First Unitarian Congregation Of Ottawa

When we consider the magnificent and diverse natural world in which we live, it isn’t hard to be impressed. The ecosystems of our human relationships are no different. Predator-prey, in-group and out-group, scarcity and abundance – they are all at play in our daily lives. When we understand our relationships through the lens of how nature works, we may develop the insight of how to relate to one another better. Going with the grain of nature rather than fighting it may align us better with what is good. Éric has been National Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society since April 2009. He spent 17 years in politics, from a lowly campaign worker to becoming the National Director and Chief Financial Officer for Canada’s NDP. Éric is fluently bilingual, a graduate of Concordia University’s School of Community and Public Affairs, and a candidate for ordained ministry in the United Church of Canada.

Home can mean the “place where the heart is” and/or a physical place where we live. This sermon will consider our concepts of home, living in community and “coming home” to the end of our lives - in the context of a move to a seniors’ residence. We’ll hear about how Unitarian House, our nearest neighbour, came into being and what is special about this loving organization. Mo Gabe has been a member of either First Unitarian or the Unitarian Fellowship of Ottawa for many years. She discovered her true vocation late in life and worked in palliative care and then for twenty years as a counsellor at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa. Together with her life-long partner, she has recently moved to Unitarian House.

Joan will talk about her involvement with indigenous land and water defence particularly in regard to mineral exploration and development, and about the role organizations like MiningWatch Canada play in supporting communities affected by mining.

A community that recognizes that all natural cycles of sickness and health, birth and death, and love and loss occur every day within the surroundings of its institutions and regular activities is a compassionate community. Its residents recognize that care for one another at times of crisis and loss is not simply a task solely for health and social services but is everyone·s responsibility. Compassionate communities are inclusive of schools, workplaces, faith communities, art, literature, unions, etc

FUCO Member Doug Cousins' Sermon deals with the question of how to find meaning in our lives - from a Unitarian perspective.

We all make snap judgements. It's a left-over vestige of the time when we evolved into humans 250,000 years ago on the African savannah. We needed to be able to determine quickly whether a stranger was a threat or not. We still make snap judgements, even though the threat is usually nonexistent. Sometimes these judgements can be tragically wrong, as Guy Thatcher learned while walking ancient pilgrimage trails in France and Spain.

Today is our interim Minister Paula Canon Gable's final service with us. As we celebrate with a congregational farewell and thank you, Paula shares some parting words to wrap up her 10 months of dedication to strengthening our beloved community here at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa.

Our Spiritual Care Visitor Ellen Bell delivers her first sermon as Reverend Ellen Bell. On this May long weekend, Rev. Bell will discuss the history and spiritual significance of the Queen's birthday..

Nowadays, spiritual communities are the "villages of old" that are essential in raising children. We'll explore the richness of relationships between children and adults while celebrating and giving thanks to mothers, and others who offered us parental love when we were young.

In Canada, the choice to belong to a faith community (or not) is a privilege that most of us take for granted. And rightfully so. However, there are places throught the world where religious choice is banned. If we are to pass our tradition of free faith to future generations, we must continually reaffirm and renew our commitment to this institution as a whole, as well as our support of programs and individuals. Please join us in joyfully welcoming our new members and offering them our love and support as they officially become part of our Beloved Community.

We honour those who came before us and also consider the NEXT 50 years of our beloved community. Here, former ministers of FUCO answer questions, sharing their memories and hopes for the future.

The rebirth and renewal of spring are integral to the celebration of Easter. We will observe this holiday with a uniquely Unitarian custom, Flower Communion, and also learn the story of Rev. Capek, a Unitarian martyr who created this ritual as a symbol of beauty, hope, faith, and solidarity.

Sometimes we are so convinced of the ·Truth· of our own beliefs that we fail to seek out and understand what others think and feel. This can become particularly tricky when people with very different theologies and philosophies have to work together · but their worldviews are very different. How can we bridge the divide to realize shared goals? What do we do if there·s a seeming impasse? The answer is simple · but not always easy.

"Biographies and Writing Memoirs"

This Sunday we explore how we make promises to each other and what happens when we break them. Our whole congregation is invited to explore with their whole selves in this multi-sensory service, with a little help from a popular children's book. To join the fun, read Dr.Seuss' "Horton Hatches The Egg", then listen to this homily by Liz Roper about the importance of covenant as a keystone to our Unitarian Universalist community.

At last year’s Canadian Unitarian Council National Conference, we discovered that Unitarians from across the country are supporting refugees and also getting to know our First Nations, Inuit and Métis neighbours. We are living into the vision of interdependence, which calls us to Love and Justice. What a difference it makes to be part of something larger than our own congregation. Come and enjoy our stories of successful common causes supported by strength in numbers.

Bad things happen to good people all the time, and often, no one is to blame. Not self. Not other. Not even God. It's tough, but we have to accept these things and move on. As a wise person once said, "If you lose, don't lose the lesson." Each challenge can be an opportunity for spiritual growth – if we choose to see it that way.

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we will join UU Congregations throughout Canada to explore changes required for true gender equality. Although there is always more work to be done, we must also celebrate our successes, which are significant – given that Canadian women didn’t gain the right to vote until 1916. We have reason to feel grateful for those who have worked to advance our 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.

Congregants cope with a change of ministers at different rates, but there are methods to move forward with grace. Summary: When a congregation changes ministers, lots of emotions arise. Grief, anger, despair, wonder, all surface... and at different times for different people. This service is about a congregation's greatest change and how we can help each other move into the future with grace and confidence.

A joyful life is possible. You start by envisioning one. Then you find resources, such as your spiritual community, to help you realize this vision.