The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa

Our UU Fourth Principal states that we are all entitled to our own "free and responsible search for truth and meaning". For a covenantal faith, with deeply held shared values, but no expectation that everyone in a given congregation will have the same beliefs about the nature of the cosmos and their place in it, the "Free" part of our Fourth Principle is self-explanatory. But what is a "Responsible Search"? How do we discern what makes truth true or what makes meaning meaning

The great Sufi poet, Rumi, believed that before we speak, our words should pass through three gates. Each gate asks a simple question, yet each one carries weight. Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? These poignant questions aren’t meant to restrain us, but to become invitations to awaken and grow conscious of what we release into the world. ​ Click here to view the service in full Use the 41:11 time stamp in the description to jump to Reverend Lara's sermon.

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

This Sunday, we explore how we can live into a practice of cultivating wonder and reverence for the world around us. Click here to view the service in full Use the 44:27 time stamp in the description to jump to Reverend Lara's Sermon

Wonder often begins with love. In this service, we reflect on love as a grounding and awakening presence - one that invites us into deeper relationship, shared values and faithful action in the world. Click here to view the service in full Use the 45:34 time stamp in the description to jump to Reverend Lara's Sermon

Grounded in science and spirit, this service invites us to consider our place in an ever-unfolding universe - and the wonder that awakens us to belonging. Click here to view the service in full Use the 44:10 time stamp in the description to jump to Reverend Lara's Sermon

We have a basic need for awe wired into our brains and bodies, so finding awe is easy if we just take a moment and wonder. All of us, no matter our background, can find our own meaningful path to awe. How awesome is that?! Click here to view the service in full Use the 33:25 time stamp in the description to jump to our guest speaker's 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

Merry and Blessed Yule to all! Hail the Sacred and Embracing Dark! Hail the Invincible Sun! There can be no Spring without the Winter, no bloom without the seedtime, no Light without the Dark." ~ Cyndi Simpson This Sunday, we'll celebrate the Solstice and the longest night, with a FirstU tradition - our annual Solstice Spiral - and honour the pause-point of the Solstice with an exploration of the gentle dark and the need for quiet rest. 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!