THE JOINING CEREMONY

Joining ceremonies for new members of UUCA are held during worship services on the second Sunday of each month. New members are introduced, sign the membership book, and light a chalice candle, which symbolizes the light of truth and the power of the human spirit. They then join the congregation in reciting the UU Principles, and share the covenant of membership: New Members (in unison): “Finding our spirits kindred with these principles and with the purposes of this congregation, we commit ourselves wholeheartedly with the devotion of our time, our talents, and our financial support. As members, we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.”

Response: “We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, welcome you to membership in this religious community. We value the commitment you have made to the high ideals of liberal religion and to the mission of this congregation. Join us in our efforts to support the life and work of our congregation in recognition of both the privilege and responsibility of membership. Share with us in our search for meaning and value, in our joy in being together, and in our efforts to serve each other and our wider world.”

For more information about the joining ceremony, please contact Kathie Battillo.