The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa

This Sunday, we'll share a UU tradition: Mitten Tree Sunday! Join us as we decorate our tree with winter woolies that will help neighbours in need stay warm this winter, and live our UU Values of Justice, Equity, and Generosity. Click HERE to watch the service in full Use the 47:46 timestamp in the video description to jump to "The Mitten Tree" story and decorating our tree!

"To provide care in our communities together, we need to feel with those who need care and then we need to put that feeling into action." ~ Ilara Stefaniuk-Gaudet This Sunday, we'll explore how we can build caring communities at FirstU and beyond. Use this embedded link OR click on the image below to watch the service in full Use the 46:02 timestamp in the video description to jump to Reverend Lara's Reflection

This Sunday, members of the Unitarian GoGos, and guest speaker Robin Scobie, will share some stories about their experiences and our learnings while visiting grandmothers and community-led partner organizations of the Stephen Lewis Foundation in May, 2025. The trip was a life changing event for the sixteen grandmothers and grand-others from across Canada and the six Stephen Lewis Foundation staff members who participated together in this incredible two-week journey to Eswatin

"It is Love itself that brings us all together. This human family we are part of [...] that love is the energy of Creation, that it takes love to create love.” ~ Richard Wagamese This Sunday, we'll look at what it means to turn towards one another, from how to be a good ancestor to how we can care for all our community's children. Use the 47:15 timestamp in the video description to jump to Rev Lara's Reflection

"...What they dreamed be ours to do, hope their hopes, and seal them true." This Sunday, we'll explore stories of our UU Ancestors. Use the 41:39 timestamp in the video description to jump to Rev Lara's Reflection

FirstU recons the cost of war in our Remembrance Day service. Use the 45:40 timestamp in the video description to jump to Rev Lara's Reflection

In this week with Halloween, All Souls' Day, the Dia de los Muertos, a time when, it is said, the veil between the world of the living and the dead is thin let us remember our ancestors, those spirits who loved and laughed and fought, cried and danced and sang and dreamt of a future that is ours to live.​ Use the 46:19 timestamp in the video description to jump to Rev Lara's Reflection

Is it possible to sustain our spirits as our lives change, even in difficult moments? Is it possible to stay centered? As we worship together, we will gently reflect on these questions, with music and stories. Use the 45:45 timestamp in the video description to jump to Rev George's Reflection

We have heard it said, the only constant is change, and that there is no growth, no moving forward without letting something go and embracing change. What can we hold onto that is solid and true, what can we trust as a constant in our lives when the ground shifts and change happens? Use the 40:16 timestamp in the video description to jump to Rev Lara's Reflection

For what shall we give thanks this day? How might we express our gratitude in authentic, good and impactful ways? This is our 2025 Thanksgiving Service. Use the 43:17 timestamp in the video description to jump direction to Rev Lara's Reflection

When so much is in flux, how do we stay true to our values of love and justice? How can the challenges of this moment become an opportunity for growth and transformation? Rev Lara Cowtan is joined by guest speaker Rev Nicoline Guerrier, as we consider and explore these questions as FirstU begins a new Ministry. Use the 39:14 timestamp in the video description to jump to Rev Nicoline's Reflection

On Sunday, September 28, guest speaker Canon Reverend Peter John Hobbs offered a heartfelt, conversational look into the lives of our most vulnerable neighbours. There were stories that highlighted the challenges they face, and showed how Belong Ottawa responds with compassion, practical supports, and lasting impact. Rooted in the values of the Anglican tradition -- and closely aligned with the principles of Unitarian Universalism -- Belong Ottawa affirms the inherent worth a

The ancient question, “Who am I?” inevitably leads to a deeper one: “Whose am I?” – because there is not identity outside of relationship. You cannot be a person by yourself. At the beginning of this new program year and new ministry, let us explore what Welcoming and Belonging mean to this community. Use the 24:12 Time Stamp to jump to Reverend Lara's Reflection

Our 2025 intergenerational Ingathering service was led by our new Lead Minister, Reverend Lara Cowtan. Join us as we celebrate together with ritual, song, story and fellowship, and a traditional UU Water Ceremony! Use the 43:08 Time Stamp to jump to Reverend Lara's Reflection