Membership

Benefits of Membership

The primary benefit of membership is belonging to a community of like-minded people who are participating in making a special place that retains the knowledge of Spiritualism. This community provides a home for people who are open to the knowledge - to come together and share, learn and practice the teachings. The community is non-denominational because the wisdom crosses all cultures, religions and history. It is important to have a neutral place that focuses on linking people to their connection with Spirit and to raising consciousness.

• Members enjoy access to the large library of Spiritualist books that are not otherwise available.
   

• Scholarships to study something related to Spiritualism and spiritual healing are available twice a year for members. Members must submit a written application (the church has a form for this) and be willing to share what they have learned for the benefit of the church and its other members.
   

• Members also pay a little less for some of the workshops and courses offered at the church.

Back to top

Membership

Calgary First Spiritualist Church has two membership categories:

• associate membership, limited to one year - instituted in 2006

• full membership

Associate membership

An associate membership is available to those who:

• are 18 years or older;

• understand that associate memberships expire in one year and are non-renewable;

• agree to take the ‘Orientation to Spiritualism’ course within one year;

• are sponsored by two church members in good standing;

• are approved by the church board of directors;

• accept the Seven Principles, the constitution and bylaws of the church, and agree to give support to the church

• pay the $20 associate membership fee.

Associate members enjoy the same rights as full members, except for voting rights. These include:

• use of the two libraries

• reduced fees for some church events

Full membership

Full members are entitled to voting rights at the Annual General Meeting and any other special meetings the church board is obliged to call for input from the full membership.

Full membership requirements include:

• are 18 years or older

• were active in the church for one full year

• have completed the `Orientation to Spiritualism' course

• are sponsored by two church members in good standing

• are approved by the church board of directors

• accept and subscribe to the Seven Principles, the constitution and bylaws of the church and agree to give support to the church

• pay the annual membership dues ($30)

• renew membership annually

Full members are often involved with the church as healers who have completed required training, as student mediums on the platform, serving on the church board and either leading or helping with the many groups and events held at the church.

Orientation to Spiritualism Course

The `Orientation to Spiritualism' course was designed to help people learn about the history of Spiritualism, and the natural laws that are at the root of the Seven Principles.

The course is offered about twice a year.

Spiritualism is not a big movement like Christianity, Judaism and Islam, but acknowledges borrowing and gathering from ancient sources as well as gathering knowledge from spiritual sources. Spiritualism has gathered and practiced the knowledge since the mid-1800s.

Back to top

Volunteering

We wouldn't exist without our volunteers.

The church is operated almost entirely by volunteers who give their time and energy in service to one another and to all who come to the church. Our minister, mediums, board and committee members and event organizers and workers are all volunteers.

The commitment of volunteer time and energy has kept us going continuously since World War I.

Back to top