eUU for September 6, 2024
The words "First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa: Your Weekly eUU" appear in white text against a black background speckled with turquoise and teal confetti.
Friday, September 6, 2024

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 Anishinabeg Territory, and that the work of reconciliation is a responsibility of our congregation, and of all Canadians.
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Online AND In Person
Starts at 10:30am

Someone's cupped hands catching water from a small waterfall.
Waters of Life:
Ingathering and Water Ceremony
Reverend Eric Meter

As we gather at the start of a new church year
let us give thanks for what sustains us, chief among
them the water that makes our lives possible,
as well as the love that does the same.

Note: We’ll be literal with both giving and receiving this morning. Please bring a small amount of water from a place that is meaningful to you to be part of a common font we create and use to mark our joys and sorrows.

Please join us for a barbecue following the service!
Pot-luck salads and desserts are very welcome!
FirstU will provide hotdogs, hamburgers and drinks.
Click HERE for Service and Events Information
A child's arm and hand dripping with water from the stream the child appears to be standing in.

Children's Religious Exploration


Welcome back to RE! We’re thrilled to resume our full program after a fun summer.

Please come say hello at the RE table in the sanctuary to pick up a registration form and check in your child.

This Sunday, children will start upstairs for the time for all ages and join our annual water communion. Please bring a small jar of water from a place that's special to you.

Afterwards, children will head downstairs to begin their new programs:
Rainbow Room (ages 2-6): We'll learn about sacred space with Ellery the Church Mouse.
Chalice Room (ages 7-12): We'll make nametags and get an introduction to the UU Values Challenge program.

We look forward to seeing you all there!
Click HERE for Children's Programming Information

Odayanhaway is Moving Forward!


Three cartoon neightbours standing next to each other, representing the future community of Odayanhaway.The FirstU Board is pleased to inform congregants that Ottawa City Council, at its meeting this past Wednesday, September 4, gave approval to the zoning and other changes required for our campus redevelopment and the creation of Odayanhaway.

This was the final level of approval needed to move forward with this important project.  A year of further planning now begins, which will be conducted with input from all on our campus, aiming at construction to begin roughly a year from now.  For more information, please visit our affordable housing page.

Thanks to all who helped move us to this step of living our values and mission!

Reminder about eUU Submissions


A stylized drawing of a clipboard and pencil appear in white, along with the words "Notes from the Office" against a dark green background.Hi friends!

As our church year begins anew, and our social and personal growth events ramp back into high gear, please remember that:
  1. eUU submissions are due by noon on the Wednesday of the week you wish your submission to appear
  2. Submission must be no longer than 80 words
Thank you for sticking to these guidelines!

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:
Manoomin
Manoomin is translated as "wild rice" but means something more like "good berry" when translated directly. It's a tannin-rich, aquatic cereal native to this bioregion. We're in the middle of Manoominike Giizis - Ricing Moon - which started in mid-August. People are out in their boats knocking the ripe manoomin off their stalks (and making sure some of it lands in the water for next year) to harvest it. Have you ever eaten manoomin?

Featured Volunteer Opportunity


Welcoming Newcomers During the Fall Fair
Be part of the team that will staff a table during the Fall Fair to answer questions about FirstU and Unitarian Universalism. This will only require an hour of your time and you'll be able to schedule your shift to fit with other commitments you may have that day. If you are interested in helping, please contact Chuck Shields.

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]
In This Email
Click the Heading to Jump to the Section

Caring Contacts for September

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

Caring Cards sent in August: Joan C, Jen B, Elisabeth M, Gerald and Tanya B, Brian C, Chuck T, Eleanor and Ray B, and Katrina B.

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 group of people at a library table discussing what they're reading. There are shelves of books in the background.Seeking Small Group Facilitators
Adult Learning and Growth will be offering Journey Groups (formerly "Chalice Groups") this fall, and is looking for additional facilitators. Using material from Soul Matters, facilitators will guide groups of 6-10 people through six monthly sessions and make themselves available for optional check-ins between sessions, with an eye to fostering connection and personal spiritual exploration. If you're interested in volunteering or finding our more, contact Eva B.

An image of a tree. One half of the pictures shows the tree in full leaf, under a blue sky, with grass growing all around it. The other shows the tree with no leaves, growing from parched, cracked, grey earth, with the sky obscured by smoke.September Climate March
September with the Environmental Action Group will be a mighty focus on the September 21st Climate March! Click over to the Climate Action Page for details. You can consider which of several petitions you wish to support in September's Enviro-Advocacy, learn more about the rationale for the choice of the "Climate Culprits" chosen by Fridays for Future in the Enviro-Bit. Finally, plan to move into Enviro-Action mode and join the activists at the 2024 Climate March.

