First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa
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A collage of photos from the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa

Committees/Councils

The First Unitarian Congregation has groups that oversee, organize, and/or administer congregational programs, events, and activities. These committees and councils welcome volunteers who wish to support the congregation and help to determine its future.

These groups are listed in alphabetical order below with a brief description of their function.  For more information, see:

  • The Organization Chart shows how committees/councils are related to the Board, the congregation, and one another.
  • The Getting Connected Brochure (August 2011) provides more
    in-depth descriptions of some of these committees/councils.

Adult Learning Committee: organizes and publicizes events and classes designed for mature learners.

Campus Planning Committee: handles issues that affect the long-term development of the church building and grounds.

Caring Committee: encourages a caring network of volunteers in the congregation.

Communications Committee: recommends communications policies to the Board and implements policies and strategies.

Congregational Relations Committee: promotes awareness of our Covenant and helps the congregation resolve issues in a healthy, effective way.

Denominational Affairs Committee: makes congregational members of the Congregation aware of Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) and other denominational activities.

Emergency Preparedness Committee: ensures the congregation can react appropriately to and survive an emergency, such as pandemic, fire, flood or ice storm.

Finance Committee: manages and oversees the financial affairs and investments of the congregation in co-operation with the Treasurer of the Board.

Lay Chaplaincy Committee: oversees the Lay Chaplaincy program and selects lay chaplains.

Lifespan Learning Council: oversees and promotes learning programs for the congregation.

Membership Committee: assists people in becoming connected to the congregation.

Ministerial Support Committee: provides assistance to the Minister on congregational issues.

Nominating Committee: nominates members for Board positions and assists in recruiting members as chairs for major committees.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) Facilitation Committee: supports the OWL sexuality education program for the five different age groups.

Personnel Committee: assists and advises the Board on organizational structure and personnel needs.

Planned Giving Committee: works with the Stewardship Team to encourage people to plan a deferred gift of long-term benefit to the congregation.

Property Committee: oversees maintenance in order to keep our building and campus functional, safe, and beautiful.

Religious Exploration (RE) Committee: organizes and runs the RE program which serves children from toddlers to age 13.

Seniors' Lunch and Program Committee: organizes events for older seniors.

Small Group Ministry Council: coordinates Chalice Groups and selects, trains, and supports facilitators.

Social Responsibility Steering Committee: a steering and funding group for all social responsibility working groups.

Stewardship Team: develops and implements the annual stewardship pledge campaign, acts as a resource for other congregational fundraising activities, and builds on the Planned Giving program.

Welcoming Congregation Working Group: provides support, information, and education on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues and concerns.

Youth-Programming Committee: guides and supports congregational programs for youth over 14 years of age.