Membership

Most of the nearly 200,000 Unitarian Universalists in North America have arrived at their liberal faith either from a different faith tradition or from an unchurched background. In short, you are in good company if you didn't grow up Unitarian. in our congregation, your odyssey toward liberal religion will be a familiar story.

OUR PLACE IN THE WORLD

As a liberal religious movement, Unitarianism attracts independent thinkers into community who embrace differing beliefs within a context of mutual respect and shared values. We believe this context supports both strong individuals and a healthy, vibrant community. First Unitarian is a place where theists (believers in a personal God) and non-theists, Christians, Jews and Buddhists, the rational and the spiritual, can commune in an environment of common purpose and mutual respect. For parents of young children, we provide an alternative to more traditional approaches to religious education. And First Unitarian provides a liberal alternative to Metropolitan Community Church as a religious home for gay and lesbian individuals and families.

	A place of belonging, support and stimulation. We are a community that welcomes visitors and nurtures a strong web of friendship.
	A place to grow spiritually, to find meaning and gain perspective. We are an alive, healthy, spiritually diverse, open and responsive community.
	A place to find your ministry, to fully express your individual gifts and focus your life. Our community encourages you to discover your life direction and grow as a leader.

ABOUT BELONGING

Belonging to a Unitarian Universalist congregation means different things to different people. In keeping with the philosophy and character of the denomination, there is considerable breadth and variety in the possible degree and spheres of individual involvement. Some are highly involved, leading small groups, teaching Sunday school, participating on committees, preparing coffee on Sunday mornings, perhaps singing or dancing in one of our choirs. Then there are those who have a very loose affiliation, choosing not to become members, coming out to services from time to time, catching up on news through Horizons, our monthly newsletter. Most of us fall somewhere in between, sharing the rewards and the responsibilities of active membership.

If you're new to Unitarian Universalism or to this congregation, take your time checking out what goes on between these walls. Think about what you want to get out of your involvement, and what you think you'd like to give.

Attend one of the brief information sessions after the Sunday service or an evening Newcomer Orientation offered regularly by the ministers. Browse through the Adult Program brochure. Join a small group, volunteer to welcome visitors. Ask in the office for a copy of the Annual Report and read through the reports of different groups and committees, to see which ones spark your interest.

While committee work can be a good way to get to know people and make a contribution, it's important to take on the responsibilities only as you feel ready. Chat with the ministers or one of our Sunday welcomers for ideas. (And if the activity that you'd like to participate in isn't scheduled, get into the spirit of this place and offer it yourself.)

As our denomination has no creed, becoming a member does not involve a declaration of faith or allegiance to any code. The process is actually rather simple: after advising the ministers that you would like to join, two members of the Congregational Connections Committee will schedule a brief visit with you to answer your questions and provide some orientation. Then you sign the membership book during a brief new member Sunday Service held quarterly throughout the year. (This ceremony can also be held in private, if you prefer.)

Our members normally expect to commit a portion of their financial resources as well as some of their time to this congregation. You will be given an opportunity to make a pledge to our operating budget shortly after you join the congregation.

Thereafter, each Fall, there is a canvass during which members and supporters of First Unitarian are asked to make a financial commitment for the coming year. General guidelines are provided to help you decide on the amount to pledge. Pledging in advance and following through on your commitment is important since it allows the Board of Trustees to develop an operating budget.

MAPMAKING

A series of monthly potluck dinners and discussions exclusively for our newest members to guide them in finding rewarding ways to build community, deepen their spirituality and live out their ministry. It is a five-session program designed to help new members become fully integrated into the congregation

            Love is our doctrine,
            The quest for truth is our sacrament,
            And service is our prayer.

           To dwell together in peace,
            To seek knowledge in freedom,
            To serve life,
            To the end that all souls shall grow
             into harmony with the divine--

First Unitarian, like all Unitarian congregations, is autonomous and governed by a Board of Trustees elected annually from the membership. However, we gain great strength and numerous services by being a member of a larger movement. We are one of more than 45 congregations in the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC), headquartered in Toronto.