First Unitarian Congregation Of Ottawa

A history of the impact of Unitarianism on Christmas.

This Arthurian Legend gives us a different view of the holiday season.

Most of us have some idea of what Advent represents. What else could be involved?

"We can't compare faith flatly to reason and declare it intellectually inferior. Its territory is the drama of human life, where art is more precise than science... Some say that religion is the cause of our worst divisions, and a threat to democracy and civilization. The truth is more broadly and deeply rooted in the human psyche and spirit." - Krista Tippett

"And So 99 years later, we stand here today to remember lives sacrificed in the service of our Country, and theose traumatised and injured in conflict. May we have such a devotion to justice and freedom that the heroism of all who fought, and still fight, may continue to be remembered in a nation of service and in a world of peace."

On the weekend of our musical presentation of ‘Fatty Legs” The worship will deal with indigenous issues.

Reaching back to our pagan roots we find all souls.

“Spiritual but Not Religious” is an oft used phrase, but what does it mean.

Our Interim Minister Rev. Len De Roche delivers a sermon on making mistakes and atonement during the jewish high holidays.

Our Interim Minister Rev. Len DeRoche delivers a sermon titled "A Culture of Abundance".

Rev Keith Kron, Director of Transitions will lead us in a service about categorical thinking. Keith has been working for the UUA for over 20 years.Coming from a family of teachers, keith's first occupation was as an elementary teacher. He is a graduate of Starr King school for the ministry in Berkley, CA. He recently authored a book: In the Interim.

Unitarianism and Me - Join us for this first introduction to our new interim minister, Rev. Len DeRoche.

What contributuion does Ottawa 1st, and for that matter Unitarian-Universalism, make to the Ottawa community and to the country? We'll explore thoughts on this and will begin a conversation about what FUCO can become.

Guy has been a very active friend and member of First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa for more than 13 years, and currently serves as a worship associate and as Vice President of the Board of Directors. "It's all right, children. Life is made up of meetings and partings. That is the way of it. I am sure that we shall never forget Tiny Tim, or this first parting that there was among us." - Bob Cratchit to his family after the death of Tiny Tim, in “A Muppet Christmas Carol”. To live, and to love, is to risk and to experience loss, and dealing with loss can be a long and arduous process, impacting health, work, relationships and spirituality. Guy will speak of his experience of the illness and death of his mother at the end of 2016, the insights he has gleaned, and his on-going journey to integrate this into his reconfigured life

Ellen is our newly ordained UU minister who serves as our Spiritual Care Visitor. Liz is our Director of Lifespan Learning, and Deirdre is our Director of Music. Kick off Pride Week at a cabaret-style service celebrating the LGBTQ2 community. Through music and stories, we will acknowledge Canada's successes as well as examine the work that still needs to happen to embrace the diverse rainbow of this beloved community.

“Keep Calm and Carry On” is the famous, but never used poster from WW2 Britain. If ever a phrase summed up Britain’s attitude to destruction and terror it would be this one. Today’s world seems to be full of fear, so how do we keep calm and carry on? From war time ditties to Facebook memes, Liz Roper, born and raised in Greater Manchester will reflect upon the different ways cultures and individuals deal with their fears in the face of adversity and terror. Liz is our Director of Lifespan Learning and has been a life-long Unitarian.

Our understanding of the fundamental nature of our Universe is incomplete but two features are evident: (1) its workings can be described by elegant equations, and (2) in many ways it is finely tuned to an extraordinary degree to deliver galaxies, stars, elements and life. “So what?” is the usual response to the latter: “If it weren’t so, we wouldn’t be here to wonder why”—that’s an “anthropic principle”. I think invoking the principle is bad science and a distraction from the mystery of the Universe’s existence. Alistair Miller, PhD in Chemical Engineering, Researcher Emeritus at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories; lifelong interest in science and especially cosmology; specialist in heavy water technology and hydrogen for global energy systems. Council Chair of Deep River Community Church; delighted convert to progressive theology.

As a follow-up of the “Now Let Us Sing!” service in April, Maury will take us on his personal journey with music from early childhood to the present, including life lessons learned and its spiritual, healing power. The journey will include some musical illustrations and audience participation. Maury is now retired from careers in software development (first) and fundraising (second). One of his retirement projects is learning to play the clarinet. He has been a member of our congregation since 2003 and just finished five years on the Board of Directors, including 2 years as President. While living in North Carolina from 1987 to 2000, he performed in several choirs.

When we see ordinary people vote for hate, and even carry out horrible massacres and atrocities, we tend to ask: how could they do this? But the question should be, how can we do this, and what can we do about it?Anne has been a member at First for 15 years. She has served as a worship associate and been involved in sanctuary and refugee welcome. Singing in the choirs is one of her joys.

Do you have aversion to change? Perhaps change equates to fear of the unknown or the reason for unwanted conflict or even the cause of pain in some form for you. Will what first served you on your search for truth and meaning always be as relevant? One experience may simply be a stepping stone for another, allowing you to meet the ever changing needs ahead. Instead of change being a negative experience perhaps you need to open your arms wide and embrace it. Change may be what offers you the opportunity to meet yourself where you are and as you are now with the hope of becoming what you want to be in the future. Jill has been a Unitarian for over thirty years by choice. She was raised in a strict Lutheran home but chose to change. Her search for truth and meaning led her to Unitarianism and the ability to continually grow and change within it has kept her dedicated to this community.