| Membership implies a deep affiliation with our teaching and a commitment to becoming a steward of this community, its assets, and its future. It is expected, therefore, that an individual will become a member after becoming familiar with the teaching and culture of the Center by taking the Foundational Course (or its equivalent) or by regularly attending services at the Center for a period of six months before making the commitment to become a member. Furthermore, prospective members are either already contributing financially to the Center in an identifiable way, or are ready to begin contributing in an identifiable way. Members of the Center are expected to complete an Annual Pledge Card letting us know what their estimated contribution for each calendar year might be. This pledge is an estimate and may be changed during the year. Information about the process is included in the membership class.
The benefits of membership include workshops at reduced prices, voting privileges, access to the One Time Financial Assist program (OTA), and a free spiritual checkup with a Professional Prayer Practitioner. In summary, membership is a whole lot like everything else in your life. It moves you from sitting on the bench, observing the action, to actually participating on the playing field.
Membership classes are held in the Spring and Fall of each year. To become a member, you agree to attend the three consecutive classes. The first two are orientation classes; the third class is the induction ceremony (if you choose to join) and a reception. The following Sunday you will be introduced to the congregation at the second service.
The membership class is designed to give you sufficient information to make a decision about becoming a member; however, the decision to become a Religious Scientist is something that happens in your heart as a result of your careful exploration of the teachings and practices of Science of Mind.
Everyone is welcome to take these free orientation classes without the obligation to become a member. If you decide you wish to become a member, we ask that you prayerfully consider this self-administered questionnaire to help you decide if this is the right time for you. If you have recently started attending services (within the last six months) you may want to still complete these classes and then sign on to membership in six months time at the next Membership Orientation Class. You won’t have to retake these classes. We’ll keep record of your attendance. Whatever your decision is, we welcome you and hope that you will continue to enjoy the Center at whatever level of participation suits you. |
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Joining the Center for Spiritual Living
A philosophy, a faith, a way of life
To assist you in making your decision, the Center offers a free Membership Orientation Class (Spring and Fall) to introduce you to the structure and vision of the Center and the expectations and benefits of membership. Whether or not you become a member, you are welcome to attend this orientation class.
My Personal Check List: Am I ready?
1. I have completed the Religious Science Foundational Course or I have attended Services regularly (missing very few weeks) for six months or more. (Although not required for membership, it is strongly recommended that prospective new members take adequate time to learn about the Science of Mind before committing to membership.)
2. I have served as a volunteer at the Center for Spiritual Living in the past 6 months. (Although not required for membership, it is strongly recommended that prospective new members familiarize themselves with the volunteer opportunities at the Center as a way of becoming familiar with the culture.)
3. I have made, or I am planning to make, a pledge to contribute financially to the Center by completing a pledge card and by giving in an identifiable manner. (Financial contribution is a condition of membership. Annual pledge cards give you the opportunity to let the Staff and Board know what your approximate contribution for each calendar year will be. The amount of your contribution is personal to you and there is no minimum or maximum contribution.)
4. I am ready to commit to attending the Annual Membership Gathering which is the business meeting of the Center. (For business to be conducted a quorum of 15% of the membership must be present at each business meeting. As membership grows in size, so does the size of the quorum. Therefore it is very important for members to be present at the Annual Membership Gathering.)
5. I understand that attendance at the three weekly Member Orientation Classes is mandatory. |
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