eUU for September 22, 2023
The words "First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa: Your Weekly eUU" appear in white text against a black background sprinkled with teal and turquoise speckles.
Friday, September 22, 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, September 24, 2023
Online AND In Person
Starts at 10:30am
A chalk trackway winds through a field of wildflowers. In the foreground, someone opens their hand to relief a flock of monarch butterflies.

Reconciliation in Action
With Reverend Eric Meter

Reconciliation is a bold, necessary and often complex undertaking. This Sunday, Rhonda Huneault and Billy Akavak from Tungasuvvingat Inuit will share with how they, a settler and an Inuit, have found ways forward that give them hope.

Join us after the service, in Fellowship Hall, for Coffee Hour
OR
Join our online fellowship hour at 12:00pm
Click HERE to join us on Zoom!
Click HERE for Service & Fellowship Links

Children's Religious Exploration

This Sunday, UU Kids will start in the Sanctuary for an Indigenous story during our Truth and Reconciliation Service, then we'll go outside to walk our Story Garden and read our new book that reflects the principle "Be Kind in all we do".
Please remember to dress for the weather.
Click HERE for Children's Programming Information

Splinters from the Board


A hammer and nails against a dark wooden background. The words "Splinters From The Board" overlay the image in white text.This week the Board met with a busy agenda, which included the following appointments:
The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy Cloutier as a Director (Member-at-Large) for the Congregation, replacing a vacancy on an interim basis until the next Annual General Meeting (AGM). We are very glad that Nancy approached us to fill this vacancy.
Independently, Mary Ella Keblusek has announced her resignation from the office of Vice-President, for personal reasons. Mary Ella remains as Director (Member-at-Large) and we are grateful for the energy she continues to bring to FirstU.

Filling the role of Vice-President - and implicitly President by next AGM - is a challenge, and we are asking the Nominating Committee to help find an appropriate candidate.

To aid that search, the Board appointed Mike Fletcher as chair of the Nominating Committee, and appointed Lisa Sharp as an interim member of the Nominating Committee until the next Fall Congregational Meeting.
Finally, I thank the many wonderful leaders at FirstU for all of the work done throughout the congregation. Together we do great things, and we do great things together.

Sincerely
Brent Nicolle
president@firstunitarianottawa.ca

From the Pledge Team


Thank you to all those who submitted early bird pledges! There's still time - one more week - to be an early bird: Find the pledge form on the website, download this print-at-home version, or pick up a paper copy in the Volunteer Room.
A red button with the words "Click HERE for FirstU's Annual Giving Page" written on it in white text.

Help Keep the Ajashki Project Moving


The Ajashki project is looking for volunteers to help in two areas:
  • to repair bikes that have been donated to the program
  • to help write grants
For both opportunities, please contact Sharen.

Haven't completed the FirstU Participation Survey? Please click here to take part!
 A green button. the words "Click HERE for FirstU's VOLUNTEER LISTINGS" overlay the image in white text.



Chuck Shields, Volunteer Coordinator - volunteers@firstunitarianottawa.ca

In This Email
Click the Heading to Jump to the Section

Congregational Focus: Climate Action

 
Construction workers in hard hats are silhouetted against a blazing sunrise as they climb amid rebar platforms on their job site. The words "Environmental Action Group" overlay the image in white text.
The Fridays for Future Climate Strike?  Over for another year!
How did it go?  For the answer and lots of other goodies:
Click the green button, below!
Click HERE for This Week's EAG Events PLUS Actions You can Take to Protect the Web of Life

Caring Contacts for September


Elisabeth Morrison - 613-225-6702
Maryan O'Hagan - 613-729-7752

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.
 

Memorial for Reverend Rod


Reverend Rod, in a black cassock and rainbow stole, plays the saw in UUFO's sanctuary.A Celebration of Life for Rev. Rod Solano-Quesnel will be happening on Saturday, September 23 at 5:00pm in the sanctuary of Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation, in Toronto.

Donations to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda (where Rod had been the settled minister for 5 years) can be made in Rod's honour - via cheque or by eTransfer to uuolinda@gmail.com.

The memorial will be livestreamed on zoom:
http://tinyurl.com/neighbourhoodservice
Password: nuuc
Phone connections: 647 374 4685 or 647 558 0588
Meeting ID: 749 188 739     Phone Password: 632634

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

Read All About It!


