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The First Unitarian Congregation
of Ottawa
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Friday, October 2, 2026
We acknowledge that our campus is located on traditional, unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory, and that the work of reconciliation is a responsibility of our congregation, and all Canadians.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
In-Person and Online
Starts at 10:30am
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A Meditation on Courage
With Lisa Boulay and the Discernment Task Force
October’s theme is Courage.
How do we define courage, and where has it shown up in our lives? When are we called to be courageous—both as individuals and as a congregation?
In this interactive service, guest speaker Lisa Boulay and the Settled Minister Discernment Task Force will guide us in exploring these questions and more.
Please remember to wear an orange shirt to the service.
Each month, we share our undesignated offertory 50/50 with a community partner.
Click here to learn more about this month's partner.
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Children's Religious Exploration
This Sunday, after Time for All Ages, our UU Kids will go downstairs to begin our new thematic RE program, “Woven Faith”!
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In the Rainbow Room (ages 2-5, with Rita) we will be exploring a new item shown to us by Ellery Churchmouse.
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In the Chalice Room (ages 6-8, with Esther), we will be exploring the joy of being curious and making bookmarks to share with the community.
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In the Wonder Room (ages 9+, with Jodi), we will be telling the story of Frankenstein’s Monster and making our own creatures.
A Letter from Jodi
Dear Congregation,
After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role as Director of Religious Exploration, effective November 8.
This congregation has been my spiritual home for the past 22 years, and it has been an incredible blessing to serve as your DRE for the last three. Working with our children, youth, and families, has been a wonderful experience and I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.
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At this point, my family needs more of my time and energy, and I have come to realize that I need to focus more fully on them and on my own wellbeing. While this was not an easy decision, I know it is the right one for this time of my life.I am deeply appreciative of the trust, support, friendships, and opportunities I have been given. Together, we have planted many seeds and nurtured a growing community of curiosity, kindness, and compassion. It has been a joy and an honour to be part of that work.
I will continue to support the program during the transition and look forward to making the most of our remaining time together.
With gratitude,
Jodi McIntosh
Settled Minister Discernment Process
The Settled Minister Discernment Task Force would like to thank everyone who participated in the various activities (survey, zoom or online consultations, in person or online Fireside Chat with Rev Lara, conversations over coffee or at the back of the pews, etc.) of the discernment process.
Please join the Discernment Task Force this Sunday as we kick off October's theme of "Courage", and announce the Discernment Task Force recommendation.
If you have any questions, connect with the members of the Task Force at:
discernment@firstunitarianottawa.ca
Your Discernment Task Force:
Lisa Boulay, Alex Campbell, Ally Hobson, Erin Keene, and Lee Rose
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Featured Volunteer Opportunity
Join the Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee works to recruit new board members every spring - and we need your help in this vital role! If you would like more information, please contact Chuck S.
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FirstU's Caring Team
We are all interconnected, interdependent and minister to each other in many ways.
Caring Contacts are monthly volunteers who receive phone calls and emails when you wish to alert us to a need, a grief or a concern, or have a joy to celebrate. They prepare cards to be signed on Sundays, and try to ensure no one is forgotten, connecting people with appropriate help when requested.
Caring Contacts for October
Maryan O’Hagan - Email - 613-729-7752
Marianne Wood - Email - 613-725-3452
Caring Cards for September: Maury P.
Caring Visitors are specially trained and certified FirstU Members, available to provide spiritual care and deep listening for those who seek support during a transition or challenging time. Visits can be by phone/zoom, a walk, in a coffee shop, in home, hospital, hospice, or wherever is comfortable.
Caring Visitors: caringvisitors@firstunitarianottawa.ca
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Read All About It
Orange Shirt Sunday
September 30 is our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also called Orange Shirt Day. In light of that, we ask that you remember to wear your orange shirts to the service this Sunday.
Zoom Links
When a recurring zoom link is provided to you, please ensure you record the last date it works so that you will remember to request a new link. Thank you!
Become a FirstU MemberHave you been engaging for at least three months with FirstU? Do you have questions about the membership process and benefits? Do you want to vote at our upcoming congregational meetings? If so, the Welcome and Membership team would love to chat with you. Please drop a line to welcome@firstunitarianottawa.ca or stop by the Welcome Table on a Sunday. NOTE: The deadline for membership applications to be approved in time for the Oct 18 settled minister vote is Monday October 5.
Learn About Your Mayoral Candidates' Ecological Plans
The city of Ottawa Municipal Election takes place on October 26. The Environmental Action Group encourages you to find out some of our mayoral candidates' intentions for the environmental and sustainability issues facing Ottawa by watching (or re-watching) the recent Eco-Debate on YouTube.
Fall Fair
Fall Fair is in six weeks, so let’s prepare to have a great one.
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Donations will be accepted from Monday November 9 to Thursday November 12. Start setting aside your donations now. For a list of what to donate and what not to donate please refer to the website or pick up a flyer from the table at the back of Worship Hall.
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Please bring any jewellery donations to the front office NOW so there is time to clean, repair and assess them.
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Think about volunteering. See the website for specific opportunities or contact Eva B at ffvols@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
Donating by eTransfer
Please be advised: eTransfers are automatically deposited into our bank account. The memo line on the Etransfer must be filled in stating what the payment is for, in order to be applied to the correct budget area. If no information is provided, it will be deposited into a general account. This means:
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If it’s your pledge payment you will not get credit for the payment
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If it’s a rental payment it will not be applied correctly
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If it’s a registration fee you will not be registered
Michelle receives many eTransfers per month and needs your help to make sure they get to the correct place. Please fill out the memo line. If you are new to the congregation, please make sure the office knows your contact information for tax receipting purposes. The email address for eTransfer donations is fm@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
2025/26 Annual Report Now Available
There are a few printed copies available in the church office, or visit the Publications Page to read.
