{"id":25,"date":"2011-04-22T07:02:56","date_gmt":"2011-04-22T14:02:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cms2.bruu.org\/?page_id=21"},"modified":"2022-06-06T15:16:17","modified_gmt":"2022-06-06T19:16:17","slug":"membership-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bruu.org\/test20221220\/visit\/membership-process\/","title":{"rendered":"What is membership"},"content":{"rendered":"

At most churches there are two types of people who attend: Visitors<\/strong> and Members<\/strong>. At BRUU, there is the additional category of “Friend.” Friends are those who have been attending church for a while and want to be more than just a casual visitor; they have benefited from their experiences, and seek a closer relationship with the congregation. At BRUU, Friends are welcome and invited to participate freely in worship and enjoy fellowship and volunteer opportunities.<\/p>\n

Members<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Membership denotes a deeper interest and commitment to the BRUU community. Becoming a Member is a very personal choice and an important step. Membership is a public affirmation that one supports the principles of BRUU and the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our BRUU Membership Brochure<\/a> explains it briefly.<\/p>\n

Membership privileges<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Members are encouraged to become part of the decision-making body of BRUU and may vote during annual and congregational meetings. They may serve on a committee and as a member of the Board of Directors, thus allowing them to take a more active role in shaping the future direction of the congregation.<\/p>\n

Members receive full pastoral assistance with the rites of passage in life’s journey, including child dedications, weddings, and memorial services. In other words, Membership within the BRUU community is analogous to citizenship within the broader community.<\/p>\n

Both Friends and Members are listed in the directory and contribute to the well-being of BRUU through donations of talent, service, and financial support.<\/p>\n

Membership duties<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We want to have active Members who are educated about Unitarian Universalism in general, and BRUU in particular. We have committed ourselves to welcoming and educating new Members.<\/p>\n

There are four requirements to be a voting Member:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Being in sympathy with BRUU\u2019s purpose and program<\/li>\n
  2. Attendance at a new Member orientation<\/li>\n
  3. Signing the Membership book<\/li>\n
  4. Making a contribution of record<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Sympathy<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    \u201cBeing in sympathy\u201d really means a commitment to explore the principles of Unitarian Universalism\u2014to make decisions about one\u2019s own faith journey, to live a life of purpose and personal meaning, and to share in the lives and journeys of the Members of this congregation. BRUU has been designated a Welcoming Congregation<\/a> and a Green Sanctuary<\/a> by the Unitarian Universalists Association.<\/p>\n

    Orientation<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    New Member orientations occur several times a year in several formats. Orientation classes are available occasionally throughout the year, and those interested in becoming Members are expected to participate in at least one of the following options:<\/p>\n