Considering a deeper commitment? Exploring membership
EIGHT BASICS OF EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP We’ve designed the Exploring Membership 1 Series to inform you and to get to know each 1 no pressure, just a sincere other. There’s 1 consider membership. And should invitation to you require1 it, we’ll include childcare free of charge. 1
Do these questions sound familiar? * 1) Too many of my interactions with others feel superficial. Where can I find a safe place to share my thoughts and concerns? 2) Everybody says it's okay for the individual to pursue his or her self-interest. But isn't interdependence just as important a principle?
1
3) What can I bring from my previous faith tradition to my emerging Unitarian Universalist identity? OR: What will it mean to claim a religious identity for the first time?
1. We attend 1 two evening sessions or a five hour Saturday session that includes sharing 1 a meal and a shorter, Sunday session two 1 following the service. weeks later,
1 1 on the traditions that shaped 2. We reflect our journeys 1 to All Souls. 1 3. We explore the history, beliefs, values, 1 and mission of Unitarian Universalism. 1 4. We discuss the commitments required 1 for membership and the benefits and 1 responsibilities that come with it.
1
5. We listen 1 to and affirm each other’s hopes, reservations, and concerns. 1
1 about opportunities to give of 6. We learn our time,1 talents, and resources…and 1 how to benefit from those of others. 1 7. We meet 1 some of the dedicated leadership 1 at All Souls and discuss ways we1can reach out to and support one another in love.
(Ready to explore? Read our letter inside!)
Exploring membership: How to take it to the next level
4) I am so blessed, but why am I not as happy or as grateful as I think I ought to be? 5) Where can my children participate in religious education that reflects my concerns and is relevant to the modern world? 6) How can I support and be supported by a welcoming, caring, justice-seeking community?
…if so, it's the right time to explore membership. *
Questions inspired by an essay entitled “Transformation” by Rev. Michael A. Schuler Brochure & logo images design: Patrick McLane
1 1 All Souls’ ministries, 8. We explore
structure and operations, and opportunities for deepening your relationships here.
Considering a deeper commitment?
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation 19 Jay Street, New London, CT 06320 Reverend Carolyn Patierno, Minister
call us: (860) 443-0316 e-mail us: [email protected] explore us: www.allsoulsnewlondon.org friend us: facebook.com/allsoulsnewlondon
1
Dear Fr ie nd, Yes! I’d like to learn more about how to become a member at All Souls. Please contact me to let me know when you’ll be holding the next Exploring Membership Series. Name(s): _____________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________ Email: ________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Best time to call: ________________________ I / we would welcome childcare, free of charge: YES _____
NO_____
Comments / Questions: ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Simply tear form at the perforation and place into the offering basket; drop it in the membership mailbox in the office; or mail it to All Souls Office, 19 Jay Street, New London, CT 06320, Attn: Membership. One of our members will respond to your request very soon.
- All Souls Membership Committee
Whether you’ve visited All Souls once or a hundred times, if you are beginning to feel at home here, the membership committee invites you to explore membership. We offer a series of gatherings three times a year to provide more information to those who may be considering a deeper commitment. We’ve designed these sessions to offer you a process of discernment in your search for a spiritual home. You’ll have a choice to attend a Saturday session (around 5 hours), or two evening sessions (2 hours each). After completing these, a shorter session will follow two weeks later on a Sunday, following the first service. It is important to attend each session to get a full picture of what it means to be a member. We’ll share conversation over lunch or snacks and learn about each other’s journeys to All Souls. We’ll explore the history and values of the UU faith tradition; get to know Reverend Carolyn Patierno, our minister; and have the opportunity to befriend other kindred spirits. We meet in the Vail Library for further discussion, to explore opportunities and responsibilities that come with membership, and to have questions answered. Continued next column
Following this exploration, we welcome you to consider joining us in deeper relationship. We’re excited that you’re here and value the opportunity to know you better. If you’re interested in exploring, please fill in the box to the left, tear it off and place it in the offering basket. One of our membership committee members will get back to you as soon as possible to answer your questions and invite you to the next session. In faith, The All Souls Membership Committee
Exploring Membership Resources The welcome table, located at the back of the sanctuary by the entrance door Our library, across from the main entrance Circle suppers and Small Group Ministry Faith formation and fellowship events
Websites www.allsoulsnewlondon.org www.facebook.com/allsoulsnewlondon www.uua.org www.beacon.org
Do these questions sound familiar? * 1) Too many of my interactions with others feel superficial. Where can I find a safe place to share my thoughts and concerns? 2) Everybody says it's okay for the individual to pursue his or her self-interest. But isn't interdependence just as important a principle?
