Becoming a member
Membership
Membership offers the opportunity to form new friendships, to join a community, to help yourself—and us—to grow, to change, and to become stronger. Your involvement here helps share responsibility for the work and festivity of this congregation. It is in working together that community forms.
The First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis is a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our congregation is self-governing, democratically run, and supported by the generosity of time, talent and money each member provides.
About Membership
Why does one take this step of commitment rather than continuing participation as a friendly and welcomed visitor?
When you find a church which expresses the outlook and values you yourself hold as vital, you are depriving yourself and those values of needed strength if you fail to identify yourself with that church. - The Rev. A. Powell Davies
Joining a church such as ours means essentially three things:
1. You are in fundamental sympathy with the principles of freedom and reason in religion and in life. This is the basis of our creedless church.
2. You commit yourself to the importance of an organized religious fellowship. Ideas and ideals must have a vehicle, and embodiment in the world. People who think and work together for the values in which they believe have a better chance of achieving them than people who do not.
3. You accept the responsibilities that go with membership in any human community. Within the limits of your ability and in line with your personal choice, you are ready to give energy, time, money, and best thought to the ideas you prize.
Full membership privileges with include the opportunity to be the Chair of a Committee and to be elected as an Officer to the Board of Trustees.
Orientation Dates
Please join us for a Visitor Orientation Session this year. These are held after service three times a year and provide you with the information about our religion and about the First Unitarian Society. They last about two hours and lunch is provided.They are held in the Dietrich Room; start time is noon.
2010-2011 Orientation Dates, 
October 17
February 6
April 17
2010-2011 New Member Sundays
November 7
March 13
June 5
The Membership Process
You may join the Society at any time. To do this, meet with the Membership Coordinator to discuss expectations, sign the Membership Card, discuss a comfortable level of financial support and possible areas of involvement. The general steps for becoming a member are:
- Participate in the Orientation class.
- Meet with the Membership Coordinator.
- Attend the New Member Sunday to be welcomed into the Society. A welcome brunch is held in your honor prior to service. Within the service that day, a short ceremony is included to welcome you into the congregation.
The First Unitarian Society by-laws require the Board of Trustees to vote approval of candidates prior to them officially becoming members.
Y
ou are always welcome here
Whether you are a member, friend, or visitor, you are welcome to participate in our activities here. We hope you will join with us in building and strengthening our community based on a belief in personal integrity and freedom and the necessity to preserve these values. Every member is valued and has a responsibility to contribute such talents and resources as they are able. We wholeheartedly invite you to join us!
