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Membership

Your contribution of time, talent, and treasure allows us to remain a strong voice for liberal religious values in this city. Our shared vision of a just and compassionate world, where each person is given a voice and vote, where each of us lives in integrity, interdependently, with dignity- is why we come to church. To make a difference in our lives, find new friends, learn new things, and make the world better.

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We come together to remember to stand on the side of love - because our lives and the lives of the next seven generations depend on it.

interior of the sanctuary facing the pulpit

Photo by Maggie by the Millimeter

When you become a member of our Church, we warmly invite you to contribute your time and financial resources. Both play a vital role in creating a thriving and supportive community. Our Church exists because of the dedication and support of our fantastic friends and members who generously volunteer their time and contribute to our financial well-being. By each of us doing our part, we ensure that everything runs smoothly and harmoniously.

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We believe that everyone has unique skills, interests, and talents to offer. So, when it comes to contributing, you can choose the way that best suits you. It's not just about helping the Church, but also an opportunity to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.

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Financial support from our members includes a contribution to the Annual Program Fund (APF), which helps support our national association, the UUA. With your financial commitment aligned with your level of dedication, we can grow and engage in exciting new programs, community outreach, and social justice initiatives. 

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We understand that life circumstances vary greatly. Some of our members are taking care of children or elderly relatives, managing health concerns, or facing their own medical bills. Others may be in-between jobs. We want to assure you that we do not expect you to place undue hardship upon yourself. At the same time, we believe that your pledge should reflect a sincere commitment to the spiritual home you have chosen—a place where you can continue your own personal quest for religious meaning, share your journey with others, and contribute to the creation of the world we dream of.

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Our commitment to you goes both ways. We have a responsibility to help you integrate into our welcoming community and create a safe environment where your religious exploration and questioning are respected and nurtured. We will support you in learning new skills, offer care in times of need, and celebrate with you in moments of joy.

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If you're pledging as a member during the midyear, our Church year runs from July 1 to June 30. We hold an every member canvass in the spring, where members are invited to make a financial pledge for the upcoming year starting in July. If you're joining us midyear, we suggest making a pledge that covers the remaining time until June 30. Most members find it convenient to pledge a monthly amount. In early spring, we ask everyone to make a pledge for the following year.

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If you're considering unique forms of giving, such as gifts of stock or other non-conventional options, please feel free to reach out to the Chair of our Endowment Committee. They'll be more than happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

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Thank you for being part of our vibrant community. Together, we are creating something truly special!

Simple Ways You Can Help Our Congregation Grow

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Research shows that the most effective way for a congregation to grow is to practice an Outward Orientation. Here are some personal ways YOU can help!

  • Bring someone to a Sunday service

  • Put a UU decal on your car

  • Wear UU jewelry

  • Wear a UU t-shirt

  • Use a UU coffee mug at work or at home

  • Practice your response to the question "What is UUism?"

  • ​Write a testimony, then give a copy to a non-member

  • Share a recording of a service you liked with a non-member

  • Talk to a non-member about the church

  • Attend a UU church when you are on vacation

  • When members move away, help connect them to a new congregation

  • Call a member you haven't seen in a while

  • Visit a UU camp in the summer and bring a friend

  • Talk with someone you don't know during coffee hour

  • Make a point of sitting beside a visitor

  • Buy a copy of "Singing the Living Tradition" for your home

  • Tell people about our website uunewbedford.org

  • Volunteer to be a greeter

  • Write an article for the newspaper about a project or initiative you are involved in

  • ​Carry a "What Do Unitarians Believe?" card and give it to someone when they ask questions about UUism

  • Forward a copy of our newsletter to a non-member

  • Attend a district meeting

  • Include UU content on your personal or business website

  • Write a letter to the editor about an issue you are passionate about and tie it to UU values

  • Wear your name tag at every Sunday service

  • Tell a return visitor you're glad they came back

  • Host a "Dinners for Eight" at your home or in the Parish House

  • Participate in a community event that reflects UU principles

  • Serve on the Outreach Committee

  • Link your favorite social justice cause to the congregation

  • Invite a non-member to an event

  • Visit other UU Congregations and connect with their members

  • Give a copy of UU World to a friend

  • ​Attend the UUA's General Assembly

  • Tell someone about a provocative thought you heard at church; ask them their thoughts

  • Put a stained glass chalice in your window

  • Put a chalice in a place of honor in your home

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