In our Unitarian Universalist tradition “signing the book” and making a financial donation to the congregation is how one becomes a member. Signing the book is a tradition that goes back to the beginning of our congregation. And it is witnessed by the minister or an officer of the church. Currently, we are not able to sign our real membership book and so we offer this online version. Signing the book signifies that you agree to our congregation’s covenant. If you are want to become a member of this congregation we invite you to read the covenant, sign the virtual book by filling out the form below it. When we are able to be together in person we will have a celebration where you will be able to sign the book in person. After you fill out the form at the bottom of this page our pastor, Rev. Jennifer will receive an email and she will enter your membership status in our membership database.

First Unitarian Universalist Society of SyracuseCovenant of Congregational Relationships 

We, the members of First Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse, adopt this Covenant to guide our interactions. We come together in community and fellowship from a common belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. In light of this shared value we agree to work together in creating an atmosphere of equality, trust and compassion within our congregation and the larger community.

As a Unitarian Universalist congregation, we are called to affirm and promote these 7 principles:

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 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 apart.

The guidelines set forth in this Covenant are borne from these seven principles.

As members of First UU Society of Syracuse, we pledge to be in community together in the spirit of these guidelines. We aspire that this Covenant will strengthen our relationships and enlarge our sense of community. We commit to living and working with this covenant, revisiting and revising it as needed.

In this spirit we agree:

To extend a warm welcome to friends and visitors by working intentionally to ensure that here no one is a stranger.

To foster a community that embraces diversity in all of its manifestations in a safe, positive and nurturing environment.

To recognize that all people are free to make choices regarding their own personal and spiritual journeys.

To listen attentively, seek others’ opinions and understand that differing values do exist within our religious community.

To be aware of our language and attitude towards one another.

To deal with disagreements constructively, communicating with others in an open, direct, respectful, caring and responsible manner and endeavor to be a part of the solution.

To recognize that youth are an integral part of our community and welcome them in all facets of this Society’s life.

To show gratitude, support and respect to the staff and Society members who their time and talents in support of the programs and governance activities of the Society.

To support that which is the most beneficial for the overall health of the  congregation.

To be responsible for ourselves, our words, our actions and our own feelings.