Adult Learning and Growth
The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa offers a variety of programs for adults 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.
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.
Spiritual and personal growth
What Moves Us
With Rev. Eric and Rev. Anne Orfald Tuesdays, March 12 to April 30 - 7:00pm - Room 6 A program that explores the life experiences of select historic and contemporary Unitarian Universalist theologians, highlighting that which caused in them a change of heart, a new direction, new hope, and a deeper understanding of their own liberal faith. The workshops offer participants a chance to engage with, and bring their personal experiences to bear on, the very questions explored by each theologian in turn. The program offers a pathway for developing not only one's own personal theology, but also for deepening one's understanding of the threads of our |
Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist theological heritage. Click HERE to register.
Please note there will be no session March 26. For more information, contact adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
Please note there will be no session March 26. For more information, contact adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca.
Women’s Pagan Circle Celebrates Ostara
Thursday, March 21 - 7:00pm in the NOW Room Trans women, cis women, and nonbinary folks are invited to celebrate the Equinox - the balance, the sun's return, the whisperings of Spring - with ritual and an egg craft. Participants are welcomed to bring items of their choice to add to our altar. Finger foods to share after our ritual are welcome as well. Our trans-inclusive, loosely "Eclectic-Dianic" Circle meets every 6 weeks to celebrate the Quarter and Cross-Quarter days together. |
Likely dates (TBC) for future rituals are as follows: May 1, June 19, July 31, September 18, October 30, and December 18. Trans women, cis women, and non-binary folks are welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Laurie at lauren.fosterm[at]gmail.com with any questions.
Accessing Your Inner Knowing
With Jane Lindsay Tuesdays April 16, 23 and 30 - 7:00pm - Room 3 Ever wish you had an intentional way to tap into your inner knowing for insights and possibilities that your mind may miss? At this three-session workshop, you will learn and practice a whole-being method for accessing your inner knowing with respect to many aspect of your life and growth. Each session is two hours long. Click HERE to register. Send questions to adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca. |
Introducing Ourselves
Tuesday May 7 - 7:00pm (includes a light lunch) 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. |
Enriching Our Souls
First You Drum!
Connecting with ourselves and each other, with Jan Davis April 14, 2024 12:00pm - NOW Room (tbc) An introductory level, interactive hand drumming experience focusing on fun over form, for adults and teens 13+ who are new to drumming. Learn basic hand drumming rhythms and share in the joy of group drumming! Bring your own rhythm maker, drum, or empty coffee canister. Extra drums and rhythm instruments will be available. Register by April 7 by filling out this form OR by emailing adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca with your name, phone and email. |
social justice
Gender and Pronouns 101
Wednesday, March 13 - 7:00pm - On Zoom A repeat of an important workshop offered in August. Facilitators Nina and Kris will answer burning questions like "What are neo-pronouns?" and "What to do if I accidentally misgender someone?" Click HERE to register and receive the zoom link. You can email any questions you want covered in the workshop to: uuoffice@firstunitarianottawa.ca. |
POSTPONED! Breakfast Forum: ShelterBox Canada
New Date TBD Join us on a NEW DATE (tbd) to learn more about ShelterBox, a Canadian charity that provides essentials to help people begin rebuilding their lives after a disaster. ShelterBox recognizes that each disaster is different and so is every community, so every response is also different, often customized and locally sourced items are included where possible. ShelterBox strives to provide the exact support that gives people the hope and power to transform their own lives. Ally Buck from ShelterBox will join us by zoom to make a presentation and answer any questions. Coffee and muffins will be provided. |
Well being
Gentle Yoga
Wednesdays, starting February 7 - 10:00 in the NOW Room $15 Per Session - Led by Brenda Heming Yoga is a systematic practice of physical exercise, breath control, relaxation, and positive thinking, aimed at developing harmony in the body, mind and environment. All fantastic reasons to practice! Suitable for all experience levels, gentle yoga follows Hatha Yoga practices but at a slower, gentle, pace. Adaptations are offered for those who may may find some of the poses challenging. Bring your own mat and blanket. Sessions run on Wednesday mornings, February 7 to April 10. Drop-ins welcome. |
Taoist Tai Chi Practice and Learning Sessions
Tuesdays, staring March 12, 2024 - 1:00pm - 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. Send questions to: adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca. |