Becoming a Member
of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley

The work of this church is to create loving community, inspire spiritual growth, and encourage lives of integrity, joy, and service. The members recognize in each other freedom of mind, agree to impose no theological conditions of membership, and respect differences of opinion among us. We welcome to our membership all those who love truth and seek to do good.

Guests are always welcome to participate in our services and programs, contribute in the life of UUCB and draw strength from it. But there may come a time when you feel the need to deepen your connection to UUCB and acknowledge that bond. When you hear a voice inside say, “This is my religious home,” and no longer view yourself as a guest here, it may be time to think about becoming a member.

First Steps

We encourage you to read our newsletters and other literature about our church and its activities. Visit the Welcome Table as often as you like and ask any questions you may have. You don’t have to be a member to participate in UUCB activities, such as an Evensong group, and we recommend that you do that. It’s a good way to explore a relationship with UUCB. We also strongly suggest you attend our Membership Information Meeting (offered once a month) before signing the book.

UUCB is a shared ministry, which means that each of us plays an important role. Together, we quite literally keep the doors open and the programs running. This is our church. As members we gratefully share in the life of the UUCB community and strive for what we call Integrity of Membership.

Integrity of Membership

Participate regularly in Sunday Services. Small miracles happen every Sunday. Your presence is a meaningful addition to the community’s energy and power. A word, the silence, music or a song may be a healing, encouraging or transformative moment for you. Or maybe you will be the one to reach out warmly to welcome someone new, offer an affirming look or say a transforming word to someone. A small miracle may happen through you.

• Commit to a daily spiritual practice. We will support you in developing a practice that is right for you – praying; meditating; chanting; reading scripture, poetry or other inspirational words; walking; journal-keeping…
• Participate in activities. Join one of the church’s groups, classes or workshops. We offer many ways to feed your spirit.
• Serve the church. We are grateful for and encourage your gifts, and will support you as you search for your ministry in the church as Greeter, Usher, Evensong Leader, Caring Circle Member, Board Trustee – whatever capacity calls to you.
• Serve the larger community. We want the church to give in good measure to alleviate some of the suffering in the world. We will support your sense of mission and help you respond to the needs of the world with your compassion and action. Community service opportunities in which the church participates include the Read-Aloud and School Volunteer Projects, Greater Richmond Interfaith Program’s Souper Center and Shelter, Transylvanian Partner Church Program, Friends Outside-Jail Ministries, Green Conservation, the UU Service Committee, and World Peace Committee.
• Give generously to support the church’s principles and purpose. Members share in good measure to live in good conscience and sleep well at night. May we know meaning and joy in sharing.

We all dream of clarifying our mission, our higher calling, and of working together to make more love and justice in our lives and in the world. Through our clarifying, living out, and realizing our mission, may we each and all grow in faith and hope and charity.

Benefits of Membership

Members may call on the ministers for consultations and ceremonies without fee. Members of 60-day standing may vote in church meetings. After one year members are eligible for election to the Board of Trustees. Your membership includes subscriptions to the UUCB monthly newsletter Beacon on the Hill; Pathways, our twice-a-year program catalog; and the bimonthly journal of the national Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), UU World. You will be enrolled in the UUA, headquartered in Boston, as well as the Pacific Central District of the UUA, and we hope you will be inspired to attend the annual PCD conference and UUA General Assembly.

How to Join

Do you have questions about UUCB membership?
One Sunday each month after the service, Rev. Barbara Hamilton-Holway and Sara Robert will meet with folks who are interested in UUCB to talk about Unitarian Universalism and this congregation. Together you'll explore the benefits of membership and get your questions answered. These meetings are usually held in the Fireside Room.

Are you ready for membership?
One other Sunday each month, time is set aside for signing the Membership Book (also see the Order of Service for the date). Rev. Barbara Hamilton-Holway and Sara Roberts will meet with you after the service, usually in the Fireside Room. You will receive a New Member Packet of information and meet in a small group to discuss the responsibilities and privileges of membership. Further questions will also be addressed.

The Welcoming

Three or four times a year we officially welcome new members into the congregation with a Welcoming Ceremony during the Sunday service. Welcoming Day begins with a New Member Breakfast where you will meet other new members. You will also be invited to a Newcomers potluck supper and a Friday evening reception at Barbara and Bill’s home.

If you are thinking about becoming a member or have any questions, please contact our Membership Committee chair, Sara Roberts, who may be contacted through the church office.