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, July 13, 2025 In-Person and Online Starts at 10:30am
The Tarot Cards:
Considering Possibilities
With Guest Speaker Calogero
There is a belief that the future is fixed and that the Tarot cards can foretell it. Guest speaker Calogero will address this notion of the fixedness of the future and then demystify what a Tarot card reading is by walking through the deck, and laying out the depth of meanings possible.
Ushers and Greeters Wanted
Do you like running into old friends, and making new ones? We're looking for a few more people to act as Sunday morning greeters and ushers.
You would need to be available one Sunday every several weeks, depending on numbers. The only skill needed is a welcoming smile. Childcare is available before the service if you need it. Email Barb if you'd like to be involved.
Want to let the congregation know about a volunteer opportunity? Fill out this online form to let people know!
Have you already completed the FirstU Volunteering survey? If not, please click the embedded link and add your information to the volunteering data base: Participation Survey
Caring Cards for June: Meghan D, John E, Ria H, Family of Tudy McLaine, Rev Eric, Elvis N, Landry N, Chuck S, Bill V I, Norma Y and the family of Norma Y.
We are all interconnected, interdependent and minister to each other in many ways. Our monthly Caring Contacts take your phone calls and emails when you wish to alert us to a need or a concern or have a joy to celebrate. We try to ensure no one is forgotten and that appropriate help is provided when requested.
Read All About It!
Announcing FirstU’s Little Free Libraries
Two Little Free Libraries - one for children and one for adults – are now available under the eaves by the bench outside the lower-level church door. Thanks to Andrew Drake, Eva Berringer and Mary Ella Keblusek for making this happen, and to the Ajashki youth for beautifully decorating our libraries! Come pick up some new-to-you books and read them!
Little Free Library Donations
Our Little Free Libraries welcome donations of recent books in good condition (no textbooks or encyclopedias). Put them in the blue donations bin located under one of the Little Free Libraries. Andrew Drake will manage the Libraries’ content to ensure they each contain a diverse variety of books without being over-stuffed.
Splinters from the Board
Here is a summary of decisions and key discussion from the Board’s June 18 meeting:
Appointed Nina Strang to chair the Embracing Diversity Committee.
Received a report regarding the Canadian Unitarian Council’s Annual General Meeting.
Decided that net revenue from Rev. Eric’s Farewell BBQ will be allocated to the Ajashki Program.
Agreed that Brent Nicolle serve as the project manager and Lisa Sharp as the marketing/communications manager for the community bonds initiative.
Discussed relations with Unitarian House.
Confirmed the appointment of Janet Beauvais as the program manager for the Ajashki Program.
Discussed the future of the Fall Fair.
Welcome New Members! The board is pleased that, at our June meeting, we approved three new members: Erin Seeds and Carrie and George Buchanan. We're very pleased that they've decided to join us on their spiritual and life journeys!
Fall Fair
Thinking Ahead: Fall Fair 2025 Donations
Many of you may be cleaning out closets and basements this summer, so please keep in mind setting aside items for the 2025 Fall Fair which will be November 15. We've recently updated the list of donated items we can (and cannot) accept, so please check it out HERE.
Fall Fair Needs You!
Fall Fair is not only our biggest fundraiser, it's also the most fun and engaging event of the year. If you're new to the congregation, we'd love to have you volunteer. It's a great way to meet new people and build connections with our wonderful community. Volunteers are needed both during the week of November 9th and on the day of the sale, Saturday, November 15th. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact Eva Berringer, Fall Fair Volunteer Coordinator.
Recurring Event Topics and Updates
Evening Reading for Growth will host a "Bring Your Own Book" gathering on Sunday, July 27, at the home of one of the participants. Contact Ken for time and address.
After-Service Discussions will continue through the summer, meeting in the Lounge on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.
The Wednesday Evening Mindfulness Meditation Group willcontinue meeting online, weekly, through the summer, until August 6. Following a five-week break, they'll resume meeting on September 17.
Click HEREfor a full list of our recurring events.
Upcoming Events
UUPride Social Group
Sunday, July 13 - 7:00pm
On Zoom
The UUPride Social Group is back! This is an opportunity to have fun and deepen connections. All 2SLGBTQIA+ folks connected to FirstU are welcome! Our next group is on Sunday, July 13 over Zoom, at 7:00pm! Email [email protected] to get the link.
For inquiries or to join a group, email the office for information.
Sunday, July 13 10:30am
Sunday Service - Online and In-Person 11:30am
Hospitality Hour
FirstU Food Cupboard Open
Save the Date
Pride Events at FirstU
Coming up in August is Ottawa's Pride festival and there are a lot of ways you can get involved with Pride with First Unitarian!
Sunday August 3, after the Service: Training for volunteers tabling at the Capital Pride Festival
Sunday August 17: Annual Pride Service
Sunday Augst 17, after the Service: T-shirt decorating and Sign making party
Saturday August 23 and Sunday, August 24: FirstU Table at the Capital Pride festival on Bank street
Sunday August 24, after Sunday service: Annual Pride Parade downtown - march or cheer us on!
Keep an eye on the eUU for updates! To get more information or to volunteer at any of these events email Nina at [email protected].
Unitarian Universalist nUUs
Information about events and activities at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa can be found by reading the latest UUFO Friday Notes.
Canadian Unitarian Council Information about upcoming CUC events can be found on their Events Page. Check it out and consider ways you can engage with fellow UUs beyond the congregation.
News From Our Friends
Unitarian House Accessories and Jewellery Sale
Thursday, July 31 - 11:00am to 4:00pm
20 Cleary Ave - Founder's Room
Cash Only
Drop by Unitarian House to peruse a wide selection of quality, gently used accessories donated by friends of Unitarian House. All proceeds support the Unitarian House Residents' Association. Unsold items will be distributed among local charities. Soup and sandwiches will be available for purchase at mid-day.
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Online Meetings
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