Path to Membership
You Belong Here!
At First Parish, membership is about more than signing the membership book. It is about finding a community where you can feel welcomed, make meaningful connections, and develop a sense of belonging. Our Membership Committee thinks about that journey in three simple ways:
WELCOME — Whether you are visiting for the first time or have been coming for a while, we want you to feel welcomed and comfortable at First Parish. Stop by the Welcome Table on Sunday, fill out a Connection Form in person or online, or simply introduce yourself. We are glad you are here.
CONNECT — There are many ways to get to know First Parish and the people who make up our community. Attend a worship service, join us for coffee hour, participate in a program or activity, or come to one of our Pathway to Membership workshops. These workshops are highly recommended for those considering membership and are also open to anyone who would simply like to learn more about First Parish and Unitarian Universalism.
BELONG — Over time, we hope First Parish becomes a place where you feel that you truly belong — a community where you can explore your values, participate in congregational life, and contribute in ways that are meaningful to you.
Please contact the Membership Committee if you have any questions about First Parish membership.
Our Unitarian Universalist Values
Unitarian Universalism brings together people with many different beliefs, backgrounds, and spiritual perspectives. We do not require members to subscribe to a particular creed. Instead, we are joined by shared values and by a commitment to live those values in our relationships, our congregation, and the wider world. Our Unitarian Universalist shared values are Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity, with Love at the center.
Learn more about the UUA Shared Values:
https://www.uua.org/beliefs/shared-values
Interested in Becoming a Member?
There is no single timetable for becoming a member. We encourage you to spend some time getting to know First Parish, complete the Connection Form, participate in any of our First Parish events, and attend our Pathway to Membership workshops. Take a look through our Membership Booklet.
When you feel ready to explore membership, the Membership Committee and our ministers are happy to help you with the next steps.
To be a member of First Parish means making this your spiritual home. It means committing to this place: upholding our mission, living our values, and caring for this community. This will be a place where you receive care, nourishment, and support. To make this possible, we expect that all members give back to our congregation through time, talent and treasure. This might look like volunteering, serving on a committee, and/or pledging during our annual fundraising drive. If you have questions about how you will fit into our vibrant community, please set up a 1:1 with a minister.
Unison Statement of the Congregation at First Parish New Member Recognition Ceremonies
We welcome you with joy into the life of First Parish. We promise you our support as we share in the hopes and labors of this liberal religious community. May we continue to grow together in wisdom and love. May we together work for justice and be witnesses to what is good in the world.