FAQs

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that was formed from the consolidation of two religions: Unitarianism and Universalism.  The Universalist Church of America was founded in 1793, and the American Unitarian Association in 1825.  After consolidating in 1961, these faiths became the new religion of Unitarian Universalism, forming the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

Membership is open to anyone over the age of 18 who agrees with the mission, purpose, and values of our church and Unitarian Universalism.  

No.  You are always welcome whether or not you become a member. 

Membership in the congregation comes with certain responsibilities and rights. 

Members are expected to make a yearly financial contribution (pledge), support the mission and covenant of the congregation, and be involved in the life of the congregation through regular participation in services, activities, and programming.

Only members in good standing are allowed to vote on congregational matters.  Only members are allowed to serve in official leadership positions.  Members receive pastoral care from the minister and others, as well as celebration of rites of passage such as child dedications, marriage ceremonies, or memorial services and funerals at no extra charge. 

There is no minimum pledge, but it's expected members be as generous as possible.  Generosity is different for different people.  Some people have very little extra income to donate.  Whatever your financial situation, we expect your level of generosity to match your ability to be generous.  As for cost, membership doesn't cost a specific amount of money, but all members are expected to "pay" it forward in terms of giving time (volunteering), talent (use your gifts for the benefit of the group), and treasure (a financial commitment appropriate to yoru personal financial situation).

Our congregation, like all Unitarian Universalist congregations, is "congregational" in terms of "polity" (church governance).  This means the ultimate authority rests in a democratic meeting of the congregation's members - a congregational meeting - that takes place at least once annually and at other times for special purposes.  The congregation delegates the day-to-day operation to an elected board of trustees and sometimes a paid staff, including a minister.