eUU for May 9, 2025
The words "First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa: Your Weekly eUU" appear in white text against a black background speckled with blue and teal confetti.
Friday, May 9, 2025

A blue-green square ft the words "Click HERE to Read the eUU in your Browser + Rotate Your Phone for a Clearer View" in white text.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, May 11, 2025
In-Person and Online
Starts at 10:30am

A child's hand present a pink tulip to an adult wearing a number of rings.
Love We Cannot Live Without
With Reverend Eric Meter

This Mother's Day, let's celebrate unconditional love,
the promise and realities that surround us.
Click HERE for Service and Events Information

Children's Religious Exploration


Here's what our UU Kids will be doing this Sunday:

This Sunday, after Time for All Ages, our 2-12 year-old
UU kids will head downstairs to the Rainbow Room
for a special Mother’s Day activity!

This May and June, we’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. When you arrive, please bring your child's outdoor clothing downstairs to the appropriate room.
Click HERE for Children's Programming Information

Featured Volunteer Opportunity


Help Our Gardens Bloom
As we near spring, The Friends of the Meditation Garden are looking for gardeners to help maintain the north and south gardens. It's possible to work in a team or independently. Most tools, gloves etc., are provided. They work about two hours per week. The time is flexible but the team usually meets on Wednesday and/or Friday mornings weather permitting. Interested?
Contact MargaretELinton[at]gmail.com.

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
 A green button. the words "Click HERE for FirstU's VOLUNTEER LISTINGS" overlay the image in white text.



Chuck Shields, Volunteer Coordinator - [email protected]

FirstU AGM Summary


The words "FirstU AGM" appear in light green text, against a black background, surrounded by an ornate, circular border in light green and mid-tone blue.The FirstU 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held the afternoon of Saturday, May 3, with nearly 100 members attending either in person, by Zoom or via proxy.  The board very much appreciates this enthusiastic turn-out!  Key issues discussed and/or decided were:

  • Receiving updates from Reverend Eric and from Board President, Chuck Shields;
  • Discussing and approving the 2024 audited financial statements;
  • Appointing Kelly Huibers McNeely to continue serving as our auditors for the 2025  fiscal year;
  • Authorizing the board to issue community bonds to support the Odayanhaway, campus redevelopment Project;
  • Reappointing Lisa Boulay and Guy Belleperche to serve as lay chaplains;
  • Electing Lisa Boulay to serve on the board and to identify the following officers for the coming year:
    • Chuck Shields, President
    • Mary Ella Keblusek, Vice-President
    • Guy Belleperche, Treasurer
    • Carl Sonnen, Secretary (in a non-board member capacity);
  • Approving a resolution to investigate switching to a climate-friendly financial institution; and
  • Presenting and distributing an updated site plan for the Odayanhaway Project.


To view a recording of the full AGM, click here.
In This Email
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Caring Contacts for May


Marilen Gerber - 613-848-1688
Maury Prevost  - 613-231-7391

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.The words "Caring Is For Everyone" appear in white text against a dark green background studded with pink hearts.

Read All About It!


A stack of colourful charts and graphs done as cartoon drawings. The words "Annual Report" overlay the image in white text.Annual Report Deadline Extended
If you’ve not submitted your report yet, you can still do so until May 15. If you are a Committee or Team you really should submit; if you are a Group we welcome your reports too! Send your Reports to Jen at [email protected].

A hand reaching desperately across a barbed wire fence. The photo is overlaid with the words "Refugee Support at FirstU", which appear in white text.Urgent Appeal – Help Us Bring a Refugee to Canada
The Board has recently approved, conditional upon funding, the sponsorship of Qandagha Kamiri, a young man at risk of being targeted by the Taliban. We need to raise $13,000 from generous FirstU congregants and friends in order to submit a sponsorship application before an application can be submitted! 
To donate: Write "Refugee Sponsorship" on the donation envelope in your pew, the memo line of your cheque, or in the comment field of an e-transfer to [email protected]. Questions to Eva Berringer.

FirstU's Spire against a blue sky. The words "The Parkway Spire" overlay the photo in white text.Summer Spire Submissions Due Next Week!
There's still time to send your articles or photos to [email protected]!  Deadline is Friday May 16. Share your ideas and memories in the upcoming June edition. You are helping build a loving community!

