We are excited to have you become a member of our growing congregation but you probably are full of questions like, "What do I need to do? What obligations do I have as a member? Who do I talk to? " Well you are at the right place! Below are the answers to your questions.
Discovering Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota (DUUCS) is a 3 hour program where XXXX. This program is held 3-4 times a year and is open to individuals who are interested in learning more about our faith and our church. Attendance at this program is not a requirement for becoming a member but many find it a good introduction. Are you interested? If so, let us know here and we will contact you the next time we hold the program.
What is required to be a member? To join us requires no special classes, no creedal pledge to recite or obligations of service. If you are in alignment with our Unitarian Universalist principles (seen here), willing to support our efforts in providing a XXXX...and pledge an annual financial contribution to the Church, then we welcome you to join our congregation as a member. On the first Sunday of the month, interested individuals sign our membership book in the minister's office with a welcome from a member of the membership committee and a church Board of Trustees officer. While our campus is closed due to the Pandemic, we are doing this same process virtually at a time that is convenient for all. Interested in signing the membership book? Let us know here and we will contact you to set-up a time.
The Church recognizes its new members once a quarter with a new member week-end. New members are gathered for a special lunch on the Saturday and then on Sunday, new members get an official photo taken prior to the service and then participate in a short recognition ceremony during the service followed by cake and refreshments in the coffee hour.
What are the obligations of the members? In becoming a member, you are not required to give service to our church although we do rely on volunteers to help with the smooth operation of the church. We hope that you can volunteer on one of our many committees which you can see under on our website under Our Church/Committees. It is a great way to help and meet many new friends.
As a member, you ARE required to make an annual identifiable financial contribution to the Church. We do not tithe but do ask that you pledge a financial contribution in an amount that fits your financial means. It can be paid all at once, monthly or at a time-frame that fits your needs. It can be paid by check or electronically. We cannot have a church without your financial pledge.
What are the benefits of being a member? You will be joining a diverse group of people; diverse in thoughts, diverse in spirituality, diverse in opinions, but all committed to our seven principles and making this world a better, peaceful and just place for us all. We have many different programs for adults and families. You will have access to our membership directory. As a member, you are able to join in the governance and leadership at the church.
As a member, you able to vote at our Annual Meeting held in March each year. At this meeting we vote members to our Board of Trustees and to our Nominating Committee. We review and vote on the Church budget. If there are bylaw changes or other congregational changes requiring member vote, those too are done at the Annual meeting or occasionally at a called Special Meeting. As a member you will also be a member of the Church Endowment Fund and would be voting in members to the Endowment Board. Our bylaws and other governance documents can be found on our website under Our Church/Church Documents.
We are proud of our beautiful grounds and the Emerson Memorial Garden which is located on the west side of the Sanctuary. Members and their immediate family members can have their ashes interred in the Memorial Garden for a nominal fee.
Still have questions? Please contact, Carolyn Guitierrez at ???
Discovering Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota (DUUCS) is a 3 hour program where XXXX. This program is held 3-4 times a year and is open to individuals who are interested in learning more about our faith and our church. Attendance at this program is not a requirement for becoming a member but many find it a good introduction. Are you interested? If so, let us know here and we will contact you the next time we hold the program.
What is required to be a member? To join us requires no special classes, no creedal pledge to recite or obligations of service. If you are in alignment with our Unitarian Universalist principles (seen here), willing to support our efforts in providing a XXXX...and pledge an annual financial contribution to the Church, then we welcome you to join our congregation as a member. On the first Sunday of the month, interested individuals sign our membership book in the minister's office with a welcome from a member of the membership committee and a church Board of Trustees officer. While our campus is closed due to the Pandemic, we are doing this same process virtually at a time that is convenient for all. Interested in signing the membership book? Let us know here and we will contact you to set-up a time.
The Church recognizes its new members once a quarter with a new member week-end. New members are gathered for a special lunch on the Saturday and then on Sunday, new members get an official photo taken prior to the service and then participate in a short recognition ceremony during the service followed by cake and refreshments in the coffee hour.
What are the obligations of the members? In becoming a member, you are not required to give service to our church although we do rely on volunteers to help with the smooth operation of the church. We hope that you can volunteer on one of our many committees which you can see under on our website under Our Church/Committees. It is a great way to help and meet many new friends.
As a member, you ARE required to make an annual identifiable financial contribution to the Church. We do not tithe but do ask that you pledge a financial contribution in an amount that fits your financial means. It can be paid all at once, monthly or at a time-frame that fits your needs. It can be paid by check or electronically. We cannot have a church without your financial pledge.
What are the benefits of being a member? You will be joining a diverse group of people; diverse in thoughts, diverse in spirituality, diverse in opinions, but all committed to our seven principles and making this world a better, peaceful and just place for us all. We have many different programs for adults and families. You will have access to our membership directory. As a member, you are able to join in the governance and leadership at the church.
As a member, you able to vote at our Annual Meeting held in March each year. At this meeting we vote members to our Board of Trustees and to our Nominating Committee. We review and vote on the Church budget. If there are bylaw changes or other congregational changes requiring member vote, those too are done at the Annual meeting or occasionally at a called Special Meeting. As a member you will also be a member of the Church Endowment Fund and would be voting in members to the Endowment Board. Our bylaws and other governance documents can be found on our website under Our Church/Church Documents.
We are proud of our beautiful grounds and the Emerson Memorial Garden which is located on the west side of the Sanctuary. Members and their immediate family members can have their ashes interred in the Memorial Garden for a nominal fee.
Still have questions? Please contact, Carolyn Guitierrez at ???