eUU for January 10, 2025
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, January 10, 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, January 12, 2025
Online and In Person
Starts at 10:30am

Two torches burning on a tropical beach at sunset. The setting sun has lit up the clouds in shades or coral and orange.
The Game of Life
Rev Eric Meter

Just how serious is this thing we call life? Or how serious does it need to be? This Sunday, Rev Eric reflects on the approach taken by Sonja Christopher, a Unitarian Universalist and the first person to be voted "off the island" on the television reality series Survivor.

If you know, or suspect, that you have COVID or another respiratory illness, please take part in the service online.
Click HERE for Service and Events Information

Children's Religious Exploration


OWL Grades 4-5
Parents and Kids Session - 10:00am to Noon
Kids who have pre-registered for Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education will gather in the NOW Room with Jodi, Rita, Amy, and Sarah for the first session of the program.

Everyone Else
We invite our 2-12 year-olds who are not participating in OWL to join the Sunday Service at 10:30am, for Time for All Ages, then gather in Room 4 for our Glimmer & Spark program, where we'll explore a calming way of breathing, then make hand-puppets to help us practice!

Indoor Shoes and Slippers
Now that we are well into winter, little feet may be more comfortable wearing indoor shoes or slippers (rather than just socks) during RE time. Please bring some along!
Click HERE for Children's Programming Information

Sunday Service and Hospitality Update


A drawing of COVID-19 virus molecules against a dark green background. The words "FirstU COVID19 Task Force" overlay the image in very light pink text.COVID seems to be under control so the following will now be in effect:
  • Masking is optional
  • A section of the right side of the sanctuary will be reserved for those wishing to social distance
  • Coffee Hour and the Mia’s lunch service are back!
If you are feeling ill or have tested positive for COVID, please attend the service online.

Featured Volunteer Opportunity


Grant-Writer Wanted for Ajashki
The Ajashki program is a key FirstU Social Justice priority, helping at-risk youth and promoting indigenous/non-indigenous reconciliation. The program is looking to expand beyond its original focus as a food security and garden project. Securing grant funding for 2025-2026 remains a priority for Ajashki. If you have experience in writing grant proposals or program evaluations - or even a talent for writing persuasively - we would welcome you in our Circle of Support. Interested? Contact [email protected].

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 January

 
David Hudson - 613-402-5744
Maureen Sly - 613-728-7610

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.

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:
Giiwedinong
Giiwedinong means "north", as in "in, at, to, or from the north". In Ottawa, the wind usually blows from giiwedinong all year long.

Read All About It!


A passenger plane coming in for a landing over a sign that reads "Welcome" in big letters.Refugee Update
Two refugees from Burundi, Elvis Nikiza and Landry Nizigiyimana, co-sponsored by FirstU, will be arriving in Ottawa this Monday January 13, after a long set of flights. Rather than overwhelm them with a very large group of new faces at the airport, we are planning other ways for FirstU congregants to show they care and to welcome these two men to their new home in Ottawa.
  1. Congregants are encouraged to provide their own welcome messages on large welcome placards available at the service this Sunday, January 12. These placards will be brought to the airport, and will remain a souvenir for Elvis and Landry.
  2. Landry and Elvis will be invited to come visit FirstU at Sunday service next week, January 19.
  3. We are planning a larger Welcome Party in Fellowship Hall in a few weeks, together with the local Burundi community. Details to follow.
If you wish to join the refugee resettlement team, please contact Eva Berringer.

Someone's feet in sneakers walking along a boardwalk through the woods. The words "Journey Groups" overlay the photo in white text.Journey Groups: Connect, Reflect and Grow
Reflect in a small group on our UU values and how we live them in our daily lives. Focus is on connecting, sharing and deep listening.
Six sessions, monthly beginning Thursday, February 6th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm.
Facilitators will be Paula Theetge and Chris Duschinsky. Register at [email protected]. If you're interested but can't attend a daytime session, let us know.

The "zoom" logo, but with the "oo" digitally altered into a "UU".Ever wonder where to go for Zoom support?
Email [email protected] for all of your Zoom meeting needs: booking a Zoom meeting for your online event, getting help with zoom-related problems, and with questions about how Zoom works.  
This email address is monitored by FirstU volunteers. 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. 

A group of singers gathered around a baby grand piano. There is a guitarist and a drum kit in the background.Want to Join One of Our Choirs?
Jenn is excited to be resuming choir this year! We are looking for new members for Three Rivers (1:00pm, Wednesday afternoons) and Chalice Choir (7:00pm, Thursday evenings). To be added to the choir list, email [email protected]! 

Upcoming Events


A bottle of maple syrup, shaped like a maple leaf, is positioned on a rocky outcrop overlooking an autumn forest.Unitarian GoGos Maple Syrup Sale
Sunday, January 12 - 11:30am
Fellowship Hall
The Unitarian GoGos will be selling maple syrup after the service this Sunday, to raise funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Prices are $16 for a large bottle and $4 for a small bottle. Cash, cheque and etransfer are all accepted.

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, January 12
10:30am
Sunday Service Online AND In-Person
Children's Religious Exploration and OWL Workshops
11:30am
Coffee Hour (with hot food available from Mia's Indian Cuisine)
FirstU Food Cupboard Open
Unitarian GoGos Maple Syrup Sale
11:45am
After Service Discussion

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 drawing by FirstU's own Laurie Foster-MacLeod: A women with a crown of flame warming her hands at a fire white surrounded by a harp, a sword, and healing herbs. The drawing appears in a circle against a backdrop of living flame.Women's Inclusive Pagan Circle - Imbolc Ritual
Monday, February 3 - 7:00pm
Fellowship Hall
$5 Suggested
Trans women, cis women, and non-binary folks are invited to take part in our Imbolc Ritual. Honour Goddess Brigid and celebrate the growing daylight and the promise of Spring to come. Bring finger foods to share after the ritual and anything seasonal you'd like to include on our altar.

