We’re glad you’re considering becoming part of Eastrose.

Together, our members, friends, and community partners are an amazing group of diverse people who care about each other and about doing good work in support of our fellowship and the larger community.

Some things you will want to know:

Eastrose fulfills many needs of our members and friends – spiritual, educational, community, social justice, and support during a crisis – to name a few. Because we receive so much, we agree to support our Fellowship.

Members have the right and responsibility to vote on issues affecting Eastrose at congregational meetings. There are at least two congregational meeting per year and sometimes additional special meetings.

Volunteer Support

Much of what Eastrose does is possible only because of the significant volunteer service contributed by our members and friends. In addition to supporting the ongoing operations of our congregation, volunteers also contribute their time and skills for special projects and events. All of these are essential and appreciated.

Members run Eastrose by serving on the Board of Trustees or by chairing committees or task forces.  There is a volunteer job for every interest. 

Among the many types of inside tasks are coffee making, office help, bringing flowers, being a greeter on Sundays, and using your technical expertise in broadcasting services. Organizers and volunteer helpers are always needed for ongoing projects such as the Art-in-the-Lobby and the Library.

Religious Education for children always needs organizers and volunteers. Special events include Winterfest and the Service Auction, Easter egg hunt, and ice cream social.

Projects outside Eastrose include the work of the Outreach Committee which organizes and participates in community projects and events such as our annual Plant Swap.

Financial Support

Eastrose Fellowship requires a yearly budget of roughly $140,000. Like many organizations, most expenses are salaries for minister and staff. We pay dues to the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Pacific Northwest District. There are many other expenses such as speaker fees, building and equipment maintenance and repairs, insurance, the website, required mailings, etc.

Some of our yearly income comes through fundraisers, Sunday offerings, gifts, investment income, rentals and miscellaneous donations. However, the bulk of Eastrose yearly income comes from member and friend pledges. You will be asked to make a pledge when you join. Everyone makes pledges for the coming fiscal year.  

Pledges (and other monetary gifts) may be made online through a financial service called Vanco. Payment may also be made by check to Eastrose. If cash is given which is to be applied to your pledge, it should be identified as such with your name (usually in an envelope).

Monies collected in Sunday service offertories are split equally between Eastrose and a designated local charity. If by check, please identify on the check if it is a pledge payment or a general donation to be split as described.

The average Eastrose pledge is $1,400. Some are higher, some are lower. The size of your pledge is up to you. We ask you to be as generous as possible within your individual circumstances. Because of the cost Eastrose incurs for each member, the suggested minimum annual pledge is $100 a year.

Friends of Eastrose

There are a small number of people who call themselves “Friends of Eastrose.”  Friends, for various reasons, don’t wish to be members. 

Friends nevertheless pledge each year, donate money, volunteer, and serve on committees and Eastrose projects which interest them. Their work is honored and needed. Their ideas and opinions are accepted. But Friends choose not to participate in the business of Eastrose.

Only Members can vote, serve on the Board of Trustees, or serve as committee chairpersons.  Members are the ones who determine the direction, operation, and business of Eastrose.

As we recover from the pandemic, Eastrose looks forward to resuming some of our former activities such as Friendship Circle Dinners, social events and groups, in-person meetings and parties.

Interested? Come visit us, and ask for a membership application in the office. Or email membership@eastrose.org

Ten Good Reasons for joining a Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Because here we…

1. …join with open hearts and minds to worship together, seeking what is sacred among us.
2. …are part of a long, liberal tradition of reason and open-mindedness, of hope and liberation.
3. …honor our Jewish and Christian roots, and also reach out to know the great truths found in other religious expressions.
4. …acknowledge that revelation is never sealed and empower ourselves to search for new truths.
5. …nurture our children’s enthusiasms and encourage their questions.
6. …welcome diverse people and views.
7. …join our strength with others to create a more just society.
8. …respect the whole self – mind, body, and spirit working together.
9. …encourage each other to be true to ourselves.
10. …build a supportive community that eases our loneliness and opens our hearts.

The Seven Principals of Unitarian Universalism

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
2. Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.     
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
6. The goal of world community with peace, freedom, and justice for everyone.
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The Eighth Principal as proposed by the UUA

“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:  journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse and multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”