Top Ten List:
The Expectations of Membership in a UU Congregation

By Reverend Roger Jones, Family Minister,

In the August, I gave a list of the reasons one would join a UU congregation -- the benefits of membership. But guests contemplating membership also want to know what is expected of a member. This is my own take on an answer. Mileage may vary.

Number 1 – Attend worship services regularly, as you are able.

Number 2 – Make a yearly financial pledge to support the buildings and grounds, programs and staff members of the congregation. Practice generosity and stewardship.

Number 3 – Pay attention to your own spiritual growth. Listen for what calls to you. Tell us about it, maybe in a Ministry Circle, Sharing the Path meeting, pastoral appointment, phone call or e-mail.

Number 4 – Find out what’s coming up here. Read the monthly Unigram newsletter, the Sunday Blue Sheet announcement insert, the www.uuss.org calendar, or my e-mailed Midweek Ministerial Message.

Number 5 – Get to know the ministers and other staff, the lay leaders, and other members. We are here for you.

Number 6 – Put your values into practice! As you are able, get involved in the church’s social responsibility work or find other community outreach or social justice work.

Number 7 – As you are able, give some time to serving the congregation. You could start with a simple Sunday activity or be a Grasshopper or Waterbug. Consider helping or participating in a special event like our November 7 Harvest Fest and Service Auction. But please don’t try to do too much too soon! Learn your limits.

Number 8 – Participate in the governance of the congregation at some level, especially by attending our semi-annual congregational business meetings. The next one is Sunday, October 18. Child care is provided so parents can attend more easily.

Number 9 – Learn some of the history, theological variety, and broad reach of Unitarian Universalism. We have materials in the Book Store and our offices, and you can see what beliefnet.com or Wikipedia have to say about us. Many of our ministers and other UU writers keep interesting weblogs.

Number 10 – Of course, you have joined a specific congregation, not a denomination. Yet you may enjoy following news about the larger movement of Unitarian Universalism, through www.UUA.org as well announcements at church. Consider attending an annual Spring Assembly of the UU Pacific C entral District congregations, or the national General Assembly, in June.

Of course, everyone has different interests and abilities. We are happy to talk about how your involvement might deepen your life, build connections, serve the church, and improve the world! Feel free to be in touch with a minister or lay leader.

Faithfully,
Roger 

P.S.: See the Top Ten Benefits of Membership at my weblog: www.ironicschmoozer.wordpress.com!