Becoming a Member

What does it mean to be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis (UUFC)?

There are numerous benefits of membership. Probably the most tangible benefit is that you have a voice in the Fellowship through the right to vote in congregational meetings. This includes votes on regular issues like electing UUFC leadership and adopting the budget, as well as on major decisions such as the adoption of congregational stands on issues in the larger community, the calling of a new minister, or proposed changes to the facilities. Other benefits of full membership include eligibility to hold UUFC offices and be a delegate to district and national Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) meetings and to receive the magazine UUWorld.

The intangible benefits of full membership speak more to the heart of why we gather in this non-creedal religious community in the first place. To sign your name in a membership book and to promise to support your community financially and spend some of your time helping to co-create its ministry programs are acts of commitment that have great power.

Trying to decide whether or not to become a member?

For some the decision to join the fellowship is easy. You may be familiar with being part of a faith community and value the benefits of active membership in a thriving fellowship. There may be some who, for a variety of reasons, may be wary of commitment, fearing, perhaps, a loss of freedom. Membership in a UU congregation is not, however, a legal contract, but rather a pledge of support and participation. Making that commitment offers a sense of ownership. It is an acknowledgment that we are in this together, and that together we can make a greater difference than we ever could alone. The members are what really make it all happen, rather than merely being spectators.

How do I become a member?

There are four qualifications you must fill to be a full member:

1. Be age 18 or older.
2. Participate in an orientation to Unitarian Universalism and UUFC or have previously been a member of a UU church or fellowship.
3. Pledge at least $90 a year to cover the cost for each member to the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Pacific Northwest District and/or volunteer time (teaching RE, choir, committee work, etc.). Arrangements can be made through the minister or the treasurer if the minimum financial pledge provides a hardship for you or your family.
4. an appointment with the minister or Community Coordinator to sign the membership book.

What if I am not ready for full membership?

Of course, we always welcome the participation of non-member friends of the Fellowship in worship services, youth or adult classes, social events and social action projects. In addition, to emphasize our commitment to community outreach, the Fellowship has a non-voting category called "general membership", which requires only that you be in agreement with the Statement of Purpose of the Fellowship and that you sign the membership book.

What if I still have questions?

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss membership at more personal level we would love to talk with you! You may contact the minister Rev. Dr. Gretchen Woods or our community coordinator Jesse Ford at 541-752-5218.