Becoming a Member of First UU Austin
Membership at First UU fulfills the desires of those who wish to be a part of a welcoming community, to be fed spiritually, to be challenged intellectually and to find ways to put their faith into action. In return, the church asks its members to be generous with their time, talents and financial resources. Each new member enters into a covenant with the other members of our faith community. We believe the following path to membership will lead to committed, satisfied and productive members.
- Although not required to join, consider attending a “Getting to Know UU class,” held every other month, where you can share backgrounds with other visitors and learn about our denomination and our church. You may sign up for the class at the Membership/Visitors table in the foyer on any Sunday morning, e-mail us at , or call Membership Co-Chairs Gary Payne or Jill Wiggins at (512) 441-4720.
- When you are ready to seriously consider membership, attend a “Path to Membership Class,” where you will meet other prospective members, learn about Unitarian Universalist history and principles, First UU’s diverse programs, and the benefits and responsibilities of membership. You may sign up for the class, offered quarterly, at the Membership/Visitors table in the foyer on any Sunday morning, e-mail us at , or call Membership Co-Chairs Gary Payne or Jill Wiggins at 441-4720. If you just can’t fit the class into your schedule, we can discuss an alternate path to membership.
- Fill out the new member paperwork described below. If you decide to become a member, you may complete the paperwork after the Path to Membership class or at home before or after the class.
- The church office processes your New Member Profile, at which time you will be added to our membership directory, the newsletter e-mail list and the UU World magazine mailing list. Please spell your name on the form exactly the way you want it to appear on your new member nametag. Each adult should fill out a separate form.
- The New Member Pledge Form asks you to estimate the financial support you expect to give to the church for the remainder of the current fiscal year (January 1 to December 31.) We conduct a stewardship campaign in the fall of each year during which people pledge what they intend to give during the next fiscal year. Your new member pledge should be for the remainder of the current fiscal yearonly.
- Sign the Membership Book. All of the people who have joined First UU Austin have signed this historical document. Each person signs the book individually. You will need to submit your new member paperwork at the time of signing.
- New member nametag: Your will find your new member nametag on one of the nametag carousels in the foyer the week after you join. A blue sticker attached to the tag identifies you as a new member. You may remove the sticker whenever you wish.
- Attend the next new member welcome ceremony. You will receive a personal invitation to this ceremony. New members are introduced to and welcomed by the congregation during a Sunday service. This is not mandatory if you are not comfortable in front of a crowd.
- Attend a new member potluck. You will receive a personal invitation to this potluck, held during the month after you join. It’s a great way to meet other new members and share food and conversation.
- Participate in the life of your new church! Get involved. Find the areas of our shared ministry that most appeal to you. Attend congregational meetings that will guide our community. If you need a little help getting started call Membership Co-Chairs Gary Payne or Jill Wiggins at 441-4720 or talk to us at the Membership/Visitors table at church.