FIRST UNITARIAN CONGREGATION OF OTTAWA
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Lifespan Learning

Lifespan Learning Includes...
​​Our Ministry with Children and Youth
Our ministry for children and youth includes weekly Sunday Morning programming for under-eights and 8-11 year-olds, a monthly Messy Church service for our youngest congregants and their parents and grandparents, as well as our Coming of Age personal religious exploration program for 12-14 year-olds, and a monthly yUUth Group for 11-17 year-olds. Visit our Children's Religious Exploration page, and our Youth page, for more information.

Adult Learning
The First Unitarian Congregation of  Ottawa offers a variety of programs for people who wish to explore new topics and experiences.
​Take a look at the Lifespan Learning Guide for more information, and read on below.
If you're looking for information on established, ongoing fellowship, growth, creativity, and social justice groups, please visit our Get Involved page.


adult learning at firstu - Spiritual Growth

Mapmaking: Navigating Your Spiritual Journey at FirstU
Every Thursday, October 5 to November 2
7:00pm - 9:00pm In Person


Unitarians believe many things. Some of us are atheists. Others have active prayer lives. Some consider themselves in both of those camps. Together we'll explore the commonalities and uniquenesses of our beliefs, as each participant creates a Credo statement - an account of how they understand themselves as people of faith.
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Whether you are a newish congregant, or 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, and share with others your personal “credo” of who you are and where you are in your faith journey.

Facilitated by Bob and Jane, with Rev. Eric Meter and a few other congregational leaders participating in some sessions.
Registration is required. Please email adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca to sign up.
Introducing Ourselves  
Sunday November 26
12:00pm - 2:30pm


​This will be a small group, casual gathering over a light lunch (provided).
You will share with other newcomers what brought you to FirstU, hear and ask about the basics of Unitarian Universalism, and get some insight into how First U functions and ways you can get connected here.
Kate Kirkwood & Rev. Eric Meter will be your guides.
For information and registration, email: welcome@firstunitarianottawa.ca
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ADULT LEARNING AT FIRSTU - social justice

Your Right to Read: The Impact of Book Banning
Tuesday, October 3 - 7:30pm
In Worship Hall and Livestreamed on YouTube


​In recent years there have been regular reports from the US and Canada of attempts to challenge or ban books in school and public libraries  -   actions which strike at the heart of having an informed citizenry, which is essential for a functioning democracy.
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Join moderator Justine de Jaegher (Chair of FirstU's Social  and Equality Action Group), and panelists Sonia Bebbington (Chief Librarian and CEO, Ottawa Public Library) and Mick O’Leary (former Director of Libraries, Frederick Community College, and member of the board and past chair, Frederick County Public Library, Frederick, Maryland) for a discussion of the current situation regarding book challenging and of steps that have been, and can be, taken to reduce the damage that these actions can cause.
This session will consist of a panel and discussion.
Book Launch:
The Wall Between - What 
Jews and Palestinians Don’t Want to Know About Each Other
By Raja G. Khouri and Jeffery J. Wilkinson
Wednesday, October 18 - 7:00pm

A groundbreaking book that offers concrete ways for Jews and Palestinians to speak (and listen) differently to each other. Hoping to deepen the Israel-Palestine discourse here in Canada, the authors, a Palestinian and a Jew, are embarking on a North American tour to speak about their unique collaboration in writing this book and engaging in roundtable conversations on its complex issues.
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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. Both realistic and hopeful, it's 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.
The Earth is Tired:
A Unique Environmental Experience with the Aella Choir

Sunday November 5 - 3:00pm
Reception & Environmental Celebration to follow

Aella hopes to calm the climate anxiety we have experienced with rousing anthems, powerful music, and songs of deep emotions and beauty. Readings will show how our individual worries can serve as a cornerstone for collective action. This performance will leave audience members feeling empowered, aware and hopeful.  For details, contact Donna: bowen.willer[at]sympatico.ca
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Just Get Over It:
An Interactive Workshop Exploring the True Historic Experience of Indigenous Peoples in Their Relationship with Settlers in North America

Tuesday, November 7
6:00pm – 8:00pm on Zoom

Members of the First Peoples House of Learning team at Trent University facilitate this story-telling workshop from an Indigenous perspective. Their engaging, non-blaming approach offers participants a meaningful way to let go of common misconceptions, stereotypes, and biases that many of us hold and to become informed partners with Indigenous people for new ways forward. To register, please email: adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca
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ADULT LEARNING AT FIRSTU - Well being

Gentle Yoga with Barb Ryan
Wednesdays September 20 – October 25
10am o 11:00am in the NOW Room


Come to the NOW room on Wednesday mornings at 10am, from September 20 to Oct 25, for gentle yoga. Appropriate for anyone who's concerned about not being "bendy enough". Drop-in fee is $15.00.
Contact ryanbarb99[at]gmail.com if you have any questions.
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​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
  • Welcome
  • What's Happening
    • calendar
    • Renewal
    • Affordable Housing
    • Congregational Focus >
      • Green Sanctuary Accreditation
      • AJASHKI Garden Project
      • EARTH SPEAKS FORUMS
  • About Us
    • Our Ministry Team
    • About Unitarian Universalism
    • Our Campus >
      • Cleary Detour
    • Member Information >
      • Steps to Membership
      • Members' Page
      • Campus Planning Member Page
      • Governing Documents
      • Death Notices and Memorial Details for Members
  • Worship
    • Sunday Service FAQ
    • Past Sermons
    • Children's Religious Exploration
    • Youth
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer with us >
      • volunteer task submission form
    • Embracing Diversity
    • Music
    • Lifespan Learning
    • OWL
    • Fall Fair
    • Fundraising
  • Social Justice
    • UU Pride
    • Climate Action
    • Truth and Reconciliation
  • Communications
    • eUU Weekly Newsletter
    • Parkway Spire Quarterly Magazine
    • Archives
    • Lectures and Presentations >
      • HOLTOM LECTURES
  • Contact Us
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
    • Ceremonies and Rentals >
      • Weddings, Memorials, Child Dedications and other Rites of Passage
      • Facility Rentals
  • Annual Giving
    • Make a Donation >
      • Legacy Giving
    • What Your Generosity Supports
    • Guidelines on Giving
    • Make Your Pledge Online