1
3) What can I bring from my previous faith tradition to my emerging Unitarian Universalist identity? OR: What will it mean to claim a religious identity for the first time?
1. We attend 1 two evening sessions or a five hour Saturday session that includes sharing 1 a meal and a shorter, Sunday session two 1 following the service. weeks later,
1 1 on the traditions that shaped 2. We reflect our journeys 1 to All Souls. 1 3. We explore the history, beliefs, values, 1 and mission of Unitarian Universalism. 1 4. We discuss the commitments required 1 for membership and the benefits and 1 responsibilities that come with it.
1
5. We listen 1 to and affirm each other’s hopes, reservations, and concerns. 1
1 about opportunities to give of 6. We learn our time,1 talents, and resources…and 1 how to benefit from those of others. 1 7. We meet 1 some of the dedicated leadership 1 at All Souls and discuss ways we1can reach out to and support one another in love.
(Ready to explore? Read our letter inside!)
Exploring membership: How to take it to the next level
4) I am so blessed, but why am I not as happy or as grateful as I think I ought to be? 5) Where can my children participate in religious education that reflects my concerns and is relevant to the modern world? 6) How can I support and be supported by a welcoming, caring, justice-seeking community?
…if so, it's the right time to explore membership. *
Questions inspired by an essay entitled “Transformation” by Rev. Michael A. Schuler Brochure & logo images design: Patrick McLane
1 1 All Souls’ ministries, 8. We explore
structure and operations, and opportunities for deepening your relationships here.
Considering a deeper commitment?
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation 19 Jay Street, New London, CT 06320 Reverend Carolyn Patierno, Minister
call us: (860) 443-0316 e-mail us: [email protected] explore us: www.allsoulsnewlondon.org friend us: facebook.com/allsoulsnewlondon
1
Dear Fr ie nd, Yes! I’d like to learn more about how to become a member at All Souls. Please contact me to let me know when you’ll be holding the next Exploring Membership Series. Name(s): _____________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________ Email: ________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Best time to call: ________________________ I / we would welcome childcare, free of charge: YES _____
NO_____
Comments / Questions: ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Simply tear form at the perforation and place into the offering basket; drop it in the membership mailbox in the office; or mail it to All Souls Office, 19 Jay Street, New London, CT 06320, Attn: Membership. One of our members will respond to your request very soon.
- All Souls Membership Committee
Whether you’ve visited All Souls once or a hundred times, if you are beginning to feel at home here, the membership committee invites you to explore membership. We offer a series of gatherings three times a year to provide more information to those who may be considering a deeper commitment. We’ve designed these sessions to offer you a process of discernment in your search for a spiritual home. You’ll have a choice to attend a Saturday session (around 5 hours), or two evening sessions (2 hours each). After completing these, a shorter session will follow two weeks later on a Sunday, following the first service. It is important to attend each session to get a full picture of what it means to be a member. We’ll share conversation over lunch or snacks and learn about each other’s journeys to All Souls. We’ll explore the history and values of the UU faith tradition; get to know Reverend Carolyn Patierno, our minister; and have the opportunity to befriend other kindred spirits. We meet in the Vail Library for further discussion, to explore opportunities and responsibilities that come with membership, and to have questions answered. Continued next column
Following this exploration, we welcome you to consider joining us in deeper relationship. We’re excited that you’re here and value the opportunity to know you better. If you’re interested in exploring, please fill in the box to the left, tear it off and place it in the offering basket. One of our membership committee members will get back to you as soon as possible to answer your questions and invite you to the next session. In faith, The All Souls Membership Committee
Exploring Membership Resources The welcome table, located at the back of the sanctuary by the entrance door Our library, across from the main entrance Circle suppers and Small Group Ministry Faith formation and fellowship events
Websites www.allsoulsnewlondon.org www.facebook.com/allsoulsnewlondon www.uua.org www.beacon.org
