Members & Friends
Over the past few years, we’ve been reminded again and again just how essential relationships are in our faith community. We cherish being together in worship, in fellowship, in meetings, and in all the activities that make our church feel like home.
We’ve also embraced new ways of staying connected that are just as meaningful. Our community now includes both in‑person and virtual participants, and many people who live at a distance have found a spiritual home with us through online engagement. Virtual participation allows individuals to stay connected with loved ones here and to take part fully in the life of the church—serving on boards or committees, joining gatherings, and even attending special events through video connection.
God continues to do a new thing among us.
Church membership is open to all. You may join by baptism if you have never been baptized, by affirmation of baptism, or by letter of transfer from another church where you previously held membership.
Why become a member? Ultimately, that’s for you to discern. Membership at UCC Westerly is, at its heart, a commitment to your own spiritual growth and to deepening your relationship with God and with Jesus through active participation in our community. Do you have to be a member to take part in most of our ministries? Not necessarily. However, certain leadership roles—such as serving on specific boards or holding officer positions—are reserved for members. And only members may vote in Congregational meetings. If you want to help shape the direction of the church, membership is the best way to do that.
What Does It Mean That We Are A “congregational” Church?
Congregational churches function as separate, autonomous churches. Even though we are part of the denomination of the United Church of Christ, we do that in covenant – by promising to work together as God’s people adhering to a particular statement of faith. We do not have a church hierarchy which can dictate to us what to do or how to think on any particular issue. Rather, that is arrived at by consensus at the local church level.
Stewardship
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
An important part of membership, and of friendship, with our church is stewardship. That is the sharing of your time, talent and treasure with the church.
You give of your time as you come to worship, attend events and participate in boards, committees or groups the church offers.
You give of your talents as you share your skills and interests with others in the church by working on common events and projects such as the Christmas Bazaar, the Art Show and so on.
You give of your treasure as you support the church financially to the extent you choose and are able to sustain. This includes annual pledging to allow our Trustees to budget adequately year to year, as well as special gifts and offerings as projects and needs may come up from time to time.
