How to Join

As a non-creedal religion, we do not ask that you affirm any particular beliefs or renounce other religious community memberships to join. We do ask that you affirm agreement with our principles, sign the membership book, and make an identifiable contribution to our congregation.

We offer classes, new member recognition, and one-on-one time with our minister as part of the path to membership, but these elements are optional.

Building Sacred Ground

Building Sacred Ground is an experiential 4-session group to help people explore Unitarian Universalism deeply, share personal foundations of faith, and get to know a small group of people very well. The series ends with a private tea with ministers where people have a chance to visit, socialize and dialogue.

This four session experience is a must for anyone who wants to: get to know a small group of people very well, explore and share their individual journeys and learn ways to become engaged here at UUCS. By attending these sessions, you will become more deeply involved in church life and have a better understanding of Unitarian Universalism.

The Building Sacred Ground series is treated as a covenant group, and as such is only open for people to join during the first session. Drop-ins are not allowed in sessions 2-4.

Session One – UU 101—Our Foundations

This session reviews Unitarian and Universalist history and theologies, our Principles and Sources, congregational polity, and a discussion of what it means to live UUism. Time is set aside to answer questions.

Session Two – Sharing Our Journeys

Participants will build sacred space, and begin to build personal community. This session is activity based and will encourage participants to reflect on their spiritual lives, spiritual development and future spiritual explorations.

Session Three – Getting Involved

Joined by church lay leaders, this session will explore church projects and groups. Participants will gain a sense of how to nurture their spiritual life, explore personal gifts and to find ways to engage in the community. For those who have been seeking a deeper church experience (either newcomer or established member), ways to become more involved will be explored.

Session Four – Tea with a Minister

Participants are invited share casual, social time with the ministers in an intimate setting. Ministers will respond to the questions that have been gathered throughout the previous sessions. For those considering membership, a Membership Team member will be present to answer questions and the Membership Book will be available to sign.

Membership Invitation and Information

This is an informal opportunity to ask questions about what membership at UUCS means, the requirements and responsibilities of being a voting member, and how you may become engaged in our community. This is scheduled for each first Sunday of the month during the Fellowship hour.

Signing the Membership Book

At any point when you are ready, you are welcome to sign the Membership Book. Contact the office for details, office@uusalem.org or 503-364-0932.

Journey To Belonging

A three month covenant group that explores the spiritual journey: where we come from, where we are, what we look forward to exploring. All are welcome to join! The group will be facilitated by Reverend Richard Davis, or our Intern Minister, Monica Jacobson-Tennessen. They occur on third Thursdays, from 7 to 8:30 pm. There are three sessions each year. Our first group started in October 2016. A new group will start in January, and another in April. Check in with the office for details.

New Member Recognition

Several times a year, UUCS recognizes the newest members. There is a short ritual during the worship service and then cake and coffee in honor of the new members during our Fellowship Hour.