First UU Church of San Diego
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Become a Member

Becoming a member of First Church is a process, not an event. 

  • Do you find yourself looking forward to Sunday worship during the week?
  • Have you wondered how much better the world would be if more people knew about this faith and this church?
  • When you read through “The Window”, do you dream about getting more involved?
  • Does giving to the monthly offering feel meaningful to you?
  • Has this church become an important part of your life—spiritually, emotionally, and socially?
If you answered “YES” to any of the above, then it is time to consider taking the next step in connecting to this community by becoming a member of this church. 
It’s a good idea to attend worship services for at least three months in order to get to know the nature of the community, the theology and the history of Unitarian Universalism before becoming a church member. Membership is a sacred and transformative process and members are asked to participate in church life as fully as possible by carrying out our shared mission of creating compassionate justice in our society and on our planet.

Some people choose to make this their church home by making a financial pledge of support, and/or getting involved in many activities, but never become a formal member. You do not need to be a member in order to attend worship services or participate in religious education or any number of church activities. Other people feel it is important to create a formal relationship that affirms their liberal religious values and principles by becoming a member. Church membership is indeed transformative, and taken very seriously.

​The meaning of membership

To join this church is to become involved in seeking wholeness for yourself and to use your gifts to bring that wholeness to others.
To join this church is to agree to become an active part of a living liberal religious community.
To join this church is to pledge to enter and remain in a continuing, generous dialogue concerning the ways of truth and love.
To join this church is to share in decision making and to pledge to support this church and its work with your gifts of energy and money.
To join this church is to make a public statement that you believe in the power and possibility of truly liberal religious world.

The Membership Process

Once an individual determines that this is the right church home for them, the steps to membership are threefold:
  1. The first step is to complete and turn in a membership form. This form is available in the church office, on the Sunday patio (at the Welcome Table) or below. 
  2. The second step is to meet the Connections Coordinator or a member of the Connections Committee so that we can get to know you, answer your questions, and explain the privileges and responsibilities of membership. This half-hour conversation can be arranged to fit your schedule.
  3. The last step is in the form of two half-hour meetings held back-to-back on the same day. The first meeting is with a  Connections staff member or volunteer to sign the membership book, complete your pledge form (if this has not already been completed) , and receive your parking pass.  After all the paperwork is completed, you will have a private pastoral meeting with one of our ministers and sign the “Bond of Union” and discuss whatever you would like to discuss confidentially with a minister.  After this meeting, you will be an official member! Throughout the year, we hold New Member Blessings where new members are celebrated, blessed, and formally welcomed into the church community, and you will be invited to attend the next scheduled event. ​​

A note on Pledging and the Bond of Union

To become a church member, our church constitution requires you to sign a Bond of Union and make a pledge of financial support, in any amount.  Our church is self-sustaining and all members contribute time, talent and treasure by attending services, volunteering and becoming engaged in the many ongoing activities this community offers. While the amount of your pledge is a personal decision, it is hoped that new members will either choose to pledge 5% of their income or give serious consideration to a plan to reach the 5% level in 5 years. If your financial situation makes any contribution impossible, you may make a confidential request for a waiver from one of the ministers.

Still have questions about membership? 

This FAQ has more information about the membership process. If you still would like to know more, please contact the Connections Coordinator. 

    Membership Form

    If you prefer to fill out a paper membership form and mail it in, that's great too. Simply download the forms below, the address to mail them to included. ​ 
    Become a Member Form

    Ex. They/theirs, she/her, he/his,
    Ex. 7/24
    ex. phone, email, mail, or text
    Please tell us about yourself
    This information will be shared with staff and church lay leaders. The following questions are designed to help you get started but are not required. 
    • Where did you grow up?
    • What led you to Unitarian Universalism?
    • How do you fill your days?
    • What activities, hobbies or interests make your heart sing?
    Write as much as you like.
    Max file size: 20MB
    Make sure the photo shows only you, ideally from the shoulders up with good lighting and focus.
Send

Who to contact

Kathleen Swift
Valeria Aguilar
Membership Coordinator
(619) 398-4445
[email protected]


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(619) 298-9978  |  Staff Directory
We have two campuses:
Hillcrest campus: 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA. 92103  |  South Bay campus: 970 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA. 91911
  For GPS to our Hillcrest Campus, please use 298 W Arbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92103
For detailed directions, parking and more see our Contact page.
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©First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego. All rights reserved. Admin.
  • Home
  • Worship
    • Messages
    • Online Worship
    • Participate in a Service
    • Principles & Sources
  • Connections
    • Welcome Newcomers! > >
      • Visiting First UU
      • What is UUism?
      • Become a Member
    • Groups from A-Z > >
      • Affinity Groups
      • Archives
      • Art Guild
      • Looking Glass Theatre
      • Meditation
      • Men's Fellowship >
        • UUMF Renewal Registration
      • Neighborhood Groups
      • UU Seniors
      • Wisdom Circles
    • Member Networking
    • Right Relations
    • Listening Circles
  • Music
    • Vocal Ensembles
    • Handbell Ensemble
  • Education
    • Children's RE > >
      • Family Ministry Library
      • Children's RE Registration
    • Adult Faith Formation
    • Family Ministry > >
      • All Church Camp
    • Youth Programs
    • Young Adult & Campus Ministry
    • Our Whole Lives (OWL)
    • SD Co-op Preschool
  • Programs
    • Front Street Productions
    • Caring
    • Food Pantry
    • Larger UU Connections > >
      • Denominational Relations
      • Friends of De Benneville Pines
      • Philippines Partner Church
      • Transylvania Partner Church
      • UU Service Committee
    • Leadership Development
    • Social Justice > >
      • Social Justice Executive Team
      • Climate Justice
      • Generosity Offerings
      • Organizing for Justice
      • Palestine-Israel Justice Group
      • Rainbow Action
      • Reproductive Justice
      • Sanctuary
      • SOLACE
      • Uptown Community Service Center
    • Ushering
  • Giving
    • Donations > >
      • Pledging
      • Planned Giving
      • Donate Your Vehicle
      • Donate Flowers
    • Dining for Dollars D4$
    • Shop and Support!
  • News
    • Blog
    • The Window - Weekly Bulletin
    • First Words Magazine
  • About
    • About First UU
    • For Members > >
      • Member's Login
      • Board Login
    • Hillcrest Campus
    • South Bay Campus
    • Our Ministers
    • Our Staff
    • Calendar
    • Our Sustainable Future
    • Facilities >
      • Facilities Overview
      • Ceremonies
      • Facilities Use Request Form
    • Forms
    • Governance > >
      • Article II
      • 8th Principle
      • Board Candidates
      • Journey Toward Wholeness >
        • Black History Month
      • Strategic Planning > >
        • Funding our Future
        • Visioning The Future
      • Our History
      • 150th Celebrationn
  • Contact
    • Ministers and Staff
    • Website Feedback Form
    • MAG Contact Form
    • Privacy and Terms