FIRST UNITARIAN CONGREGATION OF OTTAWA
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    • Cultivating Compassionate Community >
      • FirstU Food Sharing Centre
      • UU Pride
      • Embracing Diversity
    • Social Justice >
      • AJASHKI Garden Project
      • Climate Action
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    • Getting Connected Guide
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Welcome to FirstU
A liberal, spiritual congregation
​located on the shores of the Ottawa River

Welcome to the First Unitarian Congregation, a liberal, spiritual congregation located on the shores of the Ottawa River. We're a diverse, multigenerational community built on a variety of philosophical and faith traditions, and we're committed to turning compassion into action.
We're inclusive and caring, offer small group ministry, several choirs, social and personal growth events, Religious Exploration for children and youth,
and much more. 
Our social justice action groups are committed to climate action, mental health, affordable housing,
food security,
 Indigenous reconciliation, and supporting our 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Our Church Isn't Just for Sunday Services - It's a Gathering Place
​Where We Co-Create Our Community of Like Minds and Shared Values ​Every Day!


30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa ON K2A 4A1      613-725-1066      [email protected]
'We kindle the light within and inspire courage to nurture the web of life and to create a just and compassionate world.'
​Reverend Eric Meter, Minister
 

get to know firstu

The Ottawa Unitarian Association was formed in February 1898, and we've been worshipping together ever since!
​The first Church was built at the corner of Elgin and Lewis Street, and the congregation moved to 
our current location on Cleary Avenue in 1967.
​
Throughout the decades our commitment to our faith, our community at large, and each other has remained constant.

our community - your community

Jump to Spirituality
Jump to Congregational Focus
FirstU is a lively, multi-generational congregation of passionate people who care about their world and the overlapping communities they're part of. You'll find us marching at Capital Pride, conducting shoreline clean-ups along the edge of the Ottawa River where our Campus is located, feeding our friends and neighbours through our food cupboard, sponsoring refugees, hosting tree give-aways, and sharing our campus with seniors' housing, childcare, Or Haneshamah, and the Ajashki Food Security Initiative.
Use the buttons below to find out what's happening at FirstU and how you can take part!
 
Services and Events
Find a Group or Activity
Read the eUU Newsletter
Staff Directories
Take a Video Tour
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Sundays and beyond - spirituality at firstu

At FirstU, we share our vibrant, living Unitarian Universalist culture in ways that are relevant to current and future generations. Understanding that we choose to walk diverse spiritual paths demands of each of us to seek and foster our own and others' spiritual growth. We encourage and support each other in striving towards social and environmental justice by respecting the interdependence of all existence.
 
Use the buttons below to find out what to expect on a Sunday, and more about ministry and spiritual exploration at FirstU!
A headshot of our minister, Reverend Eric (a 50-something white man with dark hair, glasses, and a neat beard, wearing a purple shirt). The words
Our Ministry Team
Pastoral Care
For Children and Youth
FirstU Worship FAQ
About Unitarian Universalism
Get Inspired with Past Services

Take a Video Tour of FirstU's Campus

We are a fully Accessible Facility. 
We are a Welcoming Congregation, a
UU-UNO Sixth Principle Congregation, a Designated Lifespan Learning Congregation and will be a 
Green Sanctuary Congregation by 2030.
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Climate Action Icon - dark green hands forming stylized chalice whose flame overlays a dark green globe.

Our 2024-2026 Congregational Focus:
​
Cultivating compassionate community​

learn more about cultivating compassionate community at firstu
What is a "Congregational Focus" anyway?


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​30 Cleary Ave   K2A 4A1   
613-725-1066
  
[email protected]

"We acknowledge that our campus is located on traditional, unsurrendered
and unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory; and that the work
of reconciliation is a responsibility of our congregation, and of all Canadians. 
"Our goal is to educate ourselves and all who have ears to hear,
to be of service to those who are at risk, and to advocate for justice.

Our Charitable Number: ​107387953 RR 0001

Find full contact information, maps and directions HERE
Find our Sitemap HERE
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  • What's Happening
    • Cleary Detour
    • calendar
    • FirstU News
    • Affordable Housing
  • About Us
    • Our Ministry Team
    • About Unitarian Universalism
    • Member Information >
      • Members' Page >
        • Our Covenant
        • Governance
        • Campus Planning Member Page
      • Death Notices and Memorial Details for Members
  • Worship
    • Past Services
    • Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
  • Make Friends
    • Adult Learning and Growth
    • Cultivating Compassionate Community >
      • FirstU Food Sharing Centre
      • UU Pride
      • Embracing Diversity
    • Social Justice >
      • AJASHKI Garden Project
      • Climate Action
    • Music
    • Volunteer with us >
      • volunteer task submission form
      • Volunteer/Leader Resources
    • Getting Connected Guide
  • eUU Weekly Newsletter
    • Parkway Spire Quarterly Magazine
    • Archives
  • Make a Donation
    • Legacy Giving
    • Ajashki Donations
  • Contact Us
    • Staff Directory
    • Ceremonies and Rentals >
      • Weddings, Memorials, Child Dedications and other Rites of Passage
      • Facility Rentals