A group of cartoon people hugging each other while surrounded by verdant greenery.A Process for Moving from Despair to Inspired Activism: The Work that Reconnects
Saturday, February 8 - 9:30am to Noon
Join facilitators Jane Lindsay and Rev George Buchanan in a well-known process for finding our way through difficult times. This process is the “Spiral of the Work that Reconnects”, described by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone in their book: Active Hope (revised): How to Face the Mess We’re in with Unexpected Resilience and Creative Power. Details and registration via the Adult Learning and Growth Page.

Recurring Events


A tall, skinny, pink mug of coffee appears on its matching, square saucer, which also hold half a red currant muffin and a spray of red currants. They, along with the other half of the muffin, are presented on a wooden table top.After-Service Conversation (Biweekly)
Sunday, January 12 - 11:45am
The Lounge
Join us in the Lounge for a conversation about themes and insights from this morning's service. Grab some food from Fellowship Hall then join us in the Lounge for coffee and the conversation.

Elderly people in casual workout wear doing Tai Chi.Taoist Tai Chi (Weekly)
Tuesdays at 1:00pm
Fellowship Hall
Tai Chi is a series of gentle movements that improves circulation, strengthens the bones, and develops good balance. Each two-hour session is led by experienced instructors from "Friends of Tai Chi" and includes a tea break. There is no fixed fee for these classes, a donation basket will be available. Questions? Contact [email protected].

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 (Weekly)
Wednesdays at 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 Group Meditation (Weekly)
Wednesdays at 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 (Biweekly)
Thursday, January 16 - 1:30pm
On Zoom
Discussion circles are held biweekly, with a different topic each time. No pre-registration is required, just drop in by clicking on the link. We look forward to seeing you!
This week, our topic is "God".
ZOOM LINK     Meeting ID: 851 8209 4896     Password: 35003

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 Group (Biweekly)
Friday, January 17 - 8:00am
Fellowship Hall - $10
Gentlemen are invited to join the Men’s Breakfast Group on Friday, Jan 17th (note date change), for coffee, socializing, and breakfast, followed by an informative and engaging talk by speaker Reuel Amdur, who will present his views on the Philosophy of International Relations. Expect a lively discussion to ensue. Register, no later than Monday, January 13, by submitting this form.

Two teens - one with colourful hair - play a board game together while a third teen looks on with a raised eyebrow.yUUth Group (Monthly)
Friday, January 17 - 6:30pm
Youth ages 11-17 are invited to join our yUUth Group meetup on the third Friday of every month. We usually meet at the church (but sometimes go bowling or do something else off-site) share a meal, and play games together. Email [email protected] for details on this month's activity!

A hand of cards including four 10s and a single Ace. You can see someone shuffling cards in the background. The words "eUUchre night!" overlay the image in white text.In-Person Bridge (Monthly)
Sunday, January 19 - 2:00pm
Room 3
Join us in Room 3, on the third Sunday of every month, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, for a fun game of bridge. Email Barb 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 question mark make of colourful dots appears against a deep yellow background.FirstU Trivia Night (Monthly)
Monday, January 20 - 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! 
ZOOM LINK     ​Meeting ID: 868 6409 2724     Passcode: 038258

A Black person with very short, natural hair, and wearing a sleeveless, orange turtleneck top, reading a hardcover book.Thursday Evening Reading for Growth (Monthly)
Thursday, January 23 -  7:00pm
On Zoom
Join us for a lively discussion of our next book on January 23, The Valley of the Birdtail, by Andrew Stobo Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson! Contact Ken for the zoom link.

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.Daytime Reading for Growth (Monthly)
Friday, January 31 - 1:30pm
On Zoom 
Join us as we reflect on our new year reading of The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall in conversation with Douglas Abrams. Stories of human ingenuity and resilience are evidence that hope is a call to action, and a human trait meant to ensure our survival.  Copies are available at public libraries. Contact Clea for the zoom details.

A club, diamond, spade, and heart appear against a background of streaming blue light.Virtual Bridge (Monthly)
Friday, February 7 - 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.

Unitarian Universalist nUUs


Snow-covered bare branches as seen through a veil of icicles.UU Midwinter Retreat - Registration Deadline
This year's UU Midwinter Retreat runs January 31 - February 2, and will feature keynote Dallas Bergen (First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, music director) as well as workshops, outdoor programs, yoga, improv, and a Chocolate Communion Sunday service. Registration includes meals and is $425 for double occupancy. Registration closes this Monday January 13. Register HERE.

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.

Chez FirstU


A kid in a detective costume investigates a wall of fingerprints and other clues connected by red string.Unitarian House presents: Clues and Cocktails
Friday, January 31 – 6:00pm to 9:00pm
30 Cleary Avenue
$65 (Use code MEMBERPRICE50 for a discount)
Join us for an evening of intrigue, indulgence, and philanthropy! Meet and mingle over clues and cocktails while enjoying a Slixer Murder Mystery and supporting Unitarian House. Use coupon code MEMBERPRICE50 to receive a $15 discount on your ticket. Click here for details and tickets.
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
Instagram
X
Share the eUU with your friends
by using the share buttons below
Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward
Click HERE to download a PDF copy of this week's eUU

The UU Eight Principles appear in white text against a dark green background


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