Green highlights = added wording
Blue highlights with strikethrough = deleted wording
(a) Qualifications for Membership
(i) Attaining Membership
To become a member in good standing of this Church, a person must:
- have attained the age of 14 years old, or completed the Church’s Coming of Age Program;
be in sympathy with the mission covenant of this Church;- support First Unitarian’s mission covenant and programs through generously giving of time, talents, and service to the Church
- make an identifiable financial contribution of any amount to the Church;
- agree to abide by these Bylaws and the Congregation and Board Policy Manual;
- sign the Membership Book or other authorized declaration of membership such as signing the virtual membership book.
(ii) Voting
Thirty days after fulfilling the requirements of membership the individual becomes a voting member of the Church. The Director of Congregational Life maintains the official list of members in good standing.
(iii) Retaining Membership
To continue as a member in good standing a member must make an identifiable financial contribution of any amount to the Congregation at least once every year unless payment has been waived by a minister.
(b) Membership and Committees
Only members in good standing of the Church may serve on any Standing Committee (including the Board of Directors). or Board Committee. Only a member in good standing may chair a Program Team or serve on a Council.
(c) Termination of Membership
A member may resign membership from the Church by notice to the office. A member may be removed from membership after 18 months if no identifiable financial contributions have been made in that time or the church has not been able to be reached by letter, email or phone to clarify whether the person wishes to continue as a member.
A member failing to abide by Church Bylaws, or Healthy Community Policies, or who is deemed by the Board of Directors to be a danger to the persons or institution of the Church, may have their membership revoked by a Board of Directors affirmative vote of eight six or more Board members after consultation with the Healthy Community Team.
(d) Friends of the Church
Any person who makes an annual financial contribution to the Church, but is not a member, is a Friend of the Church. Friends may serve on board committees or task force, but Friends are not permitted to vote or hold elected office on the Board or Standing Committee.
Rationale for Changes
- Replace “be in sympathy with the mission covenant of this Church” with “supports First Unitarian’s mission covenant and programs through generously giving of time, talents, and service to the Church.”
- Moves from passive “be in sympathy” with a focus on actions that “support” the church.
- Recognizes that support can be provided by volunteering and service.
- Adds opportunity of signing membership book virtually.
- Clarifies that financial contribution can be in any amount.