Membership is transformative. Committing yourself to a religious community is about much more than joining a group. It is an entrance into spiritual practice, where you can become your best self through words and actions that build attitudes and understanding. It is a practice of love in which we value the worth, dignity, and divine spark in each human being.

What You Gain

Through our commitment to one another and to our chosen community of faith, we see over and over again how, in giving our gifts, we receive back tenfold. On a day-to-day basis, you benefit from —

Participation in Community: CUC offers dozens of ways to connect with others, to create relationships, and to work together for the greater good. Community adds richness to our lives outside of the work, home, and family concerns that fill out busy days.

Pastoral Care: If you have a problem, you can expect the energetic support of the congregation. This comes primarily through our Pastoral Care committee, our minister, and many volunteers who cook meals, provide transportation and other assistance and offer expert counsel.

Helping Decide the Congregation’s Policies: We are a democratic community in which the congregation is the ultimate decision-maker on matters ranging from the selection of a minister to the annual budget. On a day-to-day basis, we are governed by a Board of Trustees elected from the congregation, to which the minister and all committees report.

Having Your Voice Heard: All members can expect that their opinions will be listened to respectfully and thoughtfully. Your view may not always carry the day in the ongoing “conversation” that is congregational life, but your independent voice will be valued.

What You Give

Membership transforms our minds and hearts through the work of our hands. Members of CUC are active participants in a wide range of programs that build meaningful connections among us, expand our understanding, and serve the greater community around us.  As a member, you will —

Attend Regularly: Sunday is the high point in the week for our religious community, and members are encouraged to attend Sunday worship services as faithfully as possible, whether in-person or online. (See CUC on Sundays for details.)

Stay Informed: Read the CUC weekly e-newsletter and our monthly bulletin for information on upcoming sermons, religious education classes, social justice projects, congregational policy issues, fundraising, and many other enjoyable social activities. You can join our mailing list here. You can also check the calendar for the latest information on upcoming activities.

Share Your Time and Talent With Us: Central Unitarian Church depends on volunteers to help teach classes, produce our worship services, and engage in social action — not to mention fundraising, caring for our facility, and managing our congregational life. Learn more about our programs under Get Involved, Family Faith Formation, and Service to Others.

Financially Support Our Mission: We also depend on our members to pledge annual financial support to effectively carry out our ministry of service to the congregation and the greater community.

More Information

CUC offers a special program several times a year for people interested in learning more about our congregation and Unitarian Universalism. To learn more, email membership@cucparamus.org.