FAQ's About Old Ship
What is the importance of being an Old Ship member?
What does it mean to be a member?
What is the difference between a "member" and a "friend"?
How does one become a member?
What is the best way to become involved?
What kind of children's religious education programs do you have?
Is there religious education for adults?
Who can join the choir?
What is the significance of the chalice?
Having trouble using our e-mail links?
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"It does not make you into a Unitarian Universalist by the mere fact of joining; you become one by the slow process of thought and life-experience. But it does stand as a symbol of your commitment to a liberal, inclusive, reasoned, and contemporary approach to life. It enables you to take part in the democratic ordering of the policies of our congregation. It strengthens our voice and our work in a world where illiberal forces are powerfully organized. And it brings you into full participation in the life of fellowship we find richly rewarding."
Philip Hewett |
Church Involvement is Important!
One of the most important facets of membership in our congregation is giving of oneself. At Old Ship it means participating in a world of opportunities that can enrich your social, spiritual, and community life. Ours is a cooperative environment; one that thrives when our members share of themselves, and one that cannot function well without many aspects being run by volunteers. Your participation and support are crucial to ensure that our congregation thrives, and is able to sustain itself now and in the future. We ask that you share your time, talents, & financial support to keep Old Ship on course as a vibrant and spiritually enlightening community.
Volunteering
The Old Ship congregation recognizes the different talents, interests and time availabity of its members. Whether it's a simple one-time task such as serving coffee during fellowship hour, or a greater commitment such as teaching in the Religious Education Program, your gift of time will enhance your experience as an Old Ship member. Moreover, it will help grow and sustain the vital relationships we develop with each other as friends and church members. Lastly, it is the only way we Old Shippers can run this show! We rely on our congregants to volunteer as they are able to keep our community vibrant. Please consider the following few examples of the many ways to volunteer at Old Ship:
- Usher at the Sunday service
- Light the chalice
- Assist in hosting Coffee Hour
- Assist with fundraisers, such as Merrie Market & May Breakfast
- Teach in the Religious Education Program
- Join a Committee
- Mentor a youth in the Coming of Age program
- Teach a class for Adult Programs
Committing Financially
Old Ship is the place that nurtures us spiritually. We find others to journey with us in our quest for meaning & spiritual growth. Together, we are working for our community, our world, our future. Old Ship needs your financial support to continue to be the place that we care for and that cares for us. Consider the value you place on all that Old Ship offers - inspirational sermons, thought provoking classes, an excellent religious education program for our children, caring, connection & camaraderie. Keep in mind the various worthy causes we support with a portion of our Sunday offering that goes where help is needed most--whether to a local shelter or in response to a global emergency. Additionally, our annual fundraisers such as Merrie Market & May Breakfast are a great way to support Old Ship. Lastly, consider contributing to the various causes we champion. Our members bring to our collective attention many worthy causes that might not make the local news. Please give thought to where you can commit and make a difference.
Connecting
The congregants of Old Ship are an interesting, well-informed, and inquisitive group. We are open, searching, exploring, and ask many questions that stimulate lively discussions. Participating in some of the Adult Programming at Old Ship is a great way to cement relationships with your fellow members. Along with attending Sunday services as frequently as your circumstances permit, it's a great way to bring Unitarian Universalist principles into your life.
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Here the act of joining rarely signifies an arrival at one's religious destination. Much more often it represents a new departure. It may mean a new departure down your old path. It may mean the charting of a path unknown to you before. In either case, in joining with us a large part of what you are doing is renewing your commitment to yourself, to your own spiritual development . . .
In addition, and just as important, in joining this church you give added strength and energy to it and to all of us who have joined before you. We need you. We need your moral and spiritual support and your financial support as well. We need your thoughts. We need your dreams. This church is no greater than the vitality brought to it by its members. F. Forrester Church |
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What does it mean to be a member?
Often, arriving at Unitarian Universalism is just a step in the evolution of one's thinking and convictions. By signing the membership book you are affirming your connection and commitment to Old Ship and to an open minded, reasoned, compassionate, and inclusive approach to life and spirituality. We will offer support and encouragement to you as you develop your own spirituality. We encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas and experiences as we journey together. We ask that you offer your time, energy and financial support in affirming the ideas and values to which we aspire. As a member you will be able to vote and participate in the decision-making process of the church.
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What is the difference between a "member" and a "friend"?
Members have signed the membership book, made a financial commitment and are able to vote at the Annual Meeting and hold a position on the Board of Trustees. Although many "friends" are quite active at Old Ship and support the church financially, they have not signed the membership book and are not able to vote or hold a Board of Trustees position.
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What is the best way to become involved?
Talk to members about the activities they are involved in and find out what suits your interests and needs. You will find classes, ongoing groups, and committees focusing on a variety of subjects from social justice to poetry to peace activities. Then please join in, as all are welcome to participate. Attend an adult education class. Attend one of the on-going groups (Book Group, Poetry Group, and many more). Volunteer to help with an event. Volunteer to teach in the Religious Education Program. Join a committee. (Please check the website for more information regarding these opportunities.)
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What kind of children's religious education programs do you have?
We have a comprehensive program for preschool-aged children through high school. The curriculum is based on the Unitarian Universalist principles and is presented in an age-appropriate manner. The Religious Education Program (RE) is a cooperative one, meaning that all parents, as well as non-parents, are encouraged to volunteer to teach. Contact Beverly Tricco (beverlymail@comcast.net) who is our Director of Religious Education (DRE.)
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Is there religious education for adults?
Many classes are offered throughout the year on a broad range of topics including world religious traditions, philosophy, poetry and literature. The classes are thought provoking and stimulate lively discussions.
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Anyone who loves to sing and enjoys making music is encouraged to join the choir. Contact Joan Nahigian (pinkltink@verizon.net)
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What is the significance of the chalice?
It is customary to begin the Unitarian Universalist worship service with the lighting of the chalice. The chalice and the flame were brought together as a Unitarian symbol by an Austrian artist, Hans Deutsch, in 1941. While living in Paris during the 1930's, he drew cartoons critical of Adolph Hitler. When the Nazis invaded Paris, he fled to Portugal where he met the Reverend Charles Joy, executive director of the Unitarian Service Committee. This organization assisted Eastern Europeans to escape Nazi persecution. Hans Deutsch provided an ink drawing of a chalice with a flame, which became the symbol signifying the authenticity of papers and badges for agents moving refugees to freedom, thus establishing trust across barriers of language, nationality, and religion. The flaming chalice is now the symbol of Unitarian Universalism around the world.
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