At UUCR, we do not require you to assert any creed or statement of faith before you join us as a visitor, friend, or member. We trust people’s ability to determine their own faith, and we believe people should be encouraged to think for themselves. This freedom of belief is a basic principle of Unitarian Universalism. 

• As a visitor to UUCR, you are welcome to join in our Sunday services for as long as you want and without becoming a member. Your presence here is a gift!
• Anyone who is in sympathy with the purposes of UUCR, but does not want to commit to membership, may petition to become a “friend” of the church. Friends of UUCR are welcome to participate in all church activities, financially support the church, and serve on committees and teams. However, they may not vote at congregational meetings, chair a committee or team, or serve on the Board. 
• To get the most out of all that UUCR has to offer, we encourage you to become a member.

Path to Membership

The path to full membership in UUCR is easy and, we trust, full of hope and joy for you:

• Begin by attending a variety of services and programs to get to know us and what we are all about. 
• Feel free to ask questions of anyone during the coffee hour after a Sunday service. We love to talk about what we love about UUCR! The greeters in the foyer each Sunday also welcome questions and can point you in the direction of answers.
• Introduce yourself to our minister, the Rev. Jen Raffensperger, after a Sunday service or email her at revjen@uuroanoke.org to discuss how membership at UUCR may fit with your spiritual search.
• Attend a Newcomers Orientation offered periodically throughout the church year. Members of our Connections Team can get you the information you need.
• When you are ready to officially join, sign the membership book. To join others in UUCR activities, check out our Connect, Justice, Learn, and Volunteering pages.
• New members are acknowledged during a Sunday service at least once a year, and may be featured in our digital newsletter. Welcome to our beloved community!

Membership Expectations

Members of UUCR enter into a covenant with each other, saying together at the start of each Sunday service:

We commit to supporting each other with respect and direct communication as we work in community to explore spiritual growth and to be a force for good in the world.

What Can You Expect From UUCR

To Keep Learning

The UUCR is a community that values learning and an open-ended search for truth and understanding. We are not here to impose answers on each other, but to explore together.

To Deepen Your Sense of Belonging

If you worship regularly and participate in our congregational life, including Sunday hospitality, small group ministry, adult religious exploration, and volunteer service, you can expect to build deep and enduring relationships.

To Be Part of a Caring Community

Caring for one another is a core spiritual practice of this congregation. As Unitarian Universalists, we are dedicated to building a beloved community where each member is known, accepted and valued. We commit to offering support and compassion to you during major life transitions or difficult times. You are also welcome to use the services of the minister and the discounted or free use of our facilities for important life celebrations.

To Be Transformed through Membership

By joining this congregation in a covenantal relationship to “walk together” with fellow members despite our differences, you are undertaking a journey that will grow and deepen your own personal faith and search for meaning.

What UUCR Expects of Members

Abide by Our Guiding Principles

• Support our mission, vision, and covenant; and strive to live our Unitarian Universalist values, as described on the About Us page.

Attend and Participate

• Attend Sunday worship regularly, as your other commitments allow.
• Subscribe to our emailed updates to stay current on church activities and to find ways of serving that match your skills, time, and interests. 
• Participate outside of Sunday morning worship and reach out to other congregants with care and support. You are strongly encouraged to join a monthly small group, volunteer to support the life of the church, or participate in other religious exploration activities. See our Connect, Justice, Learn, and Volunteering pages.
• Attend and vote at congregational meetings and take responsibility for shared governance.

Support the Congregation Financially

• Make an annual pledge – ideally, 3-5% of your income – during the yearly Generosity Campaign (or request a financial waiver from the minister if this is a hardship). This campaign funds our operating budget: basically, all of what UUCR is able to do in a given year, including our staff salaries, maintenance of the building and grounds, worship support services, and more.

Learn more about the annual Generosity Campaign, and other important ways of supporting UUCR financially (Endowment Fund; 2025-2028 Capital Campaign) on our Support Us page.