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How to Join Emerson Chapel

Membership at Emerson UU means that you have decided that this is your spiritual home and that you wish to join in the covenant of our religious faith. For many of us, being a member of this community of faith is what makes the meaning of our religious identity come alive.

There are two steps that you must take to become a member at Emerson:

  1. Arrange to meet with our minister;
  2. Sign the membership book in the presence of two board members.

We recommend that you attend a New Unitarian Universalist Series of classes which is offered twice a year (generally fall and spring). This series provides a basic introduction to the history and theology of Unitarian Universalism, and to Emerson Chapel.

You may elect to sign the membership book privately at any time or publicly on the next New Member Sunday during the service.

After signing the membership book, you will be an Associate Member. You become a full member 90 days later. At this time you are accrued the full rights of membership.

    Rights of Membership

  1. The right to vote at congregational meetings;
  2. The right to chair committees and serve on the Board of Trustees;
  3. The right to serve as a delegate at the Central Mid-West District Assembly and the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association;
  4. All rites of passage – ex. child dedication, marriage, holy union, funeral, memorial. (Associate Members also have this right.)
  5. You also receive the magazine UU World, a quarterly publication of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

    Responsibilities of Membership

  1. Regular attendance at Sunday morning worship.
  2. Ongoing commitment to your own spiritual and religious growth.
  3. Active participation in the Emerson community through attendance at congregational events, participation in congregational programming, and service on committees.
  4. Financial support of the congregation. Emerson Chapel is financed through the generosity of its membership through their annual pledges and other contributions.

Youth Membership

Anyone over the age of 15 can join the congregation. However, legal accountability precludes those under the age of 18 from serving as committee chairs and board members, or voting at congregational meetings. Youth Members are not expected to pledge although they may choose to do so.