What is membership?
Joining MVUUF is a symbolic, spiritual act of saying “yes” to growing your spirit in this place, with these people, within our free faith tradition. As a non-creedal religious community, members are not required to profess certain beliefs in order to be welcomed into this Unitarian Universalist religious community. Rather, membership asks us to walk our spiritual path with courage and care, ever mindful of our covenant with one another to dwell together in peace, seek the truth in love, and to help one another
You become a member of MVUUF by signing the church’s membership book. The simple act of signing your name can be a deeply significant decision for you. Signing your name in the church’s membership book is a personal commitment to participate in a process of sharing your talents, your resources, and your energy with others in a quest that is spiritual as well as practical, personal as well as social, and individual as well as institutional.
Member Rights and Responsibilities
Members are strongly encouraged to participate in the life of the church. Members have the responsibility to read, understand, and support the Mission and Vision of our congregation.
Members are strongly encouraged to make an identifiable financial commitment to MVUUF in the form of a yearly annual pledge. You can pledge here. If your personal circumstances prohibit you from making a financial pledge, please contact our lead minister, Laura Thompson (minister@mnvalleyuu.org) to request a waiver. Pledging members are voting members of this congregation.
Voting members have the right to participate in all congregational votes, including the calling of ministers to the church. Voting members are also eligible to apply to serve on the Board of Trustees, the Worship Associates Team and the Nominating Committee.
How do I become a member?
There are two ways to become a member of MVUUF:
Participate in the Pathway to Membership Workshop (see information below) which includes filling out a membership card OR
Contact Rev Laura or Jeannie for a membership packet so you can fill out a membership card in person or digitally.
We also invite all new members to participate in an Ingathering of New Members as part of a Sunday service usually held in May. The litany of Ingathering in the service establishes the membership promises between you and the congregation to walk together in covenant. A reception immediately following the Ingathering service provides an opportunity for all congregants to meet and greet new members and to celebrate their decision to formally join the church.
If you wish to become a member, or want more information about the commitments and benefits of membership, please fill out the contact Jeannie by email at office@mnvalleyuu.org
Considering Membership?
Individuals considering membership are strongly encouraged to participate in the following:
First Step Coffee Hour: This is a 30-minute orientation to MVUUF and Unitarian Universalism, often held on the first Sunday of the month during coffee hour from 11:45-12:15 in the Fireside room. Please contact the office for more information.
Pathway to Membership Class: This new member class is a great chance to build community, explore Unitarian Universalism, our congregation’s unique history, and learn how to get involved. In these sessions, participants are invited to officially join the congregation. This class will be offered on various dates. Please watch the Friday emails for more information.