Welcome to Membership

We are delighted you are exploring Membership at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church.
Whatever faiths you have known, if any, you are welcome here.
Whomever you love, you are welcome here.
Whatever your personal beliefs, and however you vote, you are welcome here.
Whatever brings you through our doors to worship with us in community,
You are welcome at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church.

WHEN YOU'RE JUST VISITING
When you first attend our church, please check in at the greetings table located just inside the entrance in the Commons. Pick up a name tag so others may know who you are. Sandy Peterson, Chair of our Visitors’ Committee, is often there to help you. Volunteers will provide you with information, answer your questions and introduce you to other members. 

HAVE CHILDREN? See information here about child care and children’s Religious Education (RE) classes.

THE PATH TO MEMBERSHIP
If you have been coming to MVUC for a while and feel that this is your spiritual home, we would love for you to join us as full members.  Joining involves signing the Membership Book in the presence of the Minister, or a member of our Board of Trustees. There is no creedal test in a Unitarian Universalist church; we ask only that you try to live your life in keeping with our UU principles.
   If you are thinking about or have decided to join MVUC, we encourage you to attend a series of events. These events are open to all, whether membership is a goal or you are just curious about us. We recommend the following:
   Meet and Greet Luncheons are generally held monthly on first Sundays of the month after second service. Check with someone at the greetings table to confirm the location.
   Introduction to Mount Vernon Unitarian Universalist orientations are held quarterly to offer information about our UU faith, the church grounds and programs.
   Introduction to Membership luncheons are  by invitation and hosted by Rev. Kate Walker.  After a discussion  of membership and its responsibilities, those attending are invited to sign the Membership Book.
Child care is available for all these events. Information about each of them appears regularly in our monthly newsletter and Weekly Bulletin inserts in the Sunday order of service.

WHEN YOU'RE READY TO BECOME A MEMBER
   When you have taken the recommended classes noted above and you feel ready to assume the responsibilities of membership, we will welcome you to sign our Membership Book. The Minister or a member of the Board of Trustees must be present. According to our Bylaws, the criteria for membership are:

• Any person fifteen (15) years of age or older who is in sympathy with the church’s purpose and program may become a voting member by signing the membership book in the presence of a minister or a member of the Board.
• Members are expected, as they are able, to participate in the life of the church by attending church functions, serving the church community, and making an annual contribution of record to the operating fund. The contribution of record requirement may be waived by the Minister or Chair of the Board.
• Membership shall be open to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, or national origin.

To discuss your interest in joining, you are welcome to talk with our Minister, Rev. Kate Walker, although it is not a requirement. She may be contacted by e-mail at minister@mvuc.org. You may also talk with any member of our Board of Trustees or with Dianne Brown, Chair of the Membership Development Council.

WHEN YOU HAVE BECOME A MEMBER
After you have signed the Membership Book and become a member, you will be introduced to the congregation and invited to the annual New Members Dinner.
   Introduction to the Congregation. New members are introduced to the congregation at a ceremony that takes place twice a year during a Sunday service. It is an opportunity for existing members to learn about you as you are introduced by Sandy Peterson and welcomed by Rev. Kate Walker and the entire congregation.
   New Members Dinner. The annual New Members Dinner is by invitation. Its purpose is to recognize those who have taken on the responsibilities of membership during the most recent calendar year.
   Questions? Please see anyone at the greetings table.