The words "Fall Fair 23" appear against a light grey background, surrounded by a spray of red and orange maple leaves.Fall Fair, FirstU's annual bazaar and major fundraiser, is coming up on Saturday, November 18! We've updated our Donation Page to list the accepted donations for this year's sale. 
And please volunteer. There are tasks for everyone, from baking and set-up to promotion and intake, and we do have fun! Contact FallFair@firstunitarianottawa.ca for more information.

A cartoon illustration of a tree and some grass and flowers growing out of an open book. There is a green, swirly line bisecting the image, but it's in the background. Above the tree, the words "Visit FirstU's Story Garden" appear in scruffy, white printing against a rich, blue background.You're Invited to Our Story Garden
Explore FirstU's gardens, and discover a story that reflects one of our eight UU Principles. Enjoy it with your child and continue the conversation at home! New stories every two weeks!

Someone's hands paging through a drawer of colourful cardboard foldersGet Your Minutes In
Reminder to the committees and the Board to send in the minutes of meetings to date. They need to be sent to: archives@firstunitarianottawa.ca and, in the case of the Board Minutes, also to publications@firstunitarianottawa.ca.

A string of pearls, a blue topaz ring, and a pair of gold and sapphire earrings appear against a navy blue backdrop printed with orange rowan leaves.Jewelry Donations for Fall Fair
Do you have jewelry you want to donate to Fall Fair? Our Jewelry team would love to receive it from you asap! Cleaning, sorting and repairing takes time. Please leave items at the Office.
Thank you!

Three people - one with a mic, one playing bongos, and one playing electric guitar - jam together on the edge of a stage.Drop In and Sing with the FirstU House Band
Join us to sing contemporary music - think folk, blues, and soft rock - during Sunday services. Rehearsal is on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Want to check us out or join the band for a Sunday? Stop by the Sanctuary at 9:45am on the Sunday, October 1 to find out what we're singing. All ages welcome to join us. For more information, contact houseband@firstunitarianottawa.ca.

Upcoming Events


A napkin printed with a word cloud where "poetry" is the largest word by a substantial margin, sits on a wood table next to a pen and a red mug half-full of coffee.Poetry Sharing Group
Friday, September 22 - 1:30pm on Zoom
We welcome poetry lovers to join us in celebrating the power of imagination and expression found in poetry (even bad limericks). For details and to get the zoom link, contact Clea Derwent.

Three women with yoga mats and colourful tank tops grin at the camera.Gentle Yoga
Wednesday, September 27 – 10am in the NOW Room
Come to the NOW room on Wednesday mornings at 10am, from September 20 to Oct 25, for an hour of gentle yoga. $72.00 for six sessions ($120.00 for couples), or $15.00 for drop-ins.

Colourful paper speech-bubbles held in people's hands.FirstU Virtual Discussion Circle
Thursday, September 28 - 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 "What Would Be A Perfect Day for Me".
ZOOM LINK     Meeting ID: 847 7145 7780     Password: 350030

A person in a striped shirt with red headphones, reading a paper-back book outdoors.Friday (Daytime) Reading for Growth Group
Friday, September 29 - 1:30pm on Zoom
The September book, Sacred Nature: Restoring our Ancient Bond with the Natural World, by Karen Armstrong, explores religions and spiritual traditions that regard nature with reverence. The profound insights of these traditions can help us regain a sense of awe at the sacredness of nature, cultivating awareness to end harm inflicted on the web of life. Please join us on September 29 at 1:30pm. Contact Clea Derwent with any questions.
ZOOM LINK     Meeting ID: 848 6931 2703     Passcode: 002396

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 22
7:00am
Men's Breakfast
1:30pm
Poetry Group

Sunday, September 24
10:30am
Sunday Service Online AND In-Person
11:30am
In Person Coffee Hour
12:00pm
Virtual Fellowship Hour Online
Membership Task Force
12:30pm
Mental Health Support and Action 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


A stack of four hard-cover books inside a red circle with a line through it, appear against a dark blue backgroundYour Right to Read: The Impact of Book Banning
Tuesday, October 3 - 7:30pm
In Worship Hall and Livestreamed on YouTube
Attempts to challenge or ban books in US school and public libraries have started to happen in Canada as well. These actions strike at the heart of having an informed citizenry, which is essential for a functioning democracy.
Join moderator Justine de Jaegher, and panelists Sonia Bebbington (Ottawa Public Library) and Mick O’Leary (Frederick Community College) for a discussion of the current situation in Canada and the US and steps that have been, and can be, taken to reduce the damage that can be caused by book-banning attempts.

