If you are considering membership at First Church, you may have questions about what membership means and what the process of joining is like. We hope that the information provided below supplements the more personal process of getting to know one another.

How will I know if joining First Church is right for me?

People join First Church for many reasons: They feel comfortable in our church, and want to contribute towards the life of this community. They feel a kinship with how the liberal, non-creedal tradition of Unitarian-Universalism is expressed through our liturgy, our social activism, our adult and children’s religious education, and our community life. They find that they want to pursue their spiritual path within the support that First Church provides. For these reasons and more, they have an interest in making a commitment to First Church by becoming a member.

What are the benefits of joining First Church?

Some of the benefits are intangible. For instance, you may experience a deeper sense of connection to others, on both spiritual and social levels, by committing to a faith community. More concretely, members of First Church can vote at our congregational meetings, and thus can have a direct influence on important institutional (e.g., budgetary) decisions. While everyone is invited to these meetings, only members have voting privileges.

Does one have to be a member to participate in the life of the church?

You can participate in many ways without being a member. As some examples, volunteer at church events, give one of the readings at Sunday services, usher on Christmas Eve, or host coffee hour. You’ll find out about these opportunities on this web site, during our Sunday morning announcements, and through our weekly newsletter, available to all who provide us with their e-mail addresses.

Would I be expected to make a financial contribution to the church?

We have an annual budget drive in the spring, when both members and friends are asked to pledge financial support to the church for the upcoming fiscal year. You would be asked to pledge an amount that is meaningful for you.  Additional information about church finances and the annual budget drive may be found here.

How long should I attend First Church before becoming a member?

People vary widely in how long it takes for them to obtain a deeper sense of the fit between them and our church community. While Sunday morning services are often at the heart of the church experience, we encourage you to look beyond these services. Volunteer at our church fairs, come to a congregational meeting, and talk with our ministers, lay leaders, and other churchgoers. You can attend our Newcomers’ Breakfasts, church history talks, religious education programs, our book group, meetings of our Social Action Group, and numerous potlucks.

I’d like to join, but may only live in this area for a limited time. If I know that I’ll be leaving in a year or two, should I become a member?

There is no minimum time requirement needed to be a member of First Church. Just let us know when you do move out of the area, so that we can keep our membership records up to date.

What is the procedure for becoming a member of First Church?

The procedure reflects the significance for us of growing a community that upholds the values reflected in our church Bond of Fellowship: “In the love of truth and the spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God and the service of humanity.” Other than a desire to join a community that seeks to live according to these values, there is no test to pass, statement of faith, or minimum standard needed to join.

A Typical New Member Experience

“Roberta’s” experience was typical, and illustrates the essentials of the process.

After attending First Church for a period of time, Roberta started to talk with “Ethan,” one of her contacts from the Welcoming Committee, about her growing interest in becoming a member. She asked questions about what membership entailed and what the process of joining is like. Having had her questions answered, she told Ethan she was interested in joining.

Ethan then passed Roberta’s interest on to the Standing Committee, the church’s main governing body, who voted on her request. Roberta was reassured that the Standing Committee’s exercise of this vote is a reflection of the integrity necessary for growing a church community with shared values, a place where all people can feel safe as they walk their spiritual paths.

Meanwhile, Roberta was becoming a familiar face around church. She’d been chatting with other churchgoers, coming to coffee hour, and joining in the life of the church in other ways. This informal yet vital process allowed for the Standing Committee to easily accept her request, since they had developed a good sense of her since she’d started coming to church.

Roberta formally joined First Church by signing the membership book during one of our book-signing ceremonies that take place periodically during church services. She was pleased to add her name to the many who have signed this venerable book, dating back to 1882. Although she could have signed “the book” in a more private manner, she chose a more public declaration of her membership, something we encourage.

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For more information, we invite you to contact anyone on the Welcoming Committee. You can do so by providing your contact information in the guestbook at the back of the Sanctuary, or by contacting the church office. Our church administrator will forward your inquiry accordingly.

We hope that this information has helped you in your process of considering membership, and perhaps, in joining our community.