Congregational Life
Shoreline Unitarian Universalist congregational life offers many ways to get involved depending on your interests. The Congregational Life Committee supports our newcomers and members in finding connections with each other and our community.
We offer newcomers social opportunities to get to know our minister, director of religious education, leaders, members and to learn about our faith traditions. Check out this short video below.
Becoming a Member
Becoming a member of Shoreline is a natural progression after you have been attending services regularly and you feel ready to be more engaged in this community. Explore the website for more information about who we are and what we do.
- Worship
Regular attendance at worship services and church activities helps people connect with members and friends who share our values and liberal faith. It is an opportunity to examine our principles and purposes and see how our lives can be enriched and we can enrich the lives of others. - Shared Ministry
Participation in the life of the congregation may involve joining a committee or a social justice project, helping out in the Faith Formation program, taking a leadership role, or serving the broader community through helping those in need. - Stewardship
Support our programs, congregational life and our church home by offering our time and talents. Support our fundraising events and make an annual financial pledge and contribution of record. - Living Our Faith
Practice our Principles and Purpose not only on Sunday mornings but living our faith in every day life. Fulfill our commitment to social justice and serving our church as responsible members and in ways that are appropriate to the individual.
Preparing for Membership
Informational meetings and social activities for newcomers and prospective members are scheduled throughout the year. Contact the Chair of Congregational Life Committee or Minister.
- Prospective members are asked to attend one of our New to SUUS classes offered three times a year. This class is facilitated by our minister and focuses on the history of Unitarian Universalism, our congregation and its mission.
- Attend some of our activities and events. They may include a movie night, a potluck dinner, a book discussion, or field trip. Check our calendar for current listings.
- Volunteer in an area that interests you!
- Speak with someone from our Congregational Life Committee if you have any questions.
There are many ways to prepare for membership. While you are welcome to join the congregation at any time after take the New to SUUS class, you are also encouraged to take whatever time you need to discern whether Shoreline Unitarian is your spiritual home.
Joining Our Congregation
If you are ready to join:
Speak with the Congregational Life Committee Chair about your interest in joining. We will include you in a New Member Ceremony, offered three times a year, in addition to asking you to sign our membership book and making a financial pledge to Shoreline UU.
Activities and Events
Interested in the activities and events at SUUS? There’s always something happening here – movie nights, potlucks, field trips and hikes, book group, Mahjong, men’s group, women’s group or any number of special events you might enjoy.
Activities and events at SUUS are a great way to get to know our members and share your interests. Check out the online calendar for specific times and locations.
Caring
Here at Shoreline UU, we support one another. If you are in need, our Caring Liaison would like to know how we might help.
Our members provide meals, offer rides to our services, appointments, or visit the home bound. Our community is generous with our time and hope you will contact our minister if you are in need of pastoral care or the caring liaison if you can offer assistance to those in our congregation who are in need.
Small Group Ministries
Also known as “covenant groups” and “listening circles,” Small Group Ministries are a vital part of many Unitarian Universalist congregations. They offer us space and community to explore our lives through a spiritual lens. Reflecting, speaking, and listening are core activities in each session, and, small groups are great places to get to know other people and to get to know yourself better!
In each session, participants have the opportunity to share their perspectives, tell their stories, and listen deeply. The time together is structured: sessions begin and end with centering readings and often include a time of silence before the sharing begins.
These groups of 6-10 people meet regularly to reflect on and discuss significant life topics. Over time, participants build deep connections with one another, with the congregation and with the sacred. An all congregation workshop is scheduled for this fall and new groups will be formed for the coming year. Please contact the minister if you are interested in facilitating or joining one of these groups.