A spray of pink tulips on a white-painted table. The image has a dark pink border. The words "MHI Tulipathon!" overlay the image in white text.It's Tulipathon Time
FirstU is a long-time member of Ottawa's Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI), and will be participating in this year’s Tulipathon – MHI’s big, annual fundraiser at Commissioners Park at Dow’s Lake. Bring the kids (there will be a bouncy castle and face painting available) and make a day of supporting MHI!
Want to join our team? Contact team captain Maury Provost at 613-231-7391. Make a donation in support of the team, or one of the team-members, by clicking HERE.

A vase of pink autumn asters and sprays of golden crab apples appear next to two tiny pumpkins and a gift tag that reads "Welcome" in elegant text.Welcome New Members!
The board is pleased to say that, at our April meeting, we approved three new members: Briana Faubert, David Gick and Andrew Poirier. We are very pleased that they have decided to join us on their spiritual and life journeys!

A glittering silver star against a dark green background. The words "In the News!" overlay the image in bright pink text.Some Famous Ottawa UUs!
Donna, Ed and Jen are on the front page of David Suzuki's latest FINDING SOLUTIONS Newsletter, with an article about Canada's Clean Electricity Regulations. The photo was taken during a demonstration at Parliament Hill.

Four paper bags, full of groceries, sitting in the back of a car, waiting to be delivered.FirstU Food Cupboard
We continue to welcome all donations of canned goods, pasta, dairy products, and cleaning supplies, as well as meat, frozen pizzas, and prepared meals for the freezer. Contact Lisa S for packaging instructions.

A photo of one of FirstU's Little Free Library boxes, painted in blues, yellows, and oranges by one of the Ajashki participants. The words "Little Free Library" overlay the photo in large, white text.Calling All Carpenters
FirstU has received a donation of two Little Free Libraries - one for adult books and a smaller one for children's books. The Ajashki project has completed painting them with colourful designs and we're looking for a carpenter to help us build a bench to support a library box on each end, so the libraries can be placed in the gardens during good weather, and under the eaves in the winter. If you are interested - or know someone who can help - contact maryellakeblusek[at]gmail.com.

A month-at-a-glance calendar, titled "bi-weekly events" appears with several recurring events circled in red.Recurring Event Topics
  • After some disruption in April, the After Service Discussions in the Lounge have returned to their regular spot on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
  • The Mental Health Support and Action Group will meet - in Room 6 and online - on Sunday, May 18 from Noon to 1pm.
  • The next online discussion circle will be on Thursday, May 22, with a topic of "My Perfect Evening". Get the zoom link HERE.
  • The Men's Breakfast Group will meet on May 23, for a brief report by Peter Larson on his April 2025 trip across Israel and the West Bank. Register by Monday, May 19, by clicking HERE.
  • The May yUUth Group meetup is now scheduled for May 23.
  • Daytime Reading for Growth, on May 30, will be discussing Prisoners of the Castle: An Epic Story of Survival and Escape from Colditz, the Nazis' Fortress Prison by Ben MacIntyre.
  • Click HERE for a full list of our recurring events.

Upcoming Events


An old-fashioned brass microphone appears on a wooden table against a green background. The words "Town Hall" appear next to the mic in dark green script.Campus Development Town Halls
Monday, May 12 - 7:00pm - Site Plan Feedback Session
On Zoom
This is the last of two online Town Halls being held to update the congregation on many evolving aspects of campus development. The purpose of the meeting is to answer questions and receive final feedback about the recently drafted Proposed Detailed Site Plan, which we will submit for approval to the City of Ottawa by the third week of May. If you were unable to attend the May 6 overview session, you can watch the recording HERE.
Zoom Details:
Click HERE to join the May 12 meeting.
Meeting ID: 833 6615 1746     Passcode: 384478

Purple autumn asters. The words "Unitarian GoGos Plant Sale" overlay the photo in white script.Unitarian GoGos Plant Sale
May 9-10 - 9:00am to 4:30pm
May 11 - 9:00am to 1:30pm
FirstU Parking Lot
The Unitarian GoGos Plant Sale will take place on May 9th, 10th and 11th outdoors in our parking lot. Bring some cash and pick up a variety of outdoor plants, mostly perennials, plus jewellery and baked goods, and support the Stephen Lewis Foundation while you shop!

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 the website homepage or on our YouTube Page.
 
For inquiries or to join a group, email the office for information.

