A Welcome from Rev. Krista Taves, Lead Minister
The Meaning of Eliot Chapel Membership
When you join a Unitarian Universalist congregation, you are joining the people of the congregation. Membership is covenantal, each of us making a sacred promise to walk together. To join Eliot Unitarian Chapel is to make this sort of promise, not to only one person, but to the hundreds who gather here. As a member of the congregation, you will have the privilege and responsibility of:
- voting at annual and special congregational meetings
- electing the members of the Board of Trustees
- leading and serving on the teams and task forces that do the ministry of Eliot Chapel.
The Expectations of Membership
While our spiritual paths are unique, to build a healthy community of faith requires a level of commitment. Members are encouraged to:
- Worship regularly with the congregation
- Join in the work and play of the congregation
- Participate in an Eliot covenant group for deeper spiritual growth
- Make a financial commitment
- Care for and support others in our community
- Perform service to the wider community
- Connect with our larger faith movement
Steps to Becoming an Eliot Chapel Member
- Participate in Starting Point. This 4-session class offers an overview of the rich history of Unitarian Universalism, introduces our UU values and spiritual practices, and familiarizes you with life at Eliot Unitarian Chapel. It’s offered 3 times a year. If you have completed less than 4, just let us know. We hope you will take the remaining sessions when the series is offered again.
- Let us know when you are ready to join by emailing welcome@eliotchapel.org.
- Complete the new member form (below) and make a financial pledge.
- Meet with the Minister and a member of the Welcome Team.
- Sign our Membership Book. The Eliot Board of Trustees will formalize your membership at its next meeting. Your new ministry begins!
- Join the Annual New Member Recognition. We celebrate new members on the third Sunday of May.
Membership Readiness Self-Assessment
The following questions will help you determine if you are ready for membership. The Starting Point Series will help you with your answers.
AREA | SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS |
---|---|
Identity | Do I consider myself a Unitarian Universalist? What tells me that I am? |
Spiritual Journey | Am I committed to growing spiritually at Eliot Chapel through practice and action? Am I committed to my children receiving a liberal religious education? |
Service | Am I ready to offer my time and talent to advance Eliot’s mission? Am I willing to learn about what is needed and to help at the level of my ability? |
Community | Do I understand that being part of a community means to care for others and to allow them to care for me? Do I understand the commitment to our covenant, and am I willing to support it? |
Financial Support | Do I understand that I have an obligation as a member to provide financial support? Am I prepared to make a commitment in the form of a financial pledge? |