Thank you for your interest in learning how to become a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady (UUSS).  Our process will help you understand the sources of our faith, our shared principles, and the rich history that brings us all together.

Step One – We encourage you to chat with the staff and volunteers at the Welcome Table just inside the front door before or after Sunday services. They can answer questions about UU worship services and other programs and events and introduce you to people involved in various programs.

Step Two – To learn more, please sign up for the Getting to Know UU class. This small group program covers the basics of what it means to be an active Unitarian Universalist, and provides an opportunity to connect and explore our historic liberal faith tradition with others. Topics include UU history and theology, faith development, and how we worship in a covenantal faith and express our values through social justice.  Sign-ups are at the Lifespan Faith Development Table in the back of the church, or online through the church website, or the link in Circuits, our weekly email newsletter.

Step Three – Once you have completed the Getting to Know UU class and you are ready to join the church, please sign up for the Membership Class.  This is a one-time, Saturday morning class with others who are on the journey toward membership. The class lasts about 3 hours and covers the expectations for UU members and a chance for you to tell us which programs or committees interest you. If you wish, you can make a commitment to membership at the end of class. For the date of the next class, contact Congregational Life Coordinator Kristin Cleveland at clc@uuschenectady.org 

Step Four – Formal recognition of new members happens several times a year when we acknowledge our newest members in a brief but meaningful ceremony during a regular Sunday worship service, typically a few weeks after the Membership Class.

In addition to the above steps, our weekly newsletter Circuits describes many of the other classes and opportunities to learn about Unitarian Universalism that take place at UUSS year round. You can register to receive Circuits at the Welcome Table or by entering your email address here.

For more information about getting involved at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady, contact our Congregational Life Coordinator, Kristin Cleveland, at clc@uuschenectady.org.