Friday, May 9
8:00am
Men's Breakfast Group
9:00am (All Day Event)
GoGo Grannies Plant Sale

Saturday, May 10
9:00am (All Day Event)
GoGo Grannies Plant Sale

Sunday, May 11
9:00am (until 1:30pm)
GoGo Grannies Plant Sale
10:30am
Sunday Service - Online and In-Person
Children's Religious Exploration
11:30am
Hospitality Hour
FirstU Food Cupboard Open
11:45am
After Service Discussion Group

The words "Click Here for More Events Happening This Week" and a stylized picture of a wall calendar all appear in white against a dark green background

Save the Date


Four hands, each with a rainbow bracelet, and each waving a different pride flag - traditional rainbow, bi, lesbian, and trans.UU Pride Online Social
Sunday, May 25 - 7:00pm
Online
FirstU's monthly by-us-for-us social and support group for gender and sexual minorities is back! This month, join host Kris for an online meet-and-greet on May 25, at 7:00pm.
Email them at [email protected] to get the link!

Brass instruments lined up against a brick wall. The words "FirstU Food Cupboard Benefit Concert" overlay the image in white text.Food Cupboard Fundraising Concert with the Beacon Community Band
Wednesday, June 4 - 7:00pm
Worship Hall
You're invited to a performance by the Beacon Community Band, to benefit the FirstU Food Cupboard.
Enjoy rag and jitterbug pieces, a procession of magical and mythical characters and creatures, and medleys of Beatles classics, Canadian folk, and some spooky themes! Admission by donation!

Algonquin Word of the Week


A speech balloon containing the words Let's learn Anishinabemowin" appears against a deep turquoise background.We all know that Ajashki means "Soil" in Algonquin, that Kitigan Zibi means "Garden River", and "Gichi Miigwetch" means "Thank you very much".
Let's learn some more words in Algonquin language.

This week's Algonquin Word of the Week is:
Ninga / Giga
Ninga means "My mother", while "Giga" means "Your mother". There is no simple, independent word for "mother" in Anishinabemowin. A personal prefix or suffix goes with the dependent noun stem ("ga") to make it a full word. You literally can't say "mother" in Anishinabemowin without specifying the relationship contained by the word.

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.


CUC Logo - A white chalice appears in front of a purple maple leaf. The background is also white.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


A rack of clothes, accompanied by hats and bags, appears in an open field near a lake.Unitarian House presents:
Annual Summer Clothing and Jewellery Sale
Thursday, May 22 - 11:00am to 4:00pm
20 Cleary Ave (in the Founder's Room)
Come peruse a wide selection of quality ladies clothes including new garments given by Northern Reflections, Reitman's, Ricki's, and gently used donations. Sandwiches and soup will be available for purchase at midday. This sale is cash-only, with all proceeds supporting Unitarian House Residents' Association. Unsold garments will be distributed among local charities.

Unitarian House Logo - a stylized red line-drawing of a house appears against a white background. the Words "Unitarian House of Ottawa" overlay the image in black text.Unitarian House presents:
Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction
Thursday, May 29
6:00pm (Cocktail Hour)
7:00pm (Dinner)
20 Cleary Ave
Join us for an evening of fine dining and philanthropy, featuring keynote speaker The Honourable Janice Charette, former Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet. All proceeds will directly support UH’s Financial Assistance Program, ensuring that residents will receive the care they need, regardless of their financial situation.
Details and tickets available here OR contact Jennifer Brierley, Administration and Marketing Manager, at 613 722 6690 ext. 234 for more information.

Child Haven International Logo - a stylized drawing of a parent protectively hugging a child appears in red against a white background. The words "Child Haven International" appear next to the drawing, in black text.Child Haven International Newsletter
The latest newsletter from Child Haven International is available to read or download by clicking HERE.

Chez FirstU


A blast of rainbow music notes obliterates a line of white music notes against black background.Tone Cluster presents:
Aspects of Love: A Choral Concert
Saturday, May 24 - 7:30pm
Worship Hall
Tickets are by donation (in advance)
A heartfelt musical journey exploring the different faces of love - romantic passion, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the deep bonds of friendship. With music spanning madrigals to musical theatre, we'll celebrate the complexity and beauty of love in all its forms. Some songs include strong language -- because love isn't always polite. Light reception to follow.
Purchase your tickets, at the rate that works for you, HERE.
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Sunday Announcement Submissions

If you would like an announcement made during the livestreamed Sunday Service, please send an email, by Friday at 10am, to [email protected].
Do allow for time in case there are questions with regard to the announcement. Also note that announcements may need to be edited
for length and that time-sensitive announcements may be prioritized.
 

Online Meetings

Email [email protected] 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 [email protected] no later than Wednesday at noon of the week you want your announcement or event to appear. Submissions may be edited for length.
80 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
firstunitarianottawa.ca
[email protected] 
Email Copyright © 2025 First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, All rights reserved.

​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