Membership
Membership and Outreach Coordinator: Teresa West
900 Mount Curve Avenue; Minneapolis, MN 55403;
Phone 612.377.6608, ext.104; Fax 612.377.2151
Welcome to the First Unitarian Society
People make this place what it is: alive and vibrant. Membership
offers the opportunity to form new friendships, to join a community, to
help yourself - and us- to grow, to change, and to become stronger. Your
involvement in the many committees and social groups that share
responsibility for the work and festivity of this congregation is both
invited and welcomed.
The First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis is a member congregation
of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our congregation is
self-governing, democratically run, supported by the generosity
of time, talent and money each member provides.
Our Mission
The First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, established in 1881 and affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist association of North America, is an ethical and religious community dedicated to promoting the ongoing search for truth and to affirming the inherent worth of the individual.We understand reality through: human experience, enlightened reason, scientific method and the Democratic process; and we find the central source of power and goodness within the human heart, mind and spirit.
Individually and collectively we assume responsibility for our future, our community, our children and our world.
Our growth and actions as thoughtful, compassionate and ethical human beings advance our humanist vision of a world of peace and love, dignity and equality, freedom and justice.
About Membership
Why does one take this step of commitment rather than continuing participation as a friendly and welcomed visitor?The Rev. A. Powell Davies: "When you find a church which expresses
the outlook and values you yourself hold as vital, you are depriving yourself
and those values of needed strength if you fail to identify yourself with
that church. Joining a church such as ours means essentially three things:
1. You are in fundamental sympathy with the principles of
freedom and reason in religion and life. This is the basis of our creedless
church.
2. You commit yourself to the importance of an organized religious fellowship. Ideas and ideals must have a vehicle, and embodiment in the world. People who think and work together for the values in which they believe have a better chance of achieving them than people who do not.
3. You accept the responsibilities that go with membership in any
human community. Within the limits of your ability and in line with your
personal choice, you are ready to give energy, time, money, and best thought
to the ideas you prize."
Full membership privileges with The First Unitarian Society (F.U.S.)
Committee Chairs, Officers or election to the Board of Trustees. Members
may reserve meeting rooms for committee or social activities on a first-come-first-serve
basis. After one year of membership you may reserve the premises for weddings,
memorials or other personal celebrations at greatly reduced member rates.
The Membership Process
1. Participate in the Society's Orientation ClassesIf you're ready...2. Meet with the Membership and Outreach Coordinator to discuss expectations, goals, questions, a comfortable level of financial support, (current year's pledge card) and possible areas of interest and involvement.
3. You'll be welcomed by the congregation at the New Member Recognition Sunday Service and participate in special events that day in your honor.
To begin the process, please call Teresa West, Membership and Outreach Coordinator, at the Society's office at 612-377-6608 ext. 104 or email: Teresa West
First Unitarian Society Bylaws require the Board of Trustees to vote
approval of candidates for membership.
It is the intention of the First Unitarian Society to create a culture of mutual respect and personal safety that supports the growth of individuals and community. For more on this, see our congregational covenant:
Statement of Values and Expectations
You're Always Welcome Here
As a member, friend or visitor. We hope you will join with us in building
and strengthening our community based on a belief in personal integrity
and freedom and the necessity to preserve these values. Every member is
valued and has a responsibility to contribute such talents and resources
as they are able. We wholeheartedly invite you to join us!