Becoming a Member
Choosing membership opens the door for you to call the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene your spiritual home. It allows you to participate fully in its community and to reap the benefits of being truly a part of that community.
Although nonmembers and friends are welcome at many programs, membership affords preferential access to certain programs and services. Only members may hold significant leadership positions; only members may participate in congregational decision-making, such as calling a new minister or voting in elections and on issues at congregational meetings. Members also have the satisfaction of helping to create a sustaining community for today and the future, one that bring transformation alive at the personal level and in the larger world.
Voting Membership
According to UUCE Bylaws, in order to be counted as a caretaking, stakeholding member with voting privileges, a member must have made a financial contribution of record of any size in the previous 15 months. Members who have failed to make such a contribution remain as Unitarian Universalists who have signed the membership book of this church, but they are not included in the annual count of members and are not permitted to vote in congregational meetings or hold positions of leadership.
Our congregation includes also a number of nonmembers, many of whom are active and financially supportive participants, who prefer to remain “Friends of UUCE.” And, of course, as stated in the Bylaws, a member may withdraw from membership in UUCE at any time by notifying the church office or its leaders of the resignation orally or in writing.
Thoughtfully Considering Membership
Joining a spiritual community is an important personal decision, one that calls for discernment, willingness, and commitment. A commitment to membership in this faith tradition and the UUCE community arises from inward conviction, not an outward profession of faith. Each of us approaches and finds this in our own way and time. We honor your process of considering if UUCE is the home you seek. Our aim is to lend support and offer information during your exploration, no matter the length of time or your eventual decision.
The following questions may help in your considerations:
Is there a match between your beliefs and values, and the tenets of Unitarian Universalism?
UU prescribes no creed, yet calls each of us to a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Church membership affords a community in which to pursue your own path toward that truth and meaning. UU Principles and Purposes provide a shared framework for the exploration and practice of our values.
Are you willing to participate in the life of the church?
With ample room for individual difference and pursuits, the UUCE community exists only through the energy, actions, and shared purpose of its members. We encourage you to contribute your time and talents to projects, programs, committees, events, and classes that bring benefit to the community and fulfillment to you. The avenues for participation in UUCE’s community are many and may seem overwhelming to some. Please refer to UUCE's Resource Guide (printed versions available in the Lobby) to become familiar with the various opportunities, or consult with the Membership Committee Chairperson.
Church services are the centerpiece of UUCE’s spiritual life as well as the place where members and visitors can meet and connect. While attendance at services is not mandatory, members are encouraged and expected to attend and participate as often and as fully as they can. Led by our minister and lay leaders (referred to as "worship associates"), services also rely on the hands, voices and hearts of the whole community to create shared experiences that inspire and touch us all.
Congregational meetings. Unitarian Universalists have a proud heritage of congregational democracy, but a truly free church can remain so only when members give of themselves in the planning and work of the church. Congregational meetings are held usually only a few times a year. This is when leaders are elected, finances are approved, rules of operation are agreed upon, and major decisions, such as to call a new minister or buy or sell property, are made. All members are encouraged and expected to participate and to vote.
Are you willing to make a financial commitment to UUCE? Church Bylaws require a financial commitment each year to maintain active voting membership. Members, parents of children who attend UUCE’s church school, and others who regularly attend church services and/or take part in its functions are needed to make a fair-share financial pledge and contribution to the church, each according to ability. UUCE depends primarily on these pledged contributions for its continued operations. Other income, such as unpledged Sunday collections, defrays only a small portion of the cost of church expenses.
We do not require a specific level of giving; instead, we ask members to view their pledges as investments in this community, its current operations and its future capabilities. We hope members’ contributions come from a sense of generosity and responsibility which reflects the importance of the UUCE community in their lives. We recognize that pledged amounts will vary widely depending on individual circumstances, but we encourage everyone in our congregation to follow the suggested fair-share annual giving level of 2.5% to 8%. Our most generous members have attained a 10% tithing level for charitable giving.
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