Sunday, April 21, 2024 Online AND In Person Starts at 10:30am
Earth Day? With Reverend Eric Meter
The science has been clear for years, if not decades now. So why are we finding it so hard to gain traction in the struggle to the only environment in which we can live?
Mike Fletcher joins Rev Eric as they ask the inevitable questions and struggle towards answers that are
both true and within our grasp.
Join us for Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall following the service.
This week, the Rainbow Room is transforming into a wonderland of wiggling fingers and happy toes! We'll be unleashing our inner artists, turning our hands into paintbrushes and creating art that explode with color, so dress to get messy. Then! Get ready to feel the rhythm rumble through your feet as we transform into a drumming dynamo with our very own handcrafted drums. So come on let's make the Rainbow Room a symphony of creativity!
In the Chalice Room, we're not just building, we're building a fairer world! Dust off your bricks and join us for a Lego adventure through Justice! We will be joined by a special guest. You were given a clue last week during our story time, do you know who we will welcome?
During the AGM, there will be a brief overview of the 2023 audit and the new Long-Term Financial Plan. If you want a more in-depth discussion of these there are two additional zoom meetings in the week before the AGM:
Our 2024 Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday May 5 at 12:30. Lunch will be available in Fellowship Hall before the AGM. Meeting materials will be sent out to members next week. The meeting will be hybrid - in-person and online - but only those in person will be able to vote. The agenda will include election of board members.
Algonquin Word of the Week
We all know that Ajashki means "Soil" in Algonquin, that Kitigan Zibi means "Garden River", and "Gichi Zibi" means "Great River". Now let's learn some more words in Algonquin language.
This week's Algonquin Word of the Week is:
Zhìwibag
Zhìwibag means "sour leaf" in Algonquin, and is the Algonquin name for the plant that English calls "Rhubarb". Do you have rhubarb in your garden? Is it crowning yet?
Help the Meditation Garden Grow
The Friends of the Meditation Garden always needs gardeners. We work cooperatively to maintain the north and south gardens; a weekly list of tasks is shared along with suggested work dates for group work. Independent work occurs at any time. Time for breaks (group chat) is allocated some weeks; we are a friendly helpful group. Most tools, gloves etc., are provided. You can work independently or with group. We work about two hours per week in the summer when available . The time is flexible but the team usually meets on Wednesday and/or Friday mornings weather permitting. Contact MargaretELinton@gmail.com for more info.
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.
Celebration of Life for Jane Perry
A service for Jane will be held on Saturday May 11, 2024 at 4:00pm Eastern Time.
Ajashki is Hiring!
The Ajashki project is hiring a part-time Program Developer for their Makerspace! Please share this job description (click to read and download) with anyone you know who may be interested in this position with Ajashki.
Red Dress Day 2024
Thank you to members who donated a dress last year for our Red Dress Day to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and two-spirit people. Meditation Gardens volunteers will be displaying the stored collection and are hoping to expand this symbol of respect into the upper garden.If you can donate (or loan) a red garment for this year's display, please drop it off in the office by April 30. Questions? Contact Susan Mellor.
Help FirstU Fill the Freezer!
Our Frozen Meal program provides food support to low income individuals and their families. We are looking for batches of chili, lasagna, shepherd's pie or other items to freeze into individual servings. We can provide containers. If you would like to help, please contact lisasharp@rogers.com.
Upcoming Events
yUUth Group Tonight, April 19 - 6:30pm
Youth ages 11 to 17 are invited to join us, on the third Friday of every month, for yUUth Group. For information contact our Director of Religious Exploration at dre@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
FirstU In-Person Bridge
Sunday, April 21 - 2:00pm in 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. RSVP by emailing bridgehost@firstunitarianottawa.ca so we can set up before you arrive. We're looking forward to seeing you!
Accessing Your Inner Knowing
Mondays, April 22 - 7:00pm in Room 3
Part Two of this three-session workshop, where you'll learn and practice a whole-being method for accessing your inner knowing with respect to many aspects of your life and growth.