Three pride flags - trans, ace, and lesbian - with the words "Pride Sunday: "Why Can't You Just Be Normal?" - Sunday, August 18" overlaying the image in white text. A round, inset frame in the lower-left corner shows a photo of a red-haired woman in an orange Star Trek uniform, sitting with chin on fist in a Captain's Chair on a reproduction of the Starship Enterprise bridge.Pride Service Take Two!
Due to technical failures during the August 18 Pride Service, we didn’t get any sound on the YouTube recording. We appreciate that our guest speaker, Victoria Higgins, was able to come in and do a command performance of her Pride Sunday Address for our cameras. You can view it by clicking HERE. You can also check our UU Pride page for photos from the August 25 Parade! Happy Pride!

A person in a grey and white striped shirt, glasses, and blond, floppy hair, wears red headphones around their neck while reading a book in a park.Friday Reading for Growth Book List
We're looking forward to upcoming group discussions of the eight books we selected last June for our reading pleasure 2024-25. One of the advantages of participating in book groups is enjoying a book that one might never have chosen oneself. Here is our list of eclectic non-fiction books with sufficient copies available at Ottawa Public Libraries.

A collection of empty, lidless, orange and white pill bottles with all their labels fully removed. The image is bordered by a square frame of thin, dark green lines.Recycling and Reuse Reminder
As we start into September the EAG wishes to thank those of you participating in our flexible coffee bag recycling project with TerraCycle and our pill bottle reuse collection for Earthub BUT: Please remember when donating pill bottles:
            1. the bottles must be clean, label-free, and empty
            2. Earthub requires 10 cents per bottle for mailing
Thank you for your participation and assistance.

Upcoming Events


A club, diamond, spade, and heart appear against a background of streaming blue light.Virtual Bridge
Friday, September 6 - 7:00pm on Zoom and Bridge Base
Join us online for a fun game of bridge, using Zoom and Bridge Base Online, on the first Friday of every month. Email Barb R to RSVP and get the links and ensure your spot, by the Thursday immediately before our game.

Someone's cupped hands catching water from a spring.Ingathering Service and Events 
Sunday, September 8 - 10:30am
Join us for an annual UU tradition! Our Ingathering Service will include a Water Ceremony, so please bring a small amount of water from a place that is meaningful to you to be part of a common font we create and use in to mark our joys and sorrows.
FirstU BBQ - 11:30am - Outdoors
Start the program year with some food and fun! Bring a pot-luck side-dish to share and enjoy some grilled goodies with the congregation. There is no charge but a donation bowl will be available. Questions or to volunteer, contact Lisa S.
Tropical Plant Sale - 11:30am - Worship Hall
Need a leafy friend to talk to? Want to give someone else a beautiful plant? All proceeds to FirstU Food Cupboard.
Small plants - $5; Large plants - $10; Extra large plants - $20.

An older Butch woman leads an all-gender class through Tai Chi forms.Taoist Tai Chi
Tuesday, September 10 - 1:00pm in 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. 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. There is no fixed fee for these classes, a free will donation basket will be available. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Two older women laughing and chatting together while painting abstract canvasses.Drop-In Art Morning
Wednesday, September 11 - 9:00am - Room 3
Adults! Join us, every Wednesday, for three hours of creating and conversation! Drop in with your art supplies and pursuits. Please no oil paints. There is no storage so projects must go back home with you. No charge, free will offering basket will be available.

A close-up of someone's hands knitting a ribbed arm-warmer from veriegated pink yarn. There are balls of yellow and mint green yarn blurred in the foreground.Knitters Group
Wednesday, September 11 - 1:00pm - Room 3
This group welcomes knitters and crocheters of any level, from beginner to expert, who enjoy creating hand-made items in a friendly, supportive setting. Using donated yarn, we make a variety of goods to sell at Fall Fair, Mitten Tree, and other events in support of the church, and to donate to special community projects.

