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.

This service is the first of several opportunities for reflection, conversation, and listening as we consider this important step in the life of our congregation, and will mark the official beginning of our congregational discernment process as we listen together for the wisdom, hopes, and commitments of our beloved community. Click here to view the service in full Use the 34:56 timestamp to jump directly to Fish Stark's Reflection.

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.

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.

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

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

The Selma, Alabama, Civil Rights Actions in 1965 were a watershed Unitarian event in American history. It had been named by Martin Luther King as a place to pursue voter's rights. After the Rev. James Reeb was murdered there, several hundred Unitarian ministers descended on Selma. There was a 5-day non-violent Gandhian stand-off between the marchers and the police. That was followed by a 50 mile March to Montgomery, Alabama. Reverend Fred, who was the Minister at the UU Sil

A multigenerational service to celebrate nature! The service has been crafted to engage all ages, and is filled with stories, songs, and movement activities! Click here to view the service in full Use the 26:09 time stamp in the description to jump to Jodi's story, "The Great Kapok Tree".

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.

We are faced with many pressures, internal and external. What practices will help us face the future together? Join us as we celebrate this year’s Sharing our Faith Sunday with a reader’s theatre-style service. Grief, gratitude, imagination, courage, and action will all have their say. Click here to view the service in full Use the time stamps in the description to jump to various Acts in our Reader's Theatre piece.

What do you do when the life you’d imagined for yourself is stuck in committee? Join us for the story of the UU Hysterical Society - a story of feeling lost, finding yourself, and UUism-outside-the-box with UUHS founder Liz James. ​ Click here to view the service in full Use the 35:15 time stamp in the description to jump to Liz James' Reflection

With the marking of the Winter Solstice on the 21st, we have begun another circle around the sun together. This Sunday we’ll participate in a fire communion/ or burning bowl ritual to center ourselves, seal our intentions, and leave behind what we wish, as we move into the New Year, as individuals and in community. Click here to watch the service in full Use the 29:13 time stamp to jump to Lay Chaplain Lisa Boulay's Reflection

A contemplative, candle-lit service of readings and carols. No time stamps for this service. We invite you to enjoy the whole thing. Click here to watch the service in full

A lively, kid-friendly service full of story and song! No time stamps for this service. We invite you enjoy the whole thing. Click here to watch the service in full

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!