Policies on Becoming a Member
- Individuals who have been a member of another Unitarian Universalist congregation or who were born and raised as UUs may become members by simply signing the membership book.
- New member candidates must first attend several Sunday services before joining.
- New member candidates should be encouraged to attend several other church activities before joining.
- Before joining most people should take a class about Unitarian Universalism. An alternative would be to do directed reading followed by a consultation with the minister.
- Prior to becoming a member, candidates will be informed of the importance of contributing to the work of the congregation financially and/or by participation.
- It should be made clear to new members that by joining they are indicating that they are in general agreement with our UU Principles and Purposes and the Affirmation, Vision and Mission of this congregation.
Path to Being a Member or a Pledging Friend*
We welcome your interest and hope we prove to be a community you will choose to join. We suggest the following steps on the Path to Membership. If any step is difficult or will not meet your needs, we can suggest an alternative. Our interest is in knowing that you are sufficiently acquainted with us before you consider making a commitment.
Attend a Sunday morning service at least three times. Our Sunday services vary considerably, and it is good to sample more than one.
Attend any congregational activity of your choice, other than the Sunday service. Any small group activity will do. Many are listed in our “Welcome, Visitor” pamphlet, and in our newsletter, The Voice. It is especially useful to attend one or more of the Sunday morning Adult Religious Exploration classes. Also important, if you have a child, for your child to enroll in the Children’s Religious Exploration class that takes place at the same time. Usually the children join the adults for the first part of the service and have their own Children’s Service.
Take home and read the information about the Unitarian Universalist denomination and our congregation provided in the pamphlets which are located in a rack near the front entrance.
Call to schedule a meeting with the minister and a member of the Membership Committee.
When you meet with the minister and a person from the Membership Committee, we will review together the Seven Unitarian Universalist Principles and answer any questions you have about the denomination and the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos. If you decide to join, you will be requested to fill out our Membership Interest Survey and take home material about making a financial pledge, which we hope you will return shortly. If you decide to join, you may then sign the Membership Book.
If you feel uncertain about joining or if you decide not to attend, we would welcome your comments and observations. Please, if you have any questions about the check-list above or any of the congregation’s activities, feel free to contact the Membership Chair(s).
*A pledging friend is someone who wants to participate in the life of the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos on a regular basis, support it with a financial pledge and through personal participation, but for private reasons does not wish to be a member.
