eUU for July 11, 2025
The words "First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa: Your Weekly eUU" appear in white text overlaying a black background flecked with teal and turquoise confetti.
Friday, July 11, 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, July 13, 2025
In-Person and Online
Starts at 10:30am

A deck of tarot cards spread, face up, in an arc across a batik cloth. There are candles and coils of gold wire laid out around the cards. The Sun card - joy, abundance, hope, the promises of Midsummer - is visible as the top card at the head of the spread.
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.
Click HERE for Service and Events Information
Young kids in pink and turquoise clothes, running around gleefully outdoors on a sunny day.

Children's Religious Exploration


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

Every Sunday, our UU Kids will be meeting downstairs at 10am, every Sunday, for outdoor free play.

Please remember to bring a water bottle and sun screen, and to wear weather-appropriate clothes, including a hat.
Click HERE for Children's Programming Information

Featured Volunteer Opportunity


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
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Chuck Shields, Volunteer Coordinator - [email protected]
In This Email
Click the Heading to Jump to the Section

Caring Contacts for July


Janet Clayton - 613-733-9566
Nonna MacKenzie - 613-596-1054

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

Read All About It!


A blue and yellow house-shaped cupboard. The words "Little Free Library" overlay the photo in large, white text.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!
 
An open book with its pages fanned out lies on a table in front of a book case stuffed with books with colourful spines.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.
Our Little Free Libraries - blue and yellow cupboards shaped like houses, appear next to a the wooden bench outside our lower level door. There is a blue bin - it looks like a recycling bin, without the branding - on a shelf under the left-hand (adult) Little Free Library. Donations for either Library can be left in the bin for Andrew Drake to organize.

A hammer and several nails on a wooden background. The words "Splinters From The Board" overlay the image in white text.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!

The words "Fall Fair 2025" appear in white text, overlaying a photo of gold, orange, and purple autumn leaves.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.

 

A month-at-a-glance calendar, titled "bi-weekly events" appears with several recurring events circled in red.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 will continue meeting online, weekly, through the summer, until August 6.  Following a five-week break, they'll resume meeting on September 17.
  • Click HERE for a full list of our recurring events.

Upcoming Events


Four hands, each with a rainbow bracelet, and each waving a different pride flag - traditional rainbow, bi, lesbian, and trans.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.

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.

Sunday, July 13
10:30am
Sunday Service - Online and In-Person
11:30am
Hospitality Hour
FirstU Food Cupboard 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


The FirstU Pride Contingent, replete with rainbow tutus, a scooter, and the FirstU banner, marching down Laurier in the 2022 Capital Pride Parade. The photo has a rainbow border.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.


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 pearl necklace, sapphire earrings, and an aquamarine ring, appear against a background of batik print fabric which is navy blue with a print of orange leaves.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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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.
60 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
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