Both Sides By Rev. Nina D. Grey November, 1999

What is membership at First Unitarian Church of Chicago? It may mean different things for different people. Here are some possibilities. It is an act of gratitude for what is already received and acknowledgment of a sense of belonging. It is a chance to contribute to something larger than we are, something of lasting and great value, to contribute of ourselves, our resources and our talents and our vision.

What is Membership at First Unitarian Church of Chicago? It is an opportunity to grow in knowledge, wisdom, spirit, heart, relationship, and service. It is an affirmation of hope for the future and a commitment to help shape the future of the church. It is a desire to help re-create again and again the church which makes a difference in our own lives, in our family lives, and in the world. It is a prayer that by adding oneself to the work of the church we move one step closer to the reality of beloved community.

A woman came to our worship last week; then, shaking my hand after the service she said, "I want to join the church." Music, of course, to a minister's ears, so I asked how long she'd been attending. "This is my first Sunday." Hmm. At this point in such a conversation, I would normally hesitate, thinking about the usual outcome of impulsive church joinings. First, there's excitement, then what real estate agents sometimes call buyer's remorse. Oh my gosh, what have I done?? And the new member disappears as fast as he or she arrived. But this woman has been a UU in another setting. She has tried out several of the churches around here. Something made her feel completely at home here. She attended the Orientation and soon after that a committee meeting. Perhaps she will join very soon. Maybe we will welcome her on November 7 at our Membership Recognition. Maybe she will become a very involved and long lasting member of our community.

A minister doesn't have to join the church she or he serves, but to me it's very important. So I am joining the church, too. It's the step that makes me feel completely a part of the congregation. Yes, ministers, even UU ones, are set apart in a way, though perhaps not quite so much as in most other religious bodies. But we are also profoundly set within the congregation. In the old congregational tradition from which we arose, in fact, ministers were called out from within the congregation, to serve the body of the faithful.

As we approach the holiday of praise and thanksgiving, I already feel blessed to be with you, worshipping with you, learning every moment and becoming more and more a part of this congregation and community every day. Because I love who you are and hold a vision of who we might be together, I choose to join with you, as both minister and member.

With love and in gratitude,

Nina