The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa

Two hundred fifty years ago, Thomas Paine wrote that "we have it in our power to begin the world over again." The scientist Stuart Kauffman gave us a newer name for the same hope: the adjacent possible — the better world that already exists in potential, hovering at the edge of this one, waiting for us to take the single step that makes it real. Humanists have never believed that a better world descends from on high or arrives all at once. We believe it is built, here, by ord

There is a power to listening that goes beyond words. To sit with someone while providing a presence, so that in the stillness of that space, they may tune into their own inner voices; their own inner wisdom. This practice of deep listening is at the very core of Spiritual Care, and its sacred teachings can be heard by all who are open to perceive. Click here to view the service in full Use the 33:44 timestamp to jump directly to Paul Julien's Reflection.

This Sunday service will be filled with music. We will come together in harmony, embracing the spirit of community. Come and sing along, play along with rhythm instruments and immerse yourself in this shared experience with familiar and meaningful songs. Click here to view the service in full Use the 26:26 timestamp to jump directly to Jodi McIntosh's Reflection.

As we launch into our Summer Service series, Lee Rose will share a reflection on the Adjacent Possible, exploring how life unfolds not through giant leaps, but rather through a series of incremental steps – with each experience, relationship, and act of wonder expanding the horizon of what can come next. Click here to view the service in full Use the 39:37 timestamp to jump directly to Jonathan Dench's Reflection.

In the 1930s, our spiritual forebears bravely asked “whether the organised religious movement known as Unitarianism has any real function to perform in the modern world.” Come and hear their bold response, and Reverend Shawn Gauthier’s equally powerful invitations to us all. Click here to view the service in full Use the 33:29 time stamp to jump directly to Reverend Shawn Gauthier's (pre-recorded) Sermon.

As we launch into our Summer Service series, Lee Rose will share a reflection on the Adjacent Possible, exploring how life unfolds not through giant leaps, but rather through a series of incremental steps – with each experience, relationship, and act of wonder expanding the horizon of what can come next. Click here to view the service in full Use the time stamps in the description to jump to our various guest speakers' Reflections.

As we launch into our Summer Service series, Lee Rose will share a reflection on the Adjacent Possible, exploring how life unfolds not through giant leaps, but rather through a series of incremental steps – with each experience, relationship, and act of wonder expanding the horizon of what can come next. Click here to view the service in full Use the 33:28 time stamp in the description to jump to Lee Rose's Reflection.

In this service, we celebrate our annual Flower Ceremony, a ritual of story, renewal and promise. Click here to view the service in full Use the 34:24, 45:29, and 52:12 time stamps in the description to jump directly to The Story, The Meaning, and The Sharing of our Flower Ceremony.

In this service, we explore the perils of perfection and delve into the power of repair. Click here to view the service in full Use the 35:08 timestamp in the description to jump to the Anthem performed by musical guest Tony Turner Use the 40:09 timestamp in the description to jump to Reverend Lara's Sermon

It can be hard to “assume good intentions” when we have been hurt, or to repair what is broken when we have caused harm. How might we deal with unintended impact and find our way back into healthy relationship? Click here to view the service in full Use the 43:21 timestamp in the description to jump to Reverend Lara's Sermon

Exploring the tension between personal salvation and the call to collective liberation. Behind words like community, fellowship, and world community are real, daily choices—choices that shape not only our individual lives, but the kind of world we are building together. Is faith about securing my own well-being, or participating in the freedom of all? What does it mean to be “well” in a world where others remain bound? Today's service will invite us to wrestle with a hauntin

The gentle practice of receiving and providing care nurtures our minds, bodies, and spirits. It allows growth and beauty to flourish in our personal and communal lives. When we pause to receive and give care, we affirm our deep interdependence. Click here to view the service in full Use the 49:42 timestamp in the description to jump to Reverend Lara's Sermon