The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa

2SLGTBQIA+ communities have been modelling the co-creation of support systems that move beyond biology for generations. What started as vital bonds for those rejected by families of origin has bloomed into networks of friends, partners, mentors, and often ex-lovers, that challenge us all to think bigger and feel deeper when we consider the word: family. Click here to view the service in full Use the 40:03 timestamp to jump directly to Fish Stark'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

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

We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love. What does this mean for us as a community and as individuals? Click here to view the service in full Use the 48:02 timestamp in the description to jump to Reverend Lara's Sermon

"We are all longing to go home to some place [...] Someplace where we can be free." ~ Starhawk This Sunday, we are joined by guest speakers Sheldon Leong and Sahada Alolo, the Director of Fund Development and the Director of Community Engagement, respectively, of Multifaith Housing Initiative. Click here to view the service in full Use the 46:22 timestamp in the description to jump to Sahada Alolo's Reflection Use the 46:22 timestamp in the description to jump to Sheldon Leon

Observing Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, we celebrate and honour the contributions of the transgender community and promote trans joy, resilience, advocacy and inclusivity. Click here to view the service in full Use the time stamps in the description to just to our guest speakers' Reflections.

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

Climate change has an impact on more than our physical world, the impact on our spiritual and emotional health is also very real. Grief, anger and despair can consume our lives, and yet, there is still so much we can to do meet this moment to create a better future for our planet and all of its inhabitants. ​How can we respond to the climate crisis with faith and hope? Use the 32:57 Time Stamp to jump to Reverend Lara's Reflection

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