Dear UUFJC Members and Friends,
We have scheduled our annual Election of Officers for March 22, and our congregation’s Annual Business Meeting for May 31, both during our normal service time. Although they may seem mundane, these are both opportunities for all of our members to learn about and be involved in issues facing our Fellowship. Members can even raise issues for discussion that they feel are important. However, the biggest item, as always, will be the introduction, discussion, and approval of the next year’s budget.
I mention this not just for its own sake, but because according to UUFJC’s by-laws, only members in good standing who have been such for at least 70 days may cast votes in either the Election of Officers or the Annual Meeting. Clearly it is already less than 70 days until March 22, but it happens that it is 70 days from March 22 to May 31. It does seem that we have several friends and visitors who have been attending somewhat regularly and participating in the life of the congregation, but have not yet officially become members. Joining is a very personal decision based on one’s stage of spiritual growth and comfort level with the fellowship as a spiritual community, but I hope that anyone considering joining will also consider the opportunity, and responsibility, that full voting participation affords. In the past, I know that some have hesitated to officially join because our congregational dues to UUA were based on membership numbers, and joining would only increase them. This is no longer the case. Our UUA dues are now calculated based on certain portions of our budget, and are unaffected by small fluctuations in our membership.
If you are interested, becoming a member is simple. Just speak to a Board member expressing your wish to become a member. They will arrange for you to sign our membership book. This can be done publicly, during a service, but if this is not what you wish, it is absolutely not necessary. You will also need to speak to our Treasurer, Bob Antweiler, to discuss a pledge plan.
I have been very pleased to see so many newcomers at UUFJC recently, and I look forward to seeing more of you and your contributions in the future, whether as Members or Friends.
Rich Burdge
UUFJC Board President