Membership Class
Membership Classes at First U
Our Membership Class is designed as a two-part, asynchronous class. The videos below are Part 1 of the Membership class. These videos are designed to be watched at the participants’ own pace and convenience. After watching these videos, participants may continue to Part 2 of the Membership program, in which participants gather in-person or on Zoom for shared reflection and conversation. Part 2 is offered multiple times throughout the year. You can find more information about Membership Classes, including upcoming meeting dates for Part 2, view the Newcomers Calendar.
Newcomers Calendar
This calendar has general church events as well as events specific to newcomers.
Membership Class at First U
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 committed and relevant membership over time: spiritual practice, faith in action, stewardship, and community.
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 the seven short videos below.
Worship
Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts Ministries at First Universalist, provides an introduction to worship at First U:
Video 1
Care Ministries
Rev. Karen Hutt, Community Minister at First Universalist, provides an introduction to and overview of our Care Ministries:
Stewardship
Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister, discusses stewardship as it relates to church membership:
Church Governance
Senior Minister Rev. Jen Crow and former Board Presidents Daryn Woodson and Bryana French provide an overview of the governance structure of First U:
Liberation and Transformation Ministries
Julica Hermann de la Fuente, former Director of Liberation and Transformation Ministries (2020–2022) at First Universalist, provides an introduction of and overview to Liberation and Transformation Ministries at First U:
Children, Youth, and Families Ministries
Lauren Wyeth, Former Director of Spiritual Growth for All Ages (2012-2023) at First Universalist Church, offers an introduction and overview of Children, Youth, and Families Ministries at First U:
Adult Ministries
Rev. Arif Mamdani, Associate Minister, provides an overview and introduction to Adult Ministries at First Universalist: