Become a Member

Belonging to the Northlake Community

Northlake welcomes visitors, friends, and members to participate in Sunday services, as well as community and volunteer opportunities.  However, some activities may require prior registration or may be limited to a designated group, for confidentiality or other reasons.

We use the term “friends” to refer to non-members who actively participate and support the church, but have not (yet) chosen to become members.  Both members and friends are considered part of the Northlake community.

Select each tab below to learn more about membership at Northlake.

Path to Membership

There are several ways to prepare for membership at Northlake:

  • Review the NUUC mission, vision, and Covenant of Right Relations, and decide if they are consistent with your personal values and goals.
  • Attend four to six Sunday services and/or church activities, to see if you feel welcome and would like to participate regularly.
  • Attend an orientation workshop to learn more about the history of the church, and the Unitarian Universalist denomination.
  • Make a financial contribution of record to Northlake, and consider what level of financial support you are willing to make in the future.
  • Meet with the minister or a representative of the membership committee, and request to sign the Northlake Membership Book.

Membership Expectations

Northlake expects members to each do their part to create and maintain a successful spiritual community.  There are various ideas about what makes a good member but here are some common ones:

  • Participate regularly in worship services and activities.
  • Attend Congregational Meetings held a few times per year to elect board members, review the annual budget and vote on major decisions that require membership support.
  • Respect the Covenant of Right Relations and make a strong effort to comply.
  • Take the time to understand the Principles and Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association of which Northlake is a member congregation.
  • Offer financial support (an annual pledge) to the church consistent with your financial means and level of participation.
  • Volunteer to help with projects and committees, sharing your time and talents.
  • Offer support and respect to Visitors, Friends and Members, as each of us do our part to serve the mission of the church and to make our church vision statement a reality.
  • Show respect toward the church’s status as a Welcoming Congregation and as a Green Sanctuary.

Membership Benefits

Members benefit by becoming part of a circle of friends who are open to helping one another in a variety of ways as we move along life’s journey. Other tangible benefits include:

  • The right to vote on congregational matters affecting the future of the church.
  • Pastoral assistance with rites of passage such as child dedications, weddings and memorial services.
  • A listing in the Northlake membership directory and a copy of the directory.
  • Opportunities to hold leadership positions within the church.
  • Use of church facilities for family events consistent with the member use policies currently in effect at the church. Fees may apply.
  • The opportunity to participate in a variety of events, camps, conferences and workshops sponsored by Unitarian Universalist groups outside our own congregation.

Questions?

Our minister, board members and membership committee members are always available to answer questions.  Greeters at Sunday services, can also help you find the best way to get your questions answered.