New members bring fresh ideas that are vital to helping our Church grow. We welcome their talents and enthusiasm as they participate in the work of the Church and gain a sense of spiritual fulfillment.

Step 1: Websites and the Parish News

Information about the Church is available on the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington- Normal (UUBN) website. Two other websites, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) are helpful in orienting people about Unitarian Universalism on a national and world-wide level.

Visitors can keep up with UUBN news through the Church newsletter, The Parish News, by filling out the yellow Visitor’s Card on the Welcome Table and giving it to the office manager.

Step 2: Trying on the Church

If you are considering membership, the Membership Committee and others in the congregation encourage you to become involved in the life of the Church. You may be interested in attending classes for adults, ushering at Sunday service, helping in the kitchen, singing in the choir, working on social justice projects, participating in social events, helping with the rummage sale, or helping maintain the building and the grounds. UUBN offers many events and activities for all ages.

Step 3: New to UU Sessions

Organized by the Membership Committee, these sessions are designed for people who are thinking about making UUBN their church home and for visitors who simply want to learn more about us. Sessions are offered at least twice a year and cover topics including the vision, history and structure of UUBN and the development of Unitarian Universalism throughout the world. Child care is provided.

Step 4: Signing the Membership Book; a Conversation with a Minister

At any time, you may request to become a member of the congregation by contacting one of the ministers. You will have a conversation about Church life and the Membership Packet will be presented and discussed. By signing the Membership Book, new members agree to accept the Purpose of the Church and the Bond of Union. (Constitution, Article III: Purpose, Article IV: Bond of Union). In addition, new members will make a financial pledge for the present fiscal year. All members are expected to support the church through the annual canvass as well as by participating in the life of the Church.

The right to vote at business meetings of the Church shall be exercised only by those members who are at least 18 years of age and have made an identifiable financial contribution to the general operating budget of the Church during the year ending 30 days prior to the date of such meeting. (Constitution, Article V: Membership)

Step 5: Presenting New Members to the Congregation

During a Sunday service, the new members are presented to the congregation and acknowledged by the congregation. The Minister leads the ceremony, and the Membership Committee and/or a representative of the Board presents each new member a flaming chalice pin.

Step 6: Integration into the Church Community

The Membership Committee invites new members to submit a short biography for The Parish News as a way to introduce themselves to the congregation. Photos of the new members are displayed on the New Member Bulletin Board in the Fell Room. Both bio and photo, however, are voluntary.

Welcome!

From the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal Constitution

Article III: Purpose

The purpose of this Church is to foster liberal religious living through worship, study, service and fellowship. Seeking truth in freedom, we strive to apply it in love for the enrichment of our lives, the furtherance of a helpful fellowship in worship and work, and the establishment of a
just social order.

Article IV: Bond of Union

We join together that we may help one another, may multiply the power of each through mutual fellowship, and thereby promote most effectively the cause of truth, justice, and compassion. This congregation welcomes and encourages the full participation of persons without regard
to age, race, occupation, political beliefs, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, economic level, or differences in abilities.

Our Vision

We are an intentional covenanting community that promotes the free expression of liberal religious values in central Illinois. We believe in the dignity and worth of each individual, the use of the democratic method in our governance, and the responsible search by individuals for their religious truths. We further believe that our faith calls us to promote social justice in the wider community. Our Church will be recognized as a center that supports community involvement, dedicated to progressive religious values, peace, justice, and social equity.

Our Mission

Our Church mission encompasses these works:
—Expanding our social justice outreach
—Personal and religious development
—Celebration of life (rites of passage, worship, spiritual development)
—Lifespan religious education
—Fellowship, friendship, and fun
—Caring and nurturing
—Stewardship of the history, tradition, and other assets of the faith
—Fostering and promoting the faith by growing our message

Please call the Church or our Minister if you have any questions