Becoming a Member of First

You are welcome here.

We are people of many beliefs and backgrounds: people with a religious background or none; theists, atheists, agnostics; people with questions and people who let the mystery be.

A religious community like First is a place to grow; a place to travel your unique spiritual path as you mark personal and family rites of passage, participate in group experiences, and learn more about yourself and your interconnectedness with others.

Members and friends actively engage in the community, providing service and participating in programs, working individually and together on behalf of justice, climate action, freedom of thought, and the worth and dignity of every human being.

People who choose to become a member do so at their own pace. Some choose to join within a few weeks of finding us, others choose to join after a number of years, and still others are friends of the congregation but do not become formal members.

Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here. You do not need to formally join as a member to be part of the First Unitarian community.

Membership at First

When you become a member, you are welcomed into a community that pledges to support the principles of Unitarian Universalism. These principles are not a declaration of faith; they are a covenant of relationship, expressing how we want to relate to one another and to the wider world. Unitarian Universalism is based on this covenant and does not have a creed.

Our democratic processes call for members to attend and vote at regular congregational meetings. Members are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors and as delegates to national meetings organized by the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC).

Members and friends support the congregation by contributing financially. We rely completely on their financial generosity and request that they donate regularly at a level that makes sense within their own budget. We operate with the support of volunteers who take responsibility for tasks of all types and sizes.

The Path to Membership

Explore our community

  • Attend a Sunday service, in person or online
  • At an in-person Sunday service connect with the FirstU greeters; sign-up to receive a name tag (Fall-Spring). Online, feel free to introduce yourself on the Zoom chat and contribute to the discussion.
  • Subscribe to First Light to keep up with events, services, and programs
  • Learn more about First by reading our Annual Report, by learning about our governance, or by contacting our Director of Administration to set up a conversation with someone on our Membership Team.

Deepen your involvement when you’re ready

  • We encourage you to engage with First at whatever level is right for you. There are many opportunities for one-time or ongoing involvement in justice work, social activity, religious education, and operations.
  • If children or youth are in your care, talk with our Director of Religious Lifespan Programs to learn more about the opportunities for children and youth.
  • Consider making a financial contribution to support programs and services.
  • Attend a Newcomers Information Session. You will hear about the history of Unitarianism and Universalism, learn about the operations of First Unitarian, and meet our minister. Check our Events calendar for the date of the next Newcomer Information Session.

Take the steps to membership

  • Attend the Newcomers Information Session. Check our Events calendar for the date of the next Newcomer Information Session.
  • Formally apply for membership by completing this application form.
  • Connect with our minister. Once your application is received, the administrator will reach out to you to set up this brief call. You can discuss your spiritual interests and any questions you might have with our minister.
  • Participate in a New Member Joining Ceremony to confirm your support for Unitarian principles, to be formally welcomed into the community by the congregation, and to sign the membership book. The administrator will let you know when these ceremonies are scheduled. Alternatively, you can choose to sign the membership book in a private meeting with the minister.

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into our community. If you have questions about membership, contact our Administrator.