A white lotus flower floating on dark waterOnline Meditation Group
Wednesday, September 11 - 7:00pm on Zoom
Join us, once again, on Wednesday evenings for online meditation plus readings from teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh. Let Colleen know if you would like to receive a friendly email reminder on Tuesday.
Click HERE to join the meditation session
Meeting ID: 880 7343 6250     Passcode: 574355

Colourful paper speech-bubbles held in people's hands.FirstU Virtual Discussion Circle
Thursday, September 12 - 1:30pm on Zoom
Discussion circles are held weekly, with a different topic each week. No pre-registration is required, just drop in by clicking on the link. We look forward to seeing you! This week, our topic is "Armageddon".
ZOOM LINK     Meeting ID: 851 8209 4896     Password: 350030

Two guys in casual clothes chatting while they make breakfast. There are potted herbs in the background. One of them is whisking something in a glass bowl.Men's Breakfast - Ottawa Tool Library Edition
Friday, September 13 - 8:00am - Fellowship Hall
$10
Gentlemen are invited to join the Men’s Breakfast Group on Friday, September 13, for coffee, socializing, and breakfast, followed by an informative and entertaining talk by speakers Roderick Gillyatt and Katherine Gunn, who will tell us all about the Ottawa Tool Library. Register no later than this Monday, September 9 by clicking HERE and submitting this form.

A stylized drawing of a hand holding a set of scales appears in blue and white against a dark green circle. The words "Sunday Forums" appear in dark green all-caps arching over the green circle. The background of the whole image is white.Sunday Morning Forum: Philosophy of International Relations 
Sunday, September 15 - 9:30am - Fellowship Hall
Reuel Amdur will address what philosophy tells us about how countries treat each other. Reuel's undergraduate degree was in political science.

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, September 6
7:00pm
Virtual Bridge

Saturday, September 7
10:30am
Spirituality and Philosophy Group

Sunday, September 8
10:30am
Ingathering Service and Water Ceremony Online AND In-Person
Please bring a small jar of water from a source that is meaningful to you
Kids RE
11:30am
Welcome Back Congregational BBQ
Tropical Plant Sale
FirstU Food Cupboard is Open

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

A question mark make of colourful dots appears against a deep yellow background.Trivia Quiz Night: We're Back!
Monday, September 16 - 7:00pm on Zoom
Join us for our monthly Trivia Quiz! Questions are diverse, fun, and taken from several sources, and there is no need to feel embarrassed about getting an incorrect answer: players score themselves! All you need is a pen or pencil, paper and your "thinking cap". Play alone or team up with friends! For more information, email Andrew.
ZOOM LINK     Meeting ID: 868 6409 2724     Passcode: 038258

Someone holding a hand of cards featuring mostly diamonds and hearts, with a couple of spades. Someone else, playing the card game with them, is visible in the background, examining their own hand of cards.In-Person Bridge
Sunday, September 22 - 2:00pm in Room 3
Join us in Room 3, on the fourth Sunday of every month, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, for a fun game of bridge. Email Barb R to RSVP, by the Saturday immediately before our game, so we can set up before you arrive. We're looking forward to seeing you!

A person in a grey and white striped shirt, glasses, and blond, floppy hair, wears red headphones around their neck while reading a book in a park.Friday Reading for Growth 
Friday, September 27 - 1:30pm on Zoom
We meet via Zoom, on the last Friday of the month to review the selected book. For September we're reading China Unbound: A New World Disorder by Vancouver-based journalist Joanna Chiu.
Copies are available from the public library. Join us to discuss the book's analysis of how this new superpower influences and threatens global democracies. Contact Clea for details and the Zoom link.

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.


A stained glass window depicting a flaming chalice inside a blue and red circle.Canadian Unitarian Council
Information about upcoming CUC events can be found on their Events Page.

Chez FirstU


A young woman in a ragged linen dress, dances with her arms akimbo. She is currently balance don one leg in a way that suggests she's in the middle of a turn or a spin. The lighting behind her is very dramatic in tones of gold and red, and suggests a lot of movement.Ensemble Eurythmy Interval presents:
Something Ignited in My Soul: Poetry and Music in Movement
Friday, September 27 - 7:45pm
$35
Join the Ensemble Eurythmy for a dance performance set to both music and spoken word, right here at FirstU. Tickets are $35 each, or $20 each for students.

News From Our Friends


The words "Humanist Perspectives" appear in yellow text against a black background with a yellow double-line border.Humanist Perspectives: Summer 2024 Edition
The Summer 2024 edition of Humanist Perspectives, focused on the separation of church and state, is available to read 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.

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 © 2024 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.

Find full contact information, maps and directions HERE
Find our Sitemap HERE