Membership at Unity of Bellevue
Do I have to be a member to attend on Sunday and special events?
Membership is not required to participate joyfully in the work of Unity of Bellevue. All worship, educational, sacerdotal, and social activities are open to everyone.
Why should I become a member?
Membership is a step to consider when you are ready to place your spiritual growth first, knowing that as you do, and to the degree you do, “all else shall be added unto you.”
The ministry serves so that all might know “the kingdom of God within.” We are dedicating ourselves to assisting all in learning to live an increasingly effective and gracious life. Unity of Bellevue is a high expectation ministry; we expect the God in You to manifest. We are a church culture that values ongoing learning and continuous improvement. The ministry educates so that all might grow in knowledge of Spiritual Principle and self-awareness.
Membership is asking more of yourself so that you might experience spiritual growth leading to personal transformation, the resolution of discord, the fullness of life, and an abundance of all good things. Membership is a set of choices which help you to experience the kingdom of God active in your life.
What do I get for becoming a member?
Membership has certain Rights & Responsibilities.
The Rights of membership include being able to vote on the business of the church and on new Board Members as presented at the Annual Meeting. As a member, you are also eligible to seek service as a member of our Board of Directors. But even more importantly than these specific outer forms of service, membership allows you to become invested directly in the well-being of the spiritual community. As with any relationship, it is our commitment to be present and participatory that makes a church viable and vibrant. Membership is the fundamental step in that commitment. By becoming a member, you become more than just a worshipper or a class participant. You become a co-creator of this ministry, which is why membership is rightfully considered an initiatory step that can greatly enhance spiritual growth.
The Responsibilities of Membership, which are also among the rights and blessings of membership, are most easily seen as the following five choices:
Prayer. Everything in Unity begins with prayer. As it is truly “done unto us as we believe,” the key to changing and elevating our belief system is through affirmative prayer. Your commitment to prayer (for yourself, the church, and the world) comes first. It is through exercising this “responsibility” that you receive one of the greatest rights and gifts as a member—the blessing of the two-way healing flow of love and gratitude that results from prayer.
Worship. Sunday Celebrations are opportunities for fellowship, renewal and the expression of gratitude. Members help the church to flourish and support others on their spiritual journeys by their willingness to be at Unity of Bellevue every Sunday unless they are healing or out of town.
Education. We grow in knowledge of Principle and in self-awareness through a continuing plan of study. We expect all to take advantage of classes, knowing that growth and fellowship are inevitable results when we continue to ask more of ourselves.
Pledging. We know through experience that giving establishes a greater pattern of good for all. We expect members to pledge. We hold a joyful expectation that eventually, all will know the joy of tithing. But until that time, members pledge some designated percentage of their “treasure” on a weekly basis. (This amount is exclusively self-monitored.)
Service. Joyful, selfless service is key to personal growth and positive change. Members actively participate in some form of service, on a monthly basis, within the church.
By declaring interest in Membership, you affirm that you are willing to commit to doing your part in assuring the success of your personal life experience and the future good of our ministry at Unity of Bellevue.
How do I pursue membership?
When you’ve joined us for Sunday Celebration for a while and have taken a specified number of basic classes, you might consider membership as a next-step in your growth process.
We recommend that you start taking classes right away so that you begin to develop a rich understanding of New Thought Metaphysics. It’s also one of the best ways to get to know others who share your interests and commitments.
What are the classes I need to take for membership?
As of 2009, the program we require is the following class(s):
Beyond Limits or Keys to the Kingdom
These classes will be offered annually and in the evening. Make sure to enroll when they are offered if you are contemplating membership.
What then?
After you’ve completed these courses, and are prepared to honor your commitments, you will be received into Membership with a special recognition during Sunday Celebration followed by a reception in the Friendship Room.
Be prepared to experience a life of excellence, integrity, well-being, and an abundance of All Good!