Constellations appear against a black night sky. The words Map Making overlay the image in white text.Mapmaking: Navigating Your Spiritual Journey
Thursdays, October 5 to November 2 - 7:00pm
If you are a newish congregant, or even a long-time one, Mapmaking will involve you in a range of activities to: make connections with others; reflect together on your concepts of spirituality, faith and our Unitarian Universalist Principles; learn more about the congregation and its linkages with the broader world; consider what it means to belong to the FirstU community of faith and what you can bring to it; share with others your “credo” of who you are and where you are in your faith journey. Bob Armstrong and Jane Lindsay will facilitate, with Rev. Eric Meter and a few other congregational leaders participating in some sessions. Email adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca to sign up (registration is required).

A hand of cards featuring mostly diamonds and a few spades.FirstU In Person Bridge
Sunday, October 15 - 2:00pm in Room 3
Join us in room #3, on Sunday, October 15, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm for a fun game of bridge. RSVP by emailing bridgehost@firstunitarianottawa.ca so we can set up before you arrive. We're looking forward to seeing you!

A question mark made of colourful dots against a dark yellow backgroundTrivia Quiz Night
Monday, October 16 - 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

The purple and cream cover of a book titled "The Wall Between" appears against a navy blue background, next to the words "Book Launch - Wednesday, October 18 - At FirstU - 30 Cleary".Justice and Equality Action Group presents:
Book Launch: The Wall Between
Wednesday, October 18 - 7:00pm
This book is a call to justice that challenges the status quo of Zionism while at the same time dealing directly with the complex histories that have created the situation today. The book is both realistic and hopeful—a guide for anyone who is open to new possibilities within the Israel-Palestine discourse in the West. Join authors Raja G. Khouri and Dr Jeffrey J. Wilkinson, on Wednesday, October 18, at 7:00pm, for a reading and Q&A to launch this excellent book.

A row of turquoise and light blue "gingerbread men" style cutouts appear against a dark blue background. The words "Fall Congregational Meeting" appear above the figures in light blue text.Fall Congregational Meeting
Sunday, October 29 - 12:15pm in Worship Hall and Online
Mark your calendars! It's that time of year again. We'll be hosting our annual Fall Congregational Meeting on Sunday, October 29, right after Coffee (half) Hour. The zoom link will be provided via the eUU on Friday, October 27.

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.

News From Our Friends


Prayer flags stream from a roof in Tibet, against a cloud-strewn sky. A pale blue drawing of a Tibetan Singing bowl overlays the clouds.Ottawa Friends of Tibet 27th Annual Fall Fundraiser
Sunday, October 1 - 4:00pm at FirstU
Join us for an in-person inspirational heartwarming gathering including
  • Delicious Tibetan food, of course momos
  • Tibetan dancers in traditional clothing 
  • A silent auction and a Himalayan bazaar
  • Recent slides from OFT’s projects
Advanced tickets ($50) available HERE.

A drawing of a group of racialized women hold signs and, in one case, a megaphone. Above them, against a rich blue background, the words "Women of Courage" appear in white script.Climate, Conflict, Gender: Women of Courage
Thursday, October 5 - 7:00pm at Christ Church Cathedral (4114 Sparks St)
Join us as representatives from KAIROS’ global women, peace, and security partners share their experiences in helping women survivors of war and gender-based violence regain dignity and reclaim rights to become critical agents for peace and resiliency in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to hear from representatives from Colombia, Palestine, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo about their life-changing work. Details HERE.
Click HERE to register.

The Ancoura Logo: A drawing of a heart made of two hands, shaking. The hands are each a different shade of blue.Ancoura Gala Dinner
Thursday, October 12 - 6:00pm at St. Elias Banquet Centre
$94.00/person
Tickets are officially on sale for Ancoura's annual Gala Dinner! The event will be happening October 12th, 2023, at the St. Elias Banquet Centre (750 Woodridge Ave) and will include a live auction and a trivia contest hosted by the Ottawa Trivia Hall of Fame. Ticket sales go towards supporting Ancoura's mission. Click HERE to get your tickets online.
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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.

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