Workshop 6: Membership

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of The New UU

In This Section

Introduction
From The New UU

There is nothing in all the world so important as to be loyal to this faith which has placed before us the loftiest ideals, which has comforted us in sorrow, strengthened us for noble duty and made the world beautiful. — Olympia Brown, 19th-century Universalist minister This culminating workshop…
Workshop-at-a-Glance
From The New UU

Activity Minutes Welcoming and Entering 0 Opening 2 Activity 1: Sentence Starters 10 Activity 2: A New Small Group 20 Activity 3: Rights and Responsibilities of Membership 15 Activity 4: Review of the Parking Lot 15 Activity 5: Joining the Congregation 10 Activity 6: Hopes 15 Closing 3 Alternate…
Spiritual Preparation
From The New UU

Consider how you came to join the congregation. What factors influenced your decision? What has it meant to you since? How has your spiritual journey been shaped by your congregational membership? How has your life been changed? Has membership met your expectations? How has it fallen short? Share…
Welcoming and Entering
From The New UU

Materials for Activity Name tags, durable or single use Bold markers Paper and pen/pencil for sign-up sheet Small table Optional: Refreshments Preparation for Activity Place name tags and markers on table. Optional: Arrange for child care during the workshop. Description of Activity If guests are…
Opening
From The New UU

Activity time: 2 minutes Materials for Activity Your congregation’s covenant, or Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Chalice, candle, and lighter, or an LED battery-operated candle Stand or small table for the chalice Cloth or decorative covering for chalice stand…
Activity 1: Sentence Starters
From The New UU

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, Sentence Starters Small basket or bowl Preparation for Activity Follow the instructions on Leader Resource 1, Sentence Starters, to prepare the sentence starters. Description of Activity Introduce the activity by saying something…
Activity 2: A New Small Group
From The New UU

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “A New Small Group” Preparation for Activity Make copies of the story “A New Small Group” for all participants. Description of Activity Introduce the activity with these or similar words: We are changed by the community we join….
Activity 3: Rights and Responsibilities of Membership
From The New UU

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 1, Rights and Responsibilities of Membership Preparation for Activity Review Handout 1, Rights and Responsibilities of Membership. Modify it to reflect the expectations in your congregation. Print it and copy for all participants….
Activity 4: Review of the Parking Lot
From The New UU

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity The original Parking Lot list from Workshop 1, including any questions that have been added during subsequent workshops Preparation for Activity Review the Parking Lot with co-facilitators….
Activity 5: Joining the Congregation
From The New UU

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Congregational Membership Book Pen Optional: Membership packet and/or welcome gifts Preparation for Activity Invite officials of the congregation-president, minister, Membership Committee chair-to attend and welcome new members. If new members are…
Activity 6: Hopes
From The New UU

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Bell or chime Bowl of stones Chalice table Preparation for Activity Place bowl of stones on the table with the chalice….
Closing
From The New UU

Activity time: 3 minutes Materials for Activity Copies of Singing the Living Tradition for all participants Optional: Keyboard or other accompaniment Preparation for Activity Determine whether you will sing or do the reading. Optional: Invite an accompanist or song leader to lead the hymn.
Leader Reflection and Planning
From The New UU

Review with your co-facilitator(s) how each activity went. What worked well? What might you do differently another time? Review the program with the Membership Committee to determine how it worked with their processes….
Alternate Activity 1: Getting Involved
From The New UU

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Brochures, events calendars, and/or lists of groups and contact people Preparation for Activity Consult with the Membership Committee and/or Volunteer Coordinator of your congregation to determine how best to let participants know about getting…
Alternate Activity 2: Guest Panel
From The New UU

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 2, Letter to Panelists Preparation for Activity Create a panel of three to five congregation members from a variety of backgrounds, interests, cultures, perspectives, and ages who have interesting stories about the impact of the…
A New Small Group
From The New UU

It was the first gathering of a newly formed small group. The eight people who gathered in Ann’s living room recognized one another, but had no real connection, except for the two married couples who were there….
Handout 1: Rights and Responsibilities of Membership
From The New UU

Because we are a democratic community, members are collectively vested with responsibility for the congregation. Members may vote at any congregational meeting, be elected to the governing board, and participate in any activities of the congregation….
Leader Resource 1: Sentence Starters
From The New UU

Print out the incomplete sentences, enlarged to at least 16-point type. Cut the pages into strips, with one incomplete sentence on each strip. Select sentences most appropriate to your congregation, and/or add some of your own. Fold strips of paper and put them in a small basket or bowl….
Leader Resource 2: Letter to Panelists
From The New UU

Complete the personalization of the letter by filling in the brackets in the text below. To determine the length of time each participant may speak, assume that the presentations will take 20 minutes and divide the time among the panelists….
Find Out More
From The New UU

The adventure is only beginning! To find out more, review the most current Annual Report of your congregation, read your newsletter regularly, and review the website to stay current….

Download all of The New UU (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Workshop 6: Membership

Tapestry is Sunsetting

Shop Books & Gifts

All Are Welcome

Get Inspired for Worship

We Practice Being Called

Find Faith Development Tools

Opening