eUU for June 9, 2023
A row of cheerful cartoon people appear, next to a colourful high rise apartment, against a deep blue background. The words "First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa - Your Weekly eUU" overlay the image in white text.
Friday, June 9, 2023

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, June 11, 2023
Online AND In Person
Starts at 10:30am Eastern Daylight Time
A ceramic oil lamp with a lit wick burns steadily on a wooden patio table. There are blurry, green trees in the background.

Living The Enlightenment With Joy!
~ Guest Reverend Norm Horofker

The Enlightenment sparked the birth of modern Unitarian Universalism but it was not an event in the past.
Rather, it is an ongoing process that can give us hope for the present and the future if we keep the flame burning. Join guest minister, Rev Norm Horofker, as we explore these themes.

Join us after the service, in Fellowship Hall, for Coffee Hour.
Online Fellowship will be available at Noon.
Click HERE for Service & Fellowship Links

Children's Religious Exploration

This Sunday, we'll be making cards for the father-figures in our lives, and hearing a story about dads. We may also go outside, but that will depend on the air quality this Sunday.
Dress for the weather, just in case.
Click HERE for Children's Programming Information

Share the News About FirstU's Little Village


A white card with the words "We're so excited to share our news! FirstU is planning a Little Village to help address the housing crisis in Ottawa!" appear in black script along side the hashtag #LittleVillage in purple text, a line drawing of a hand holding a pen as though writing, the logos of FirstU, OAHS, Cahdco, and Theia Partners, and a row of cheerful cartoon people. The whole image is a turquoise border around the edge.You already know the results of the March 27 Congregational Meeting – that FirstU voted overwhelmingly in favour of building our "Little Village" of mixed income housing with partners OAHS, Theia Partners, and Cahdco – but now we're telling the world!

We've sent out a press release - which you can read on our Affordable Housing page - and Brent Nicolle will be featured today, on CBC's All In A Day, talking about Odayanhaway!
You can tune in on your radio, or listen by clicking this link at 4:15pm!

Want to help us share the news? Here's how:

1) Talk up your thoughts about the development, and what it means, on your favourite social media platform, and include the hashtag #LittleVillage when you do.

2) Share the link to our affordable housing page on facebook, instagram, or twitter, so that your friends can read all about it: https://www.firstunitarianottawa.ca/affordable-housing.html

3) Remember to tag FirstU by including the appropriate online handle – @OttFirstU on facebook, @firstuottawa on Instagram, and @UUOttawa on twitter – in your posts, so that we can find them and share your posts to our feed, too!

4) Tell your friends about the CBC interview - share the link or let them know to tune into All In A Day on CBC this afternoon!

Thanks so much for helping us spread the word!

Seasonal Reminder


A stylized drawing of a clipboard and pencil appear in white against a dark green background. The words "Notes from the Office" appear above the clipboard in white text.We are using our space more frequently since the pandemic has eased, and also the warmer weather brings the need to open windows and doors.

Please remember when you leave, to close any windows you’ve opened, turn off lights and lock exterior doors.

If there are still other groups in the building, let them know you are leaving so that someone else can take responsibility for closing up properly.
Thank you!

Introducing Our Volunteer Coordinator


“Renewal” means a lot of things – updating old equipment, replacing worn out or broken building elements, but also finding new volunteers to keep FirstU a welcoming and active community.
To that end, we welcome Chuck Shields as our new Volunteer Coordinator. Reach him at volunteers@firstunitarianottawa.ca
 A red button. the words "Click HERE for FirstU's VOLUNTEER Listings" overlay the image in white text.

In This Email
Click the Heading to Jump to the Section

Congregational Focus: Climate Action

 
A field of solar panels under a summer sky. The words "Environmental Action Group" overlay the image in white text.
39,864 is the number; "Unethical Oil" is the topic; 7:00pm on the 15th is the time; AND discover New Good News about Bill C5!
Click the green button below to get the details!
Click HERE for This Week's Events PLUS Actions You can Take to Protect the Web of Life

Caring Contacts for June

 
Angela Beale - 613-233-5420
Jan Glyde - 613-680-0495


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 "BE KIND" appear on wooden blocks against a light blue background

Read All About It!


A cluster of bunchberries on the forest floor. The words "Ajashki Means Soil in Algonquin Language" overlay the image in white script.Seeking Drivers
The Ajashki Food Security and Climate Change Learning Centre is seeking additional drivers to transport program participants. You would be making a big difference by making it easier for urban Indigenous youth to access this valuable program. Participants need to be dropped off at FirstU at 10:00 and picked up at 4:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We pay your mileage!! If you can help even once or twice a week, please contact Sharen B at sharenajashki@gmail.com.

A collection of mostly blue neckties in stripes and checks appear on a walnut wood table.Neckties Needed
Fathers' Day is coming up, and our Special Events volunteer decorator has some big plans! But they need your help! Do you have any old neckties you don't wear anymore? Remnants of a previous life or an earlier sense of style? Drop them off at the reception desk in the admin office, and help decorate the church for Fathers' Day!

Upcoming Events


A cake decorated to look like a game of Settlers of Caytan. The words "Under 45s Games Night" overlay the image in light blue text.Under-45s Games Night
Friday, June 9 - 7:00pm in the NOW Room
Are you a Millennial or elder GenZ Unitarian? Are you looking to connect with other UUs in town? ​Join us for an evening of board and card games, snacks, conversation, and community!

