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Membership
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This section explains some of the possible paths to membership at First Parish. It contains the following four sections:
It's YOUR journey
Stepping stones to membership
The Membership commitment
Signing and celebrating
It's YOUR Journey
On the one hand, becoming a member of First Parish is as simple as signing the Membership Roll, something that can be done on any Sunday in the presence of the Minister or an officer of First Parish. But the path to membership typically consists of several steps, beginning with your first visit to First Parish and hopefully gaining momentum through subsequent Sunday mornings and gradual involvement in some of the many, many facets of congregational life.
There is no set timeline or required path for becoming a member. Those who are new to Unitarian Universalism or new to organized religion typically take some time to learn about our faith and get to know us on multiple levels. Those coming from other faiths which somehow fell short in providing spiritual nourishment should take whatever time you need to determine if Unitarian Universalism shows promise of providing that nourishment. Longtime Unitarian Universalists coming from other communities usually know very quickly whether or not they wish to worship with us, whereas parents seeking a religious framework for themselves and their children may take more time. In short, there is no “right” length of time to wait before joining—it's your decision.
Stepping Stones to Membership
Along the way, we try to provide some useful stepping stones, beginning with a visit with our minister, John Buehrens. John likes nothing more than to get together with newcomers over coffee or a meal. The conversation is likely to be wide-ranging, but is sure to include what brought you to First Parish and what you are looking for in a religious community.
Other stepping stones include:
- Participation in one of the Newcomer Welcoming Sessions. These informal sessions are give you a chance to get to know some current members as well as some other newcomers, and learn a little about First Parish and Unitarian Universalism. Light refreshments are served.
Newcomer Welcoming Sessions are generally held on the third Sunday of every month.
Please join us in the Parlor (downstairs) after services on:
- Sunday, September 17
- Sunday, October 17
- Sunday, November 21
- Sunday, December 19
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- Attending Roots and Branches: The Free Church Tradition, a four-part set of guided discussions that is offered twice a year. New in 2010, Roots and Branches gives folks considering membership a chance to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and to discuss in greater depth the nature of the First Parish community, the role of Unitarian Universalism in our lives, and the responsibilities of membership. Attendees receive A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, co-authored by John and the late Forrest Church.
. - We recently started a sponsor program, in which interested newcomers are matched with members of the Parish. There is no agenda or program; rather the sponsor is simply available to the newcomer to answer questions, explain how things work, and so forth. Some pairings choose to attend one or more services together. Others get together for a meal, a walk, or to attend one of First Parish's activities. So far, the response has been very positive.
. - Chalice Dinners - see below.
The Membership Commitment
We truly hope that you will choose to become a member of First Parish, but we ask that you not do so lightly. As members, we hold the following expectations of ourselves:
- Showing up
Although there are many ways to participate in First Parish life, Sunday services, classes, and coffee hour are the foundation of our community, and they are enriched by the presence of every member on a regular basis. No one takes attendance, and we all accept that some choose to be present more often than others. After all, for many of us spritual enrichment comes in solitary settings or small groups. But the chance to see and worhip with each other — with every "each other" — is the mortar that holds our community together.
. - Service
We are a community built on and committed to service — service both to First Parish and to the greater communities of which we are a part. Each of us finds our own way to contribute our time and effort, whether through committee work, coffee hour hosting, lay ministry, volunteering for church functions, or social action initiatives. But if our community is to thrive and reach others with our spiritual message and social justice actions, we each must make a heartfelt commitment of service.
. - Stewardship
Each of us annually pledges financial support to First Parish according to our ability to contribute. The act of contributing is far more important than the amount of the contribution. Many "friends of the parish", who are not official members, also contribute generously. Pledged contributions provide the bulk of the Parish budget and are essential for maintaining the building, its staff, and our programs.
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Depending on when you join, a member of our Stewardship Committee may contact you soon after you join to explain the giving cycle at First Parish and answer any questions you may have. Our annual canvass campaign of members and friends happens in the late winter. More information about stewardship at First Parish is available on the Members and Friends portion of our website.
Signing and Celebrating
Every signing of the Membership Roll is a cause for celebration — both for you and for us. We honor that celebration 2-3 times per year with a Chalice Dinner on a Friday or Saturday night. New members are joined by other newcomers considering membership, as well as John Buehrens and members of the Membership Committee. For many of us, Chalice Dinners are truly some of the most memorable and cherished occasions of our First Parish experience. The evening is primarily social and the food and drink are always excellent. Sometime over the course of the evening, John Buehrens will bring us together for a few minutes of fellowship and a toast to the new members.
The final step and celebration comes during the service on the following Sunday, when new members are recognized and welcomed by the congregation in a brief New Member Recognition ceremony.
Welcome to First Parish. The rest, as they say, is up to you.