The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa
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Introduction to Nature Journaling
Sundays, May 17, 24, and 31
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Room TBA
Join Laurie Foster-MacLeod for three Sunday afternoons in May, to explore nature around FirstU and to learn the fundamentals of nature journaling. Bring a small ( 8"x5" or 6" square) sketchbook - mixed Media paper recommended - plus pencils, pens, and your curiosity. More details, including location, to follow.
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Journey Groups
In Person: First and Third Tuesdays of the Month - 2:00pm to 4:00pm in Room 6.
Online: Second and Fourth Sunday of the Month - 6:30pm to 8:00pm on Zoom.
A Meaning Making Journey Group is a small, covenant group that offers a space for spiritual connection and exploration, tied to monthly worship themes. They share many similarities to small group ministries and chalice groups. Members engage in deep listening, share personal stories, and use provided materials to reflect on their spiritual path, fostering a sense of community and deepening their understanding of Unitarian Universalist principles and values. Whether you plan to participate in person or online, email Amalilly at JourneyGroupAS@firstunitarianottawa.ca to receive the monthly theme materials.
Next Theme:
May 2026 - Liberating Love
Mapmaking: Navigating your Spiritual Journey at FirstU
Tuesdays, April 21 to May 26
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Room 6
If you are a new/newish congregant, Mapmaking will involve you in a range of activities to make connections with others; reflect together on your concepts of spirituality, faith and our Unitarian Universalist principles; learn more about the congregation and its linkages to the broader world; consider what it means to belong to the FirstU community of faith and what you can bring to it; and reflect on your ‘credo’ of who you are and where you are in your faith journey.
Facilitator: Jane L.
1-2 spots still available. To register, email: adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca
Ongoing Programs
Taoist Tai Chi Practice and Learning Sessions
Every Tuesday - 1:00pm - Fellowship Hall
Led by Friends of Taoist Tai Chi, Ottawa
Tai Chi is a series of gentle movements that improves circulation, strengthens the bones, and develops good balance. Many have found their health greatly improved by regular practice. Master Moy first developed Taoist Tai Chi to improve his own health, and later dedicated his life to enabling others to do the same. We welcome anyone to participate, beginners included.
Each two-hour session will be led by experienced instructors from "Friends of Tai Chi" and will include a break for tea. No advance registration needed just drop in.
Some familiarity with Tai Chi is recommended.
Send questions to: adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca
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Weekly Online Meditation
Wednesdays - 7:00pm on Zoom
Join our long-standing meditation sessions by dropping in on Wednesday evenings. We meditate together and share readings from teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh.
Zoom Link Meeting ID: 880 7343 6250 Passcode: 259109
Let Colleen Know if you'd like to receive a friendly email reminder on Tuesdays.
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Women's Inclusive Pagan Circle
Beltane Ritual
Wednesday, April 29 - 7:00pm
$5
Trans women, cis women, and nonbinary folks are invited to take
part in our Beltane Ritual! Join us as we celebrate the blooming of the earth! Bring finger foods to share after the ritual and anything seasonal you'd like to include on our altar.
We gather at 7:00pm and start our rituals around 7:30pm, typically in Fellowship Hall. Participation is by donation ($5 suggested).
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Our trans-inclusive, loosely "Eclectic-Dianic" Circle meets every 6 weeks (except for August) to celebrate the Sabbats together. Our space centers around women’s experiences with spirituality. We meet on week nights but vary them to accommodate people’s schedules. Trans women, cis women, and nonbinary folks who feel at home in “women’s space” are all encouraged to attend!
Our 2026 rituals will be on the following dates:
We take a break in August as many participants are at Kaleidoscope Gathering at that time, and pick up again for Autumn Equinox, Samhain, and Winter Solstice. Our final ritual of our church year will be on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Plus A Wide Variety of Ongoing Interest/Social Groups
See the Getting Connected Guide for information on ongoing fellowship / growth / creativity / music / social justice groups. Hard copies are available in the office. You can also check the Make Friends page for a list of our weekly, biweekly, and monthly social activities.