WELCOME TO OUR FELLOWSHIP

If, after attending our services a number of times, you find that you are comfortable here and would like to be part of this congregation, we encourage you to become a member. It is our goal to help you find a place in our midst where you can make friends, gain the blessings of community, and find encouragement for life's journey.

Is this a church?

At UUFB, we call ourselves a "Fellowship" because in 1957, at our founding, we were lay-led. Back then, lay-led UU groups were usually named "fellowships," whereas minister-led groups were "churches." Today, however, that distinction no longer holds, because many fellowships--including UUFB--now have ministers. But our name has remained the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bellport.

Some of us may prefer the word "fellowship" to the word "church" because it feels more inclusive of our diverse backgrounds. On the other hand, some members may find the term "church" more easily understood by the wider community. Fellowship, church, society, congregation--whatever name UUs give to their meeting house, you can be sure it's a welcoming haven for people who are endeavoring to create community, explore the great questions of life, and do the work of love and justice in this world.

Unitarian Universalism is a religious denomination born of the Jewish and Christian traditions. Today, UUism recognizes that the holy is not confined to any single church or doctrine, and we cherish the religious wisdom drawn from many different times and places.

What we believe

We uphold the free search for truth, and we put religious insights to the test of our hearts and minds. We believe that one's own conscience, experience, and reason provide the final authority in religion, rather than a given book, person, or institution.

Of life, death , the universe and its mysteries, our understanding is still unfolding; therefore, religious wisdom must be open to change. We know that over a lifetime, and through the ages, human beings continue to learn, which is why we say, "Revelation is not sealed."

We affirm the worth of all women and men and celebrate human diversity. For example, UUFB is a Welcoming Congregation, which means our fellowship is intentionally welcoming to those of us who are bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender.

We seek to act as a moral force in the world, believing that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. The effects of our actions on future generations deeply concern us. We say that our relationships with one another should be governed by justice, equity, and compassion.

The principles of UUFB are the same as the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism:

We 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 of 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

Membership

A member is any person who has attained the age 16 and agrees with the purpose of UUFB, has signed the membership book and made a contribution of record, and commits to an annual pledge for the financial support of the Fellowship.

Members are qualified to vote on Fellowship business at Corporate Meetings and may hold office on the Board of Trustees.

WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP MEAN?

While signing the membership book is a meaningful act, membership with UUFB involves more than the simple act of signing one's name.

Members participate in the life of the community by voting, sharing talents and expertise, and contributing to the financial and social life of the Fellowship.

Joining does not promise the answers to unanswerable questions; instead, you will find others who value intellect and imagination in the spiritual quest, who will challenge and expand your views about human nature and the divine.

Joining UUFB means the following:

• You are fundamentally in sympathy with the principles of UUism, and our mission, which is to be an open and compassionate community that welcomes diversity, fosters intellectual, cultural, and spiritual growth, and works for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
• You commit yourself to the importance of an organized religious fellowship. Indeed, people who work together have a better chance of realizing their hopes and dreams than people who do not.
• You accept the responsibilities that go with membership in any community - that is, you are willing to give energy, time, and money to support that which reflects your values and makes a difference in your life.

Our board members, membership committee or our minister would be happy to speak with you.