HEADWATERS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP
PO BOX 1906, BEMIDJI, MN 56619
www.paulbunyan.net/users/neen
MEET AT THE SENIOR CENTER
216--3RD ST NW AT 10 AM on Sunday
Welcome to the Headwaters Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (HUUF) of Bemidji. We are pleased that you are interested in knowing more about us. The enclosed information is only a start. We encourage you to introduce yourself, join us for food and libation after each Sunday service, receive our “Current Ripples” newsletter , volunteer to be a part of one of our active Committees who carry out the work of the congregation and to ask us questions about our UU community.
If you decide that you would like to be a member, we would be most happy to talk/meet with you at your home, over coffee/lunch to explain more about Unitarian Universalism, answer your questions, get to know you and assist you in anyway to feel that HUUF is your spiritual home. Membership is obtained by signing the large white MembershIp Book in the presence of a Board member.
Some basic responsibilities of being a member include:
Your general agreement with the seven principles and seven sources we draw from to form our creedless Fellowship. These can be found in the front of our hymnal on the wallet cards and are as follows:
WE, THE MEMBER CONGREGATIONS OF THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION, COVENANT TO AFFIRM AND PROMOTE:
The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
THE LIVING TRADITION WE SHARE DRAWS FROM MANY SOURCES:
Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life;
words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
Jewish and Christian teaching which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
Humanist teaching which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.
Your commitment to attend services and support the Fellowship with your ideas, energy, talent, and membership on a Committee. As a lay led organization this includes presentations, providing snacks, performing music, participating in Social Action events, being a member of the Board/Committees/Task Forces, helping with Religious Education for the children/youth/adults, helping set up and take down, making a point to greet guests, helping to integrate new members, etc.
An expectation to help support the Fellowship financially (noted in the record) to the extent that your personal economic situation allows. The yearly dues per member to the national ($54) and district ($20.50) associations are $74.50 for which you will receive the UU WORLD magazine and the Prairie Star District (PSD) newsletter and from which we receive numerous aids and assistance. You will be asked to fill out a canvass/pledge for both the general fund and the separate Building Fund. You are strongly encouraged to attend the various PSD workshops and conferences as well as the General Assembly (GA), an exciting and inspiring meeting of thousands of UUs across the country.
Your knowledge of the fellowship vision, mission, covenants, bylaws, annual goals and objectives and local history as well as a general understanding of Unitarian Universalism. New member orientation will be held once or twice each year and new members will be recognized in the newsletter and at a service. We have an Annual Meeting once a year in April and Congregational meetings as needed during the year.
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MEMBER OF CONGREGATION RESPONSIBILITIES
How are you fulfilling your role as a member of the congregation?
Worship/Celebration of Life
____Attending Sunday services regularly
____Supporting services as a greeter, snack server, helping set up and take down
____Greeting visitors and introducing yourself and them to others
____Assisting with life passage ceremonies
____Coordinating with a speaker or presenting a Sunday service
Lifespan Religious Education
____Being informed and supportive of Religious Education programs for all ages
____Bringing my children to Religious Education (RE)
____Teaching/helping/ transporting youth and children
____Leading adult/youth education programs/forums or discussions
Membership
____Serving on one or more Committees/Board/Task Forces
____Welcoming newcomers/members and helping them integrate into HUUF life
____Supporting inclusiveness and celebration of diversity
____Inviting guests to services or other activities
____Nourishing a rich intergenerational community
Administration/Leadership
____Participating in democratic decision making and process for future directions
____Evaluating the ministry of HUUF including leadership, committees, congregation
____Serving on Committees or other responsibilities
____Respecting others’ views
____Being sensitive to others’ needs
____Opportunity for leadership is limitless and things only happen when people do them
Finance
____Making and paying my pledge
____Supporting sound fiscal policy
____Contributing funds to the Building and Endowment Funds
____Participating in Annual Goods and Service Auction
____Contributing to Chalice Lighters and Friends of UUA and PSD
Communications
____Reading newsletter, Sunday brochures, and e-mail communications
____Contributing to the newsletter
____Noting announcements
Ministry
____Visiting/assisting those who need support
____Organizing/participating in pot lucks and other social events
Larger Community
____Supporting social action and environmental activities in the community
____Participating in/organize social action events in the community