Membership

Becoming a Unitarian Universalist

Becoming a Unitarian Universalist is a developmental process.  By the time you become a member of First Unitarian, you will probably realize that the “path to membership” is an ongoing one.  In the words of UU Minister Jack Mendelsohn, “Our religious way of life is not so much an arriving as a becoming – an ongoing process of thought and life experience.”  Welcome to the journey!

Newcomer Orientations

Newcomer Orientations are offered by the ministers four times a year.  During the fall, winter and summer, one session is held on a Sunday after services from 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. In the spring, a half-day Saturday session is held. 

Orientation Sessions include lunch and childcare is provided on request.  This is an opportunity to meet the ministers, other members of First Unitarian Church and fellow newcomers.  The format for the Orientation Sessions is as follows:

1. Odysseys -- You can't know which way to go until you know where you've been, so we begin with sharing "where we have been up to now."
2. Overview of UU History -- This session explores Unitarian Universalism from the Protestant Reformation to Transcendentalism to the present.
3. Religious Education and Our Church -- Education and Worship in our church is discussed and opportunities for involvement in church activities are presented.

After completing orientation, those who feel the principles of this church are aligned with their own views and who feel ready to make the commitment to First Church are invited to sign the Membership Book as a symbol of their commitment to this church. Signings are held three times a year, on Sundays after services following the fall, winter and spring Orientation Sessions.  If you are not ready to become a member you may sign an “Intent to Join” card or you may continue to visit First Church as a friend.  You are always welcome! 

Welcoming New Members

We formally welcome new members twice a year during the church service on Founder’s Day in January and on Flower Communion Sunday in June. New members are invited to a special breakfast in Fellowship Hall prior to services. 

As a way to acquaint our old members with our new members, pictures of new members are posted on the New Member Bulletin Board.  In addition, each new member will be contacted by telephone for a short biographical interview for the newsletter, The Unitarian. 

On joining First Unitarian, a new member enters into a relationship with a religious community, its members, its history and tradition.  We look forward to getting to know you and we hope you are looking forward to a growing and deepening relationship.  We encourage you to attend services regularly and get involved in at least one church activity.

Church Directory

If you move, change your phone number, have a baby, get married or experience some less joyful change in your life, please let me know by telephone or email. Christine prints a new Church Directory every September and we would like to have it as up to date as possible. Thank you!

Kathie Kitchingham, Membership Coordinator

(216) 751-2320 ext. 27

kathie.kitchingham@firstunitariancleveland.org