Applications are regularly welcomed by the LUF Board of Directors.
Any person 18 years of age or older, who is in sympathy with the aims
of this fellowship, may become a member by signing a membership card.
Annually, we
run one or more orientation sessions for people who are considering becoming a member
to discuss the principles and purposes, as well as the history
of our fellowship. New members are then recognized in a special service.
To
maintain membership, an annual contribution of record is required.
For more details, please call the L.U.F. office:
344-5980 (leave a message)
or email us at:lufship@tbaytel.net
THE MEANING OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship has two aspects:
- The formal aspect includes signing a membership application card, having it approved by the Board of Directors, being officially welcomed into the congregation and signing the membership book.
- The informal aspect is a personal commitment to sharing one's talents, resources, energy, and religious convictions with others within this religious community. It implies also that one is in
fundamental sympathy with the denomination's purposes and principles. Our hope is that both the new members' and the Fellowship's spirits will be nourished by this new relationship.
What is considered when someone expresses an interest in membership:
Some newcomers declare "This is the place that I have been looking for" and want to join immediately, and others may take years before becoming formal members. The Membership Committee suggests that newcomers make this decision after a minimum three month period of
attendance/exposure. This will enable prospective members to test their comfort level with the beliefs and spirituality as expressed in this particular UU community. It is also highly recommended that a potential new member attend an orientation meeting before being formally accepted into the Fellowship. It is hoped that this procedure will not dampen the new member's first flush of enthusiasm. Instead it is intended to enable the newcomer to make a well-informed
decision.
Expectations and Privileges of Membership:
- A member can speak and vote on matters of church business, and a right to seek membership on all committees including the Board of Directors. A member may also chair a committee.
- Our bylaws require that to remain a member a person must make a contribution of record in any given year. Since the annual dues paid to denominational organizations amount to about $100, this sum is suggested as a minimum contribution. Of course, if a member is in serious financial difficulties this minimum will be adjusted. There is also an annual financial canvass. The Fellowship's survival and growth depends on a pattern of regular giving to the best of one's ability.
- Membership provides opportunity for personal growth through involvement in the vibrant life of Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship. Since this is a voluntary organization we count on the talents and energy of members.
- Membership implies a commitment to deepen and widen one's knowledge of the Basic Beliefs and the Purposes and Principles of this denomination. "Our religious way of life is not so much an arriving as a becoming - an ongoing process of thought and life experience". (UUA pamphlet written by Polly Laughland Guild).
