What is membership at UUCS?

Becoming a member is more than just signing a book. Membership at UUCS represents an affirmation of our principles and a deeper connection with our community. It means joining in our search for truth and meaning, our work for justice, and our commitment to being in loving relationship with one another. It also represents a personal investment in the health of our community and the space in which we worship. Members readily and generously give their time, talents and financial resources to support the Mission and Vision of UUCS.

UUCS will provide:

• Thoughtful and celebrative worship services
• Pastoral care and counseling
• Religious Exploration opportunities
• Child dedications
• Coming of Age program
• Community through social and educational events and service opportunities
• A variety of ongoing support and interest groups

Benefits of membership:

• You will be a part of a vital and dynamic community of faith and action
• Your voice will join hundreds of Unitarian Universalists in this and other congregations who speak for social justice, freedom of thought and religious expression, the worth and dignity of every living being, and environmental stewardship
• Voting members are eligible to make decisions about the budget and other important issues at the Annual Congregational Meeting each May, and any additional special meetings called by the board
• You’ll receive the quarterly journal of the Unitarian Universalist Association, UU World
• After 1 year of membership, you are eligible for member rates on facility rentals

We ask that you:

• Actively pursue your own spiritual path
• Contribute your time and talents to the life of the institution
• Make an appropriate financial pledge in accordance with your means

What is required to be a member?

There are 4 requirements, per Article 4 of our Bylaws:

• Be 16 years of age or over,
• Have shown sympathy with the Congregation’s purpose as stated in Article II of our Bylaws by signing the Membership Book,
• Have within the last twelve months made a financial pledge, and
• Have within the last twelve months made an identifiable financial contribution.

You will not be asked to affirm any particular beliefs or renounce other religious community memberships.

What is the Path to Membership?

The most important part to becoming a member of UUCS is establishing connections in our community. While it is great to see our membership numbers grow, it is more important to UUCS that you spend the time getting to know our congregation, to decide if this is the right fit for you. Membership is more than a number; it is about the connections in our community.
The best way to get started is to attend Sunday services. This is the most direct way to get to know the UUCS community. It is on Sunday mornings that you will learn the “personality” of our congregation, about the causes and programs we support, and about service opportunities.
To help you get to know us better we offer two programs:

Journey to Belonging, and

Building Sacred Ground**

Both programs are open to those who are new to UUCS, long-time members, and everyone in between. The programs are designed to facilitate deeper connections within our congregation.

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, typically beginning in October, January and April. Watch the weekly newsletter or weekly bulletins for announcements and a link to register for the next set of sessions.

Building Sacred Ground

Like the Journey to Belonging covenant group, Building Sacred Ground is open to anyone to attend. For those who are new to our community, the group can help them decide if this congregation is the right fit for them. For established members, the series is a great way to refresh their personal search for truth and meaning and an opportunity to get to know new friends.

Attending Building Sacred Ground is required before one has the opportunity to sign the membership book.

The program is offered quarterly, and is 4 consecutive Sunday afternoons. Facilitated as a covenant group, enrollment for Building Sacred Ground is only open until the first session begins. Drop-in attendance is not allowed. This creates a safe environment for participants to share as they get to know one another over the course of the sessions.

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.

Building Sacred Ground is offered three times a year. Typically, sessions begin in October, January and April. Look to the weekly newsletter or weekly bulletins for announcements and a link to register for the next set of sessions.

**Building Sacred Ground is a program designed by Suzette Southfox, Director of Membership and Development at the First UU Church of San Diego.