Send questions to adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
Taoist Tai Chi
Tuesday, April 23 - 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. Master Moy first developed Taoist Tai Chi to improve his own health, and later dedicated his life to enabling others to do the same. 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. No advance registration needed just drop in. There is no fixed fee for these classes, a free-will donation basket will be available. Email adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca with any questions.
Online Meditation Group
Wednesday, April 24 - 7:00pm on Zoom
Join us 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: 259109
FirstU Virtual Discussion Circle
Thursday, April 25 - 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 "If I Were King Of the World". ZOOM LINKMeeting ID: 847 7145 7780 Password: 350030
FirstU Spring Concert
Sunday, April 28 - 7:00pm in Worship Hall
By Donation
The choirs of FirstU present a concert on the many forms that love takes in our lives, celebrating family ties, friendship, partnership, self-love, and community. There will be singalongs and a guest appearance by the FirstU House Band! Note: Childcare will be available for those who need it.
Sunday, April 21 10:25am
Mystery Pals! 10:30am
Sunday Service Online AND In-Person 11:30am
In-Person Coffee Hour
Environmental Action Working Group 2:00pm
In-Person Bridge 4:00pm
Harmony Concerts: Military Wives Choir
Save the Date
FirstU Finances In-Depth - Session 1
Tuesday, April 30 - 10:00am on Zoom
If you want a more in-depth discussion of, and a chance to ask questions about, the 2023 audit and the new Long-Term Financial Plan, please attend this meeting OR Session 2 by clicking HERE.
Trans Inclusive Women's Pagan Circle Celebrates Beltane
Tuesday, April 30 - 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall
Trans women, cis women, and nonbinary folks (if this is a fit for you): Come celebrate Beltane by making flower crowns as we welcome the return of our green friends. We’ll have some supplies, but please bring more artificial flowers, leaves, florists wire, and ribbons to share, along with finger food for after the ritual. Bring personal trinkets to add to your own wreath. We welcome cash donations to cover supplies and to give to the FirstU for hosting us.
FirstU Finances In-Depth - Session 2
Wednesday, May 1 - 7:00pm on Zoom
If you want a more in-depth discussion of, and a chance to ask questions about, the 2023 audit and the new Long-Term Financial Plan, please attend this meeting by clicking HERE.
Friday Reading For Growth
Friday, May 3 - 1:30pm on Zoom
Please join us for a discussion of Cobalt: Cradle of the Demon Metals, Birth of a Mining Superpower, by Charlie Angus. This is the harrowing history and damaging legacy of resource extraction in Canada and the consequences of the increasing demand for cobalt - a key ingredient for a 'green' economy. Copies available at public libraries. Please note the date change. To get the zoom link, contact Clea Derwent.
FirstU AGM
Sunday, May 5 - 12:30pm
Our 2024 Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday May 5 at 12:30. Lunch will be available in Fellowship Hall before the AGM. Meeting materials will be sent out to members next week.
The meeting will be hybrid - in-person and online - but only those in person will be able to vote. The agenda will include election of board members.
Introducing Ourselves
Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall
This casual, small group gathering is for newcomers to FirstU to get to know each other and the church. Kate Kirkwood and Reverend Eric Meter will be your guides. Come and share with each other what brought you to FirstU, take the opportunity to ask any questions you have, plus hear about the basics of Unitarian Universalism, and get some insight into how FirstU functions and ways you can get connected here. To register, fill out this online form. Send any questions to welcome@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
Evening Reading for Growth
Thursday, May 9 - 7:00pm on Zoom
For May, we'll be reading The Last Doctor: Lessons in Living from the Front Lines of Medical Assistance in Dying, by Jean Marmoreo. We hope you'll join us for our lively discussion of this book. ZOOM LINKMeeting ID: 890 6025 2628 Password: 845374
Unitarian GoGos 2024 Plant Sale
May 10-12 (full weekend event)
Join the Unitarian GoGos for their annual pay-what-you-wish plant sale in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Peruse a variety of perennials plus home-baking, preserves, honey, and jewelry while helping to raise money for people effected by HIV/AIDS in north Africa. Click HERE for all the details.