Call to Action: Preventing Gender-Based Violence
Provided by the Men's Breakfast Group Compassion-to-Action Initiative
Resource for Action highlights programs for couples that are proven to prevent intimate partner violence. These work to improve communication, conflict management, and emotional regulation skills. Some work with couples starting committed relationships. Others work with couples trying to address a problem such as substance abuse. One example highlighted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program. How can we encourage more couples to benefit from these proven programs?
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Upcoming Events
Weekly Calendar
Please contact your regular group leader for meeting details. Contact info can be found on the congregation's calendar.
The link for Sunday Service can be found on our This Sunday page or on our YouTube Channel.
For inquiries or to join a group, email the office for information.
Friday, October 2
12:30pm
Singing Spires
Saturday, October 3
10:30am
Spirituality and Philosophy Group
Sunday, October 4
10:30am
Sunday Service - Online and In-Person
Children's Religious Exploration
11:30am
Hospitality Hour
FirstU Food Cupboard is Open
11:45pm
FirstU Building Tour
After Service Conversation
12:00pm
Environmental Action Group meeting
Recurring Events - Topics and Schedule Changes
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October 6 – Journey Group – 2:00pm - Room 6 - Our Journey Group meets twice a month to discuss a monthly theme. October’s theme is “Courage”. Additional groups will form based on demand for time, type, and frequency. Starting in October, the group will meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Contact Amalilly for more information.
- October 9 - Men's Breakfast Group - 8:30am - Fellowship Hall - Gentlemen are invited to join the Men's Breakfast Group on Friday, October 9, for coffee, socializing, and breakfast, followed by an informative and engaging talk by Larry Jones on the topic of "Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) – Are We Alone?". Register no later than Monday, October 5, by clicking HERE and submitting this form.
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October 15 - Virtual Discussion Circle - Every other Thursday at 1:30pm on zoom. Discussion circles are held biweekly, with a different topic each time. No pre-registration is required, just drop in by clicking the link on the Make Friends Page. We look forward to seeing you! Contact Andrew with any questions. Our topic will be: "What is the best novel you've ever read?"
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October 22 - Thursday Evening Reading for Growth – 7:00pm on the fourth Thursday of the month. Our next book is No Beast So Fierce, by Dane Huckelbridge, about a tiger stalking and attacking humans between 1900 and 1907, and the hunter sent to kill her. Contact Ken for the zoom link.
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October 30 - Friday Afternoon Reading for Growth – 1:30pm on the last Friday of the month. Our next book is The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, by Melinda Gates. Contact Clea for the zoom link and our next title.
Need to check if a weekly, biweekly, or monthly event has been rescheduled? Click here, or check our month-at-a-glance calendar.
Looking for a new social group to join, or need to confirm a zoom link or locate a registration form? Click here for a full list of our recurring events, plus zoom links for those that occur online.
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Unitarian Universalist nUUs
Canadian UU National Survey
The Canadian Unitarian Council invites Unitarian Universalists across Canada to share your perspectives, experiences, and hopes directly with the CUC, with the aim of supporting Unitarian Universalism in Canada going forward into the future. Your insights will guide the next chapter of Canadian Unitarian Universalism. Please fill out the survey HERE.
2026 Mirth and Dignity Retreat: Moments of Joy and Moments of Peace
October 8-11
Crieff Hills Retreat Centre (Guelph, ON)
From $575 USD
Mirth and Dignity, the Canadian not-for-profit behind the wildly popular UU Hysterical Society, is holding a retreat this autumn in beautiful southern Ontario! Spend four days/three nights at the Crieff Hills Retreat Centre (just outside of Guelph, ON) laughing together, dedicating time to rest and recharging, and connecting with other UUs.
Some of your favourite Canadian UUs are going to be there: UUHS founder Liz James, song leader Wendy Luella Perkins, storyteller Katharine Childs, and animator Amber Dawn Bellemare will be leading the programming!! Full details and registration here.
Canadian Unitarian Council
Information about upcoming CUC events can be found on their Events Page. Check them out and consider ways you can engage with fellow UUs beyond the congregation.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa (UUFO)
Information about events and activities at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa can be found by reading the latest UUFO Friday Notes.
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News from Our Friends
Inspiration and Dedication:
30 Years of the Ottawa Friends of Tibet
Saturday, October 17
10:00am (all day event)
Saint Paul University (223 Main St)
Ottawa Friends of Tibet invites members and friends of FirstU to join them as they celebrate their 30th anniversary and the hard work of founders Jurme & Angela Wangda, helpers Fred and Bonnie Cappuccino, and many committed volunteers. Tickets and details here.
Submissions and Zoom Bookings
Sunday Announcement Submissions
If you would like an announcement made during the livestreamed Sunday Service, please send an email, by Wednesday at noon, to: boardannouncements@firstunitarianottawa.ca. Do allow for time in case there are questions with regard to the announcement. Also note that announcements longer than 50 words will be edited for length and that time-sensitive announcements may be prioritized.
Booking Online Meetings
Email zoominfo@firstunitarianottawa.ca to book a Zoom meeting and to find help with questions about how Zoom works. Standard requests will receive a reply within 24 hours. Please label urgent requests with 'Urgent' in the Subject line and someone will respond as soon as possible.
eUU Submissions
Submit your eUU messages for consideration to publications@firstunitarianottawa.ca no later than Wednesday at noon of the week you want your announcement or event to appear. Submissions may be edited for length.
60 words or fewer, please. Allison, our Communications Coordinator, works Thursdays and Fridays.
Our contact information:
30 Cleary Ave,
Ottawa, ON
K2A 4A1
613-725-1066