Membership

Becoming a Member

 

membership ocuuc how to become a member

What does it mean to be a Friend or a Member?

Many UU congregations have just two types of people: Visitors and Members. Until you are ready to formally join the congregation, you are a Visitor. OCUUC has an additional level of affinity: Friends. A Friend is someone who is in alignment with our values and wants to have a closer relationship with the congregation. Friends are invited to become involved in almost all programs and events. A Friend can join the choir, join a committee, support the church financially, and do almost anything else a Member can do. In fact, we expect our Friends to do all of these things, and more. The main differences are that a Friend cannot chair a committee, serve in an elected office or take part in a congregational vote. In order to do these things, you must have been a Member for 30 days. With upcoming decisions about a new minister, choosing leaders and the possibility of purchasing a new building, there will be many opportunities to take part in the most important benefit of being a Member.

If you are a Visitor or a Friend who would like to become a Member, please talk to the person at the Welcoming table on the patio on Sunday morning. We like to have all new Members take part in a “Pathways to Membership” class, which we hold about every two months. However, it is not a requirement, as long as you have a conversation with the President, Minister or Membership Committee Chair about expectations, responsibilities, and benefits of Membership.

If you are a Visitor who would like to become a Friend, you must check in the office with Sarah to be sure she has your contact information. This will allow you to be listed in the church directory (you will also receive a directory of your own). You will receive the Thursday e-mail Blast to keep you informed about church happenings, and you will be put on the contact list for committees such as the Canvass Committee. You will be expected to take an active role in the life of the congregation, including making a pledge to the best of your financial ability. For information about financial support, see the Canvass page.

The next time we will be welcoming new Members and Friends in a Sunday service will be on February 26.

Questions? Comments? See us at the Welcome table on the patio on Sunday morning or send a message to membershipatocuucdotorg  (membershipatocuucdotorg)  .

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Many people rightly wonder what responsibilities come along with membership. As a member of OCUUC, you are responsible in at least three ways:

  • To yourself – the pursuit of a personal spiritual journey.
  • To others – the participation as a member of a shared community.
  • To the institution – the commitment of financial support in the form of an annual pledge, as well as the gift of your time and talents.

Would you like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and OCUUC? The Membership Committee holds Pathways to Membership events throughout the church year to explore whether membership at OCUUC is part of your spiritual journey, but the desire for formal membership is not necessary. Our tentative 2012 schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 7:00 pm
  • Saturday, March 24, 2012
  • Thursday, April 26, 2012

Please contact membershipatocuucdotorg  (membershipatocuucdotorg)   or Judith Stamper (949-548-6136) to to let us know you are interested in attending. In addition, members of the Membership Committee and the minister are available at any time to discuss membership with you.

Connecting Our Community

Each member and friend is asked to get involved in the activities in our church. Volunteering just 4 hours a month will increase the ability of OCUUC to fulfill our vision. Just as the church cannot operate without your financial help, it also cannot operate without your contribution of time and talents. Your talents are needed to help us build a larger presence in Orange County.

While attending the worship service on Sunday is a very special experience, most members find that, over time, it is not enough to sustain their commitment to the church. We know of no better way to deepen your connection, as well as increase your reward, than by active engagement in a church program that most closely matches your needs. Don’t wait! Find a group, program or activity in which to involve yourself as soon as possible. This is how you will start “feeling a part of” the church, and in return, the people of Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church will become a community for you.

Pick up a copy of the Active Group/Committees Guide, and review the many ways to get involved. Here’s a small sampling of the opportunities for personal and spiritual growth:

To discuss which program may be best for you, please contact the President at presidentatocuucdotorg  (presidentatocuucdotorg)  . Pick up a copy of the current Active Groups/Committee Guide for a complete listing of church programs and activities.

Name Badges

Sometimes, we hurry into our church and skip grabbing our badges–we’re in a rush not to miss things. Or we decline to wear it–everyone knows me. Or… well, there are plenty of good reasons.

Please don’t skip wearing it! There are new people (there are ALWAYS new people!), and they don’t know who you are. Or worse, they met ten people, can’t quite remember who’s who and want to introduce you to someone else, but can’t remember who you are, so they skip it. And there are people who are tired, or whose memory just failed them, and they can’t quite remember your name, and it embarrasses them. And… well, there are many other good reasons.

Wearing the badge with your name is, in fact, the most basic, simplest, easiest act of radical hospitality and kindness that you can offer each other, and visitors. Please, wear it–every Sunday!