First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa
Enter, rejoice and come in!
A collage of photos from the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa

Speakers and Special Events
Winter/Spring, 2011


Our Speaker Series is designed to bring a variety of topics of interest to the congregation. Events include lectures, workshops, and ceremonies.

The contents of this web page will change as other speakers and events are organized. Please check back on a regular basis.

JANUARY, 2011

Secrets, Whistleblowing, WikiLeaks: Where do we go from here?

Panel Presentation and Discussion
When: Sunday, January 9, 12:30 p.m.
Where: First Unitarian, Worship Hall

Following a Sunday service whose theme is "Secrets," this panel will discuss the issue of secrets and their revelation, particularly in the media.

Moderator: Mike Cassiday, journalist and politician

Panelists:

  • Bob Carty is an Ottawa-based documentary radio producer for CBC Radio One.
  • Bob Thomson, 1973 Chilean coup whistle blower, was the founding managing director of Transfair Canada (1994–2000) and a member of the Executive Board of Transfair International.
  • Edwin Willer served in the Canadian Foreign Service for 33 years, with postings to Dar-es-Salaam, Berlin, Prague, and Pretoria.

Congregation-Wide Art Project

Multigenerational Event
When: Sunday, January 23, 12:30–2:00 p.m.
Where: First Unitarian, Worship Hall

A congregation-wide opportunity to explore the Charter
of Compassion in an artful way.

"Parenting Beyond Belief" Workshop

Co-leaders: Rev. John Marsh and Nicky Duenkel, Director of Lifespan Learning
When: Saturday, January 29, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: First Unitarian, Lower Level, NOW Room

“Imagine kids growing up with an invitation to engage the most profound questions there are, freely and without fear.” So says Dr. Dale McGowan, whose video lecture will be featured in this workshop for parents interested in raising informed, caring, independent, and open-minded children. Shorter presentations and discussions will also be led by John Marsh and Nicky Duenkel.

All parents are invited. Snack and lunch provided (suggested donation $10/family). Childcare is available for those who pre-register.

To register: Contact adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca

FEBRUARY, 2011

“The Philosophical Baby” Discussion Group

Leader: Rev. Liz Benjamin
When: Wednesday, February 16, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: First Unitarian, TBA

A discussion of the developing minds of young children, leading
to insights on adult consciousness and creativity. Everyone
welcome. Reading the book, The Philosophical Baby is helpful, but not required.

To register (in advance, if possible): Sign up in the Registration Book outside the Lounge, e-mail dultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca,
or contact the church office (613-725–1066).

"Living By Heart": A Spiritual Retreat

Facilitator: Rev. Frances Deverell
When: Saturday, February 19, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Where: First Unitarian, TBA

A one-day spiritual retreat designed to help you assess your life
and recommit to your ongoing growth and learning. This retreat will examine such questions as:

  • What is spiritual growth?
  • Who or what guides your life?
  • Where are you on your spiritual journey?
  • What is the best spiritual practice for you, and how can you use it to keep yourself on track?

This program will alternate between silent meditation/
reflection, personal journaling, and large- and small-group
sharing. Please bring your own personal journal book with you.

Open to all who attend a Unitarian or Universalist congregation.
Lunch and snack will be provided. Cost: Donations to First Unitarian Congregation appreciated.

To register: Sign up in the Registration Book outside the Lounge,
e-mail adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca, or contact the
church office (613-725–1066) by Tuesday, February 15.

MARCH, 2011

The Art of Dying: A Presentation

Presenter: Dr. Cate McBurney
When: Saturday, Saturday, March 5, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 noon
Where: First Unitarian, TBA

Although, in our Western society, the dying journey is often
considered to be a taboo subject shrouded in dread, it can
also be a liberating art accomplished by each of us in our own
context.

Dr. McBurney will focus on the art of dying, firstly, by giving an overview of the major concepts that frame the public conversation about dying and end-of-life decision making (e.g., withdrawal of treatment).

This overview will be followed by attention to the more
private context that can make dying an art—the meaning that
can be found within the dying journey through the integration of
cherished values, good communication, and the important role of
memories—both for dying persons themselves and for those who
are left living.

Hosted by the Caring Committee.

To register: Sign up in the Registration Book outside the Lounge,
or contact adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca by Sunday,
February 27.

The Changing "Face" of Masculinity: A Workshop

Leader: Dr. Claire Harrison
When: Sunday, March 6, 12:30-2:30
Where: First Unitarian, Lower Level

This workshop will explore how the concept of masculinity has changed since World War I, based on the advertising of cosmetics and grooming ads to men.

Participants will learn how image-makers construct masculinity in such a way that men are increasingly willing to buy feminine-style products. As well, participants will get hands-on experience in analyzing advertisements in terms of verbal and visual signs and symbols.

No registration required.

April, 2011

The Health of the Ottawa River: A Presentation

Leader: Meredith Brown, Ottawa's Official Riverkeeper
When: Sunday, April 3, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Where: First Unitarian

Meredith Brown will speak about the health of the Ottawa River and the results of the 2010 Ottawa River Summit. The Ottawa Riverkeeper, a registered charitable organization, provides a science-based voice for the Ottawa River and acts as its full-time “watchdog.”

Hosted by the Environmental Working Group and the Adult Learning Committee.

Cost: Donations to First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa would
be appreciated.

For more information, contact:: Alastaire Henderson or Wendy Doyle at adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca


The Place of the Three Rivers

Leader: Nicky Duenkel, Director of Lifespan Learning
When: Friday, April 15 (evening; time TBA), Saturday, April 16
(time TBA), Workship Service on Sunday, April 17.
Where: First Unitarian

A giant puppet workshop for all ages in preparation for our "Earth
Day Service for All Ages: A giant Puppet Pageant," which will tell the story in song and words of our relationship to the people, the land, and the water around us.

Contact: Nickey Duenkel at dll@firstunitarianottawa.ca or 613-725–1066, ext. 234.