President's Corner
by Bob Weekley
People new to our UU Fellowship ask me questions pertaining to “membership.” Questions like:
- If I come to the services, should I become a member?
- What are the qualifications for membership?
- What difference does it make if I become a member, or if I don’t?
- Are there advantages to being a member versus just attending?
- If I become a member, does it involve financial obligations?
- Can I become a member if I am a member of another church?
Our tradition of membership is quite simple. Stated briefly, if you begin to feel that you are part of us and the Unitarian Universalist tradition, you may feel that you would like to stand with us and to identify with Unitarian Universalism. Our Bylaws state:
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Any person demonstrating an understanding of the Unitarian Universalist Living Tradition and striving to be in accord with the Unitarian Universalist Principles may join this Fellowship. Membership is initiated by signing the Membership Book and committing to an active participation in the Fellowship as demonstrated by a contribution of time and/or money. |
We do not push our congregants to become members but we are delighted when, of their own accord, they decide they want to join us. We want everyone to feel welcome, member or not. So, let’s return to your questions.
Qualifications? An understanding and acceptance of the UU Principles, and a commitment to give of time and/or money, are our primary qualifications. The Principles and Sources are printed in our hymnal. You decide your own level of commitment.
Advantages? As a member you become a part of the worldwide family of Unitarian Universalists. You receive the excellent magazine, UU World. Other than that, the main advantage is the feeling that you are a committed part of this wonderful group. As a lay-led fellowship we need your ideas and efforts to accomplish our mission in the community. Our UU Fellowship always benefits from fresh leadership.
Member of Another Church? Some of us are members of another UU church because we are in transition or living in two communities. In that case, because we pay an assessment each year to the district and national UU organizations on behalf of each member, we only need to know which church you consider your primary church. If you are a member of another church that is not UU, that is your business. We have had people maintain their affiliations with other churches even as they joined with us.
If you are considering membership, feel free to speak to me or to any of the board members to get your questions answered. If you don’t feel that you are quite ready to commit to membership, remember that you are always welcome here. If you are ready to commit, we are especially honored.
Thank you,
Bob
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UUFR-VA Board of Stewards—2009
| President |
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Bob Weekley |
| Vice President |
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Caroline Shifflett |
| Past Pres. |
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Vacant |
| VP For Programs |
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Shirley Kinney |
| VP For Membership |
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Fran Schelling |
| Treasurer |
— |
Lynn Langley |
| Secretary |
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Diana Jamison |
The Board at Work
Congregational Committees
Vision and Planning: |
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Cliff Schelling
David Rowden co-chairs |
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| Building and Grounds: |
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Bob Weekley
Kathleen Brooks
Don Lowrey co-chairs |
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| Finance: |
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Tom Kinney |
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| Community Service: |
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Lorrie Lowrey
Lynn Langley
Shirley Kinney co-chairs |
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Religious Education
for Children: |
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Jane Elkin |
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Leadership
Development: |
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Caroline Shifflett
Lynn Langley
Tom Kinney co-chairs |
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| Publicity: |
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Pam Collins |
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| Newsletter: |
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Bob Prescott |
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| Webmaster: |
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Bob Prescott |
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