The words "Earth Speaks - Unethical Oil: Alberta's Secret Shame - Tuesday, June 13 - 7pm on Zoom" appear in white text against a translucent black background. Behind the text bubble, a photo of an oil well can be seen against a dramatic, cloud-streaked sky.Unethical Oil: Alberta’s Secret Shame
Tuesday, June 13 - 7:00pm on Zoom
With Guest Speaker Markam Hislop
From the beginning of modern regulation of Alberta oil and gas production during the 1950s, the provincial regulator was captured by industry. As a result, there is now approximately $300 billion of unfunded environmental liabilities, almost no security posted against those liabilities, and the prospects of oil companies earning enough revenue going forward to be able to reclaim the liabilities is slim. Alberta is on the precipice of an environmental and financial catastrophe. Click HERE to register and get the zoom link.

Two women in their early sixties flank another in her late 30s. All are wearing colourful tank tops and carrying yoga mats. They look like they're excited to finally be getting a yoga class nearby.Gentle Yoga
Wednesday, June 14 - 10:00am in Fellowship Hall
Join Barb Ryan in Fellowship Hall for an hour of Gentle Yoga on Wednesdays, at 10am. Yoga is a systematic practice of physical exercise, breath control, relaxation and positive thinking, aimed at developing harmony in the body, mind and environment. All fantastic reasons to practice!
Click HERE for details and registration.

Mindfulness MeditationA white lotus flower floating on dark water
Wednesday, June 14 - 7:00pm
On Zoom
We support each other's individual and group practice of meditation, sharing perspectives and intentionally cultivating attitudinal behaviours like beginners' mind, loving kindness, compassion, trust, patience, and letting go ~ all keys to mindfulness.
All are welcome.
ZOOM LINK     Meeting ID: 838 9009 2017     Passcode: 597606

Colourful paper speech-bubbles held in people's hands.FirstU Virtual Discussion Circle
Thursday, June 15 - 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 "All the News That's Fit to Print".
If you have ideas for future discussion topics, please email Andrew.
ZOOM LINK     Meeting ID: 638 009 136     Password: 897007

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, June 9
9:00am
Ancoura
7:00pm
Under 45s Games Night

Saturday, June 10
10:30am
Spirituality and Philosophy Group

Sunday, June 11
10:30am
Sunday Service Online AND In-Person
Children's Religious Explorations
11:30am
In Person Coffee Hour
12:00pm
Online Fellowship Hour

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 made of colourful dots against a dark yellow backgroundTrivia Quiz Night
Monday, June 19 - 7:00pm on Zoom
Join us for our 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 a partner or two!
For more information, email Andrew.
ZOOM LINK     Meeting ID: 841 2565 4674     Passcode: 222371

A card bearing the event information appears framed by sunflowers. The background is white with a dark blue border.Unitarian GoGos present: Stories at the Solstice
Wednesday, June 21 - 6:15pm in Worship Hall
Join us for a pre-show reception at 6:15pm, then gather in Worship Hall for a show that celebrates the arrival of Summer! Featuring Storytellers Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, Mary Wiggin, and Uchechi Ogbonna, as well as music from the Three Rivers Choir, Sheila Green, and Thomas McKegney! All in support of the Stephen Lewis Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.
Tickets are $30. Click HERE to order them online,
OR
Send an e-transfer to OWGTreasurer@gmail.com with a note "Stories 2023" + your email address in the memo line.
For more information call Sheila: 613-513-4056.

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.


Someone in a plaid flannel shirt holding a box overflowing with folded clothes. The box has the word "DONATE" written on it in black marker.UUFO will be welcoming the Ndayikengurukiye family from Burundi soon, but we are still looking for very lightly used household items to help them get settled in Ottawa. Click HERE for an updated list of needed items and how to donate them.

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.

News from Our Friends


A spray of forget-me-nots. The words "In Memoriam" overlay the image in white script.In Full Bloom: A Celebration of Life for Charles-Eric Laperriere
Saturday, June 17th at 7:30pm - Worship Hall
FirstU Member Lee Rose invites you to attend a resplendent celebration of life for his partner on Saturday, June 17th at 7:30pm at FirstU. Dress code: In Full Bloom Celebration of Life Realness. This celebration will include music, flash photography and a few surprises. All are welcome.

The Ancoura Logo: A drawing of a heart made of two hands, shaking. The hands are each a different shade of blue.Big Soul Project Sings for Ancoura!
Saturday, June 24 - 7:30pm
Centretown United Church (507 Bank St)
Join Ancoura on Saturday, June 24, for a fundraising concert featuring Big Soul Project and Deep Groove Band, who will put on a show with an irresistible beat to entertain young, old, and everyone in between. Ancoura provides supportive housing for Ottawa residents with mental illness. FirstU has been a long-time supporter of Ancoura. Click HERE to purchase your tickets!
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Sunday Announcement Submissions


If you would like an announcement made during the livestreamed Sunday Service,
Please email the Board of Directors at bod@firstunitarianottawa.ca by Friday at 10am.
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.

Joys and Sorrows


If you would like a stone placed in the water for you during the Joys and Sorrows portion of an upcoming Sunday Service, please email Reverend Eric by Friday at 10am.

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.
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
uuoffice@firstunitarianottawa.ca 
Email Copyright © 2023 First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, All rights reserved.

​30 Cleary Ave   K2A 4A1   
613-725-1066  
uuoffice@firstunitarianottawa.ca
"We acknowledge that our campus is located on traditional, unsurrendered and unceded Algonquin Anishinabeg 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