Mah Jongg
Monday, May 20 - 10:00am - Room 3
We will play American Mah Jongg with 3-4 people per table on the third Monday of every month. We are currently using the 2023 game card. Please bring your card. If you can bring a game, please let Barb know when you RSVP. A follow-up email will be sent to players who RSVP to confirm their spot. It is important that you know how to play the game.
Unitarian Universalist nUUs
International Convocation of UU Women's presents:
Healing Mother Earth: How Sustainable Development Addresses Poverty for the World's Women and Girls
Sunday, April 21 - 2:00pm - Online
In honor of International Mother Earth Day, ICUUW will host an online interactive event with life-long UU Erin Boeke Burke. Details and registration HERE.
Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice present:
Israel/Palestine/Gaza/Hamas – What Next?
Saturday, April 27 - 1:00pm - Online
Peter Larson, Chair of Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine (OFIP), is an experienced expert in Middle Eastern affairs. He visits and lectures on the region, focusing on Canada-Arab relations and the Israel/Palestine conflict. Larson's balanced approach, seen in his writings and lectures at Carleton University, has earned him recognition, including The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. He might have a solution! Register HERE to get the zoom link.
CUC Congregational Conversations Series
FirstU's UU Connections Team encourages everyone to participate in one or more of the upcoming conversations hosted by the Canadian Unitarian Council:
Worship Programming & Leadership Development: Friday April 12 or Saturday June 1
Children & Youth - Presence & Programming: Wednesday April 17 or Saturday June 15
Financial Planning & Income Streams: Saturday April 20 or Monday May 27
Ministry Options - Types, Availability, & Creative Alternatives: Wednesday May 1 or Friday May 10
Information about events and activities at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa can be found by reading the latest UUFO Friday Notes.
Canadian Unitarian Council Information about upcoming CUC events can be found on their Events Page.
News From Our Friends
Ontario Ministry of Transportation: Safety for Vulnerable Road Users
Thursday, May 2 - 1:30pm - $10
FirstUnitarian members and friends are invited to join Unitarian House residents and others for a two-hour workshop on Thursday, May 2, at 1:30pm.
A representative from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation will address two topics – the shared responsibility of safety for vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists), plus everything you wanted to know about the senior license renewal process for 80+.
Come for the information and stay for the refreshments! $10 fee. Contact Louise at schwartzla@rogers.com or 613-762-1429.
Chez FirstU
Harmony Concerts Present:
Military Wives Choir
Sunday, April 21 - 4:00pm - $40
A special event featuring the power of women connected through the military and music. All proceeds go to the choir's professional development. Click HERE for tickets.
Ottawa Grassroots Festival
April 25-28
The Ottawa Grassroots Festival is coming to FirstU! Swing by our place to hear artists like Charlie A'Court (April 26) and Connie Caldor (April 27). More information, including how to get tickets, available HERE.
Gil's Hootenanny
Wednesday, May 1 - 7:00pm - $20
Gil’s Hootenanny, Ottawa’s annual community singalong, celebrates songs of hope and protest with exuberant audience participation. While the word “hootenanny” may not be in everyone’s lexicon, Gil’s Hootenanny is hell-bent on reviving this form of entertainment for folks of all ages. Click HERE for details and tickets.
Evenchick and Hucul
Sunday, June 2 - 3:30pm - $25
Local singer/songwriters Evenchick and Hucul will be releasing their juicy new album at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, Sunday June 2, in an effort to muster community support, raise funds and celebrate 40 years of The Ottawa Foodbank. Click HERE for tickets.
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