Does First Universalist feel like your spiritual home? Become a member!
We welcome all who wish to join in on the path of giving, receiving, and growing into membership at First Universalist Church. Choosing membership is a spiritual act. As a non-credal religious community, members are not required to profess certain beliefs in order to be welcomed into our religious community. Rather, membership asks us to walk our spiritual path with courage and care, ever mindful of our covenant with one another to dwell together in peace, seek the truth in love, and to help one another.
If you’re interested in exploring what it’s like to be part of this community, but not ready to become a member yet, check out options to explore under our Spiritual Growth Tab.
Membership Class
When you’d like to make your membership official, we invite you to take a Membership Class. This class is for those 18 and older who intend to join First Universalist Church as members. The curriculum is based on four pillars of a commited and relevant membership over time: spiritual practice, faith in action, stewardship, and community. Fall classes are scheduled below:
Attend two sessions in person at church
Sundays, March 17 and 24, 1-3 p.m. (optional lunch provided at 12:45 p.m.; class begins at 1 p.m.)
– Or –
Attend one session online
Wednesday, April 10, 6:30-9 p.m. on Zoom
Class Format
To balance busy schedules, screen time burnout, and commute time with the real need to connect in community, we created an asynchronous class experience, meaning you get to learn about the church at your own pace through online videos (part one), and then choose a membership class experience that meets your needs (part two.)
Part One: Online videos to be watched on your own time
The traditional “content” of membership classes – information on the ministry areas and nuts and bolts of church life – is “Part One” of Pathway to Membership, found in these seven short videos.
Part Two: The class meeting to be in community with others; choose in person or online
OPTION 1: Online, One 2.5-Hour Session
Includes: Q&A, reflection and conversations with classmates, membership book signing ritual
Recommended for: folks who live outside the Twin Cities; folks with full schedules; folks who are already in relationship with the church, who feel well-connected and confident about navigating groups, programs, and resources and just need to make their membership official.
OPTION 2: In Person, Two 2-Hour Sessions
Includes: Thorough intros, Q&A, activity, reflection, discussion, Membership Book signing ritual
Recommended for: Folks who are new to town or just want more time to get to know others; folks who want a leisurely-paced class; folks who want to spend a little more time reflecting on spiritual paths and theology
Fall Membership Classes are open for registration here.
If you have any questions about membership, learning more about Unitarian Universalism, or finding your place in this large and loving church community, please reach out to Membership Coordinator Liz Farmer at liz [at] firstuniv.org. If you’re simply checking us out, A Place to Start or one of our Small Groups might be right for you.
Being Welcomed by the Congregation
After completing the membership class, new members will be invited to participate in our New Member Welcome Ceremony during a future Sunday worship.
Adminsitrative Requirements
Per our bylaws, Members are asked to make a pledge/annual gift of record to the congregation. If finances are a challenge, a waiver can be requested. We believe that money should never be a barrier to membership.
Questions?
Questions about membership can be directed to Liz Farmer, Membership Coordinator, liz [at] firstuniv.org 612-825-1701 x100.