We would like to welcome you when you visit us. On Sunday mornings, you’ll find greeters in the foyer of the sanctuary. Ask your questions and pick up written information about upcoming events.

Coffee, and tea and water, are served in the Hall after the service. This is a good time to look around and meet a few people. As well as beverages, there’s usually lunch served by donation by one of our active groups after the service.

More information can be found here.

View the  “Why I Come to UCV” video on YouTube.

New members tell us:

“I feel as if I’ve come home.”

“Where have you been all my life?”

“I think I must have always been a Unitarian.”

Newcomers often tell us these things after walking through our doors and attending a few services and events. We hope that you too will find a community, a spiritual home, a place of support and caring, as well as plenty of intellectual and spiritual stimulation and challenge.

What makes this happen?

  • Discovering shared ethical values.
  • Working and playing together to build and keep community.
  • Giving and receiving support.
  • Taking action on social justice issues.
  • Exploring our own and others’ thoughts on matters of the spirit, heart, and mind.

We offer a Starting Point orientation course twice a year. Sign up here (or contact moc@vancouverunitarians.ca) if you’d like to receive information about the next session.

New member ceremony January 2018

You are welcome to spend time with us, ask questions, get involved and when you are ready to join us as a member, we will welcome you.

Here are some of the stories of some of our members and why and how they became a Unitarian.

New to UCV Orientation

  • Gives you a great opportunity to learn, or learn again, about the Unitarian faith
  • Lets you meet other newcomers
  • Gets you connected with the Membership Committee
  • Gives us the opportunity to introduce you to our minister

At an orientation session, you will learn about:

  • Unitarian history and values
  • Our congregation’s history and how Vancouver Unitarians worship, teach, serve and work
  • How you can become involved

Anyone simply wishing to know more is welcome to attend as well.

To register for a Starting Point session, sign up here or call the church office at 604 261-7204.

When and Where

Starting Point sessions are orientation and information sessions usually with 6-12 participants.

All who want to learn more about Unitarianism and the Vancouver Unitarians are invited.

There are one or two sessions each year, held on a Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The orientation introduces Unitarian history and theology along with the story of our own congregation and a tour of the buildings and grounds. It’s a great time to get to know other newcomers and congregational members and to explore your own beliefs.

Attendees who wish to do so may join the church by signing the Membership Book at a later date. All new members are invited to participate in a welcoming ceremony – usually held a couple of times per year during Sunday service.

Our next Orientation

Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023 1p.m. to 5p.m. – a light lunch provided. Child care provided if requested two weeks in advance. (Email moc@vancouverunitarians.ca)

Making the Decision to Join

After the orientation, many people decide to join the congregation. Some still want to come for a while before deciding to join.

Here is what happens after each orientation:

  • Participants who wish to become members sign the congregation’s membership book.
  • Each new member has a get-acquainted meeting with the parish minister.
  • We recognize new members during a Sunday morning service.
  • The Canvass Committee supplies new members with information about pledging a financial contribution.

When You’re Considering Membership

Membership means a lot to Unitarians. The challenge and power of governance belongs to the congregation. Together, members participate in the democratic process to determine the direction, budget, and priorities of the church. We are a fully self-supporting, non-profit organization. This congregational polity is a cornerstone of Unitarian history and is treasured as both a right and a duty.

“Because I am a member, I don’t just warm a pew – I participate in the process of being a community.”