Becoming a Member of First Parish in Plymouth
Unitarian Universalist churches operate under a form of governance called Congregational Polity. Basically, Congregational Polity means that the congregation runs the church. We plan our own programs, and generally make major decisions as a congregation.
We welcome you to join our beloved community. We hope you have found your spiritual home here and you will choose to become a member and journey with us.
Becoming a member of First Parish means that you are committed to the principles, values and life attitudes that Unitarian Universalism embraces. It is a public declaration that you stand with a group of people who have a liberal religious view. It is a commitment to support and encourage one’s own and others’ efforts to grow spiritually and to support the congregation’s mission and vision in the wider world.
As a member of this congregation, you will be expected to become actively involved in the life of the congregation and its ministries.
Expectations of Membership:
Worship and the Celebration of Life
Attending worship regularly, participating in life passages, community rituals and activities, etc.
Spiritual Growth
Cultivation of your spiritual life: for example, participating in our learning community, joining a covenant group, personal meditation, prayer, etc.
Shared Ministry
Serving the community within and beyond the church walls. For example, teaching religious education, participating in worship, working for justice, volunteering for a committee or task force, taking a position of leadership, involvement in community service projects, helping with coffee hour on Sunday morning, etc.
Stewardship
Taking care of what we value and enabling it to improve and grow. Making a pledge of financial support for the coming year.
Living Our Faith
Living out Unitarian Universalism through our mission and covenant. For example, practicing our principles in daily life, voting at congregational meetings, getting involved in justice work, supporting our Welcoming Congregation, anti-racism, anti-oppression, multicultural initiatives, etc.
Next Steps:
There are many ways to prepare for membership. While you are welcome to join the congregation at any time, you are also invited to take whatever time you need to discern whether First Parish is your spiritual home. Below are some of the ways you can prepare for membership and/or deepen your membership commitment when you join the church.
Preparing for Membership:
Attend a New Member Orientation. Orientations are informal opportunities to learn a little about Unitarian Universalism and our church. They are typically held after worship on Sundays in the Parish House.
Spend some time reflecting within yourself about what it will mean to you to commit to being a member of this church. How will you want to help make the mission and goals of this institution real? Does First Parish in Plymouth feel like your spiritual home? How might you want to invest your own gifts of time, talent and treasure to support our mission?
How to Join
Sign the membership book.
Once you have become a member, we invite you to participate in a “New Member” ceremony that takes place during a Sunday morning worship service.
As a member of the church you have the right to vote at all congregational meetings and elections. And, if you wish, can be nominated and elected to serve on any standing committee. Only members are counted by our denomination in its annual survey.
Non-members are welcome to participate in many areas of church life but membership allows us to “stand and be counted” as a liberal religious body so that we may have more influence in making real the values and vision we have for ourselves and the world around us.