Our congregation exists to help people live lives of meaning and purpose. After getting to know us better and participating in congregational life for a significant period, we sincerely hope that you will consider becoming a member and traveling with us into the far future.
Why Become a Member of the UU Congregation Santa Rosa?
Membership enables you to put down roots in our community as well as make a more personal commitment to congregational life. Members shape UUCSR programs and activities through their votes, team leadership and financial support of our work.
Membership also enables you to…
- Share in a long, liberal tradition of reason and tolerance, of hope and liberation.
- Help to build a supportive community that eases our loneliness, opens our hearts and changes our lives.
- Join your strength with others to create a more just society.
How to Determine Whether Membership is Right for You
- Attend several services. We recommend at least six. As summer services differ from “school year” services, we also recommend that you attend at least three services between September and June.
- Attend a “Meet the Minister” session and get to know our minister in a small group setting. Sessions are generally held every other month, after the later Sunday service.
- Participate in congregational life! Join a team or discussion group, attend Religious Education (RE), meditate with us or simply volunteer some time and work with us.
- Obtain a Welcome packet and read the literature about our faith and faith practices. We recommend “We Are Unitarian Universalists.”
- Explore our website and that of the Unitarian Universalist Association to learn more about our roots and our current practices.
Taking the Final Step (Becoming a Member)
The Congregation promotes the full participation of all members in its activities and in the full range of human endeavor, without regard to race, color, gender, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or national origin, and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion, or to any particular religious belief or creed.
Eligibility
Any person who meets the following qualifications, as certified by the Membership Committee or other delegate of the Board of Trustees, may become a general member of this Congregation and will be included in the annual Membership Certification:
- Is sixteen years of age or older (unless requesting Youth membership)
- Is in sympathy with the purposes, goals and programs of this organization
- Has met with the Minister or, in the long-term absence of the Minister, with a delegate of the Board of Trustees
- Has attended any required orientation program
- Participates in Congregation activities
- Makes an annual recorded contribution of financial support
Final Steps
Attend a Getting to Know UU (Unitarian Universalism) Session
This popular and informative newcomer orientation is held on a weekend day. The three-hour session features:
- A deep exploration of our history and theology
- A comprehensive introduction to the life of the congregation.
Submit a Membership Application
The Membership Application signals your intent to participate both personally and financially in our congregation. It also enables you to provide the Administrator with contact information for our private directory and routine congregational mailings. Applications are available weekdays in the congregation office and on Sundays at the Visitor’s Table in the Social Hall.
Below is an application form that you can download to MS Word and fill in and then email to membership@uusantarosa.org
Meet with the Minister
This meeting enables our minister to get to know you – and vice versa. It is your opportunity to ask any outstanding questions before you take the final step along the path to membership. Contact the office to schedule your meeting.
Determine Your Financial Commitment to the Congregation
A member of the Financial Stewardship team will meet with you privately to explain the ways that our members’ monetary contributions support the congregation, our building and our work. Members contribute at a variety of levels, in keeping with their families’ generosity and ability.
Sign the Membership Book
The membership book is a treasured document that records all members’ names from the date our congregation was founded in 1953. As you add your name to it, you are joined to our history and become part of our bridge to the future. We invite you to “sign the book” during your meeting with the minister or during our formal New Member Recognition ceremony (shared in a Sunday service). Your membership formally begins on the date you sign the membership book. There is a brief 30-day waiting period after signing before you are officially eligible to vote on important congregational issues.
Still Have a Question?
We invite you to stop by the Visitor’s Table before or after any Sunday worship, or contact our office.