the life of our church  –  Welcome!