Become a Member
You may have visited Calgary Unitarians, attended Sunday worship, participated in an event or adult program, volunteered, or simply spent time getting to know people in the congregation. Perhaps you have become a Friend and are discovering that this community feels increasingly like a spiritual home.
At some point, you may find yourself ready to make a deeper and more formal commitment to the congregation by becoming a Member.
Membership is a way of saying: “This is my spiritual community, and I am willing to share responsibility for its life and future.”
To become a Member, you must be at least 16 years of age and affirm the principles and values of Unitarian Universalism.
Membership is not about being more welcome, more worthy, or more “UU” than anyone else. Everyone is welcome at Calgary Unitarians, whether or not they are a Member.
Rather, membership recognizes a shared commitment. Members help sustain the congregation through their participation, their gifts, their financial support, and their voice in the decisions that shape our common life.
Belonging
Calgary Unitarians can be a spiritual home — a place to celebrate joys, mourn sorrows, ask questions, grow in wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
As Members, we make a commitment to participate in and nurture this community, while recognizing that each person will do so in their own way and according to their circumstances.
Participation
There are many ways to participate in congregational life. Members may choose to:
- Attend worship and coffee time.
- Participate in adult programs, small groups, and spiritual exploration.
- Make and enjoy music.
- Join social gatherings and special events.
- Participate in social and environmental justice initiatives.
- Volunteer with congregational programs and activities.
- Offer leadership, skills, creativity, and care to the community.
- Serve in congregational leadership and governance roles when eligible.
Membership does not mean doing everything. It means recognizing that we each have a part to play in creating the community we want to be.
Membership also carries responsibilities.
Responsibility to one another
We strive to build healthy, honest, and respectful relationships. Our Right Relations Covenant, our commitments as an All-Ages Community, and our Conflict Management Process help guide how we live together.
Financial responsibility
Members make at least one identified financial contribution to Calgary Unitarians each year to maintain their membership. Members are also invited to participate in our annual stewardship process and make a financial commitment according to their means.
Responsibility for our shared community
Members are encouraged to contribute their time, energy, gifts, and leadership to sustaining and strengthening the congregation.
Voice and Governance
Membership gives you a formal voice in the governance of Calgary Unitarians.
Members may:
- Vote at congregational meetings.
- Participate in decisions about the direction and future of the congregation.
- Stand for eligible leadership and governance roles.
- Serve as delegates to Canadian Unitarian Council gatherings and participate in the wider Canadian Unitarian Universalist community.
Your vote is one expression of the responsibility we share for the congregation we are creating together.
Rites of Passage
For Members, our minister performs weddings, child dedications, celebrations of life, and other rituals marking significant moments in our lives.
Our Lay Chaplains are available to offer these services to non-members as well.
Membership is a choice
There is no requirement to become a Member in order to participate in the life of Calgary Unitarians. You can be deeply involved as a Friend, and you are always welcome whether you have a formal connection with us or not.
Membership is simply a different kind of relationship — one in which you choose to take on a formal share of responsibility for the congregation's present and future.
Friendship is about connection. Membership is about commitment.
If Calgary Unitarians has become a spiritual home for you, and you are ready to make that commitment, we invite you to consider becoming a Member.
