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Reverend Lara Cowtan is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist whose faith is deeply woven into her life and calling. A Canadian originally from Winnipeg, she traces her roots back several generations to that city’s Icelandic Unitarian community and is the daughter of a UU minister. This tradition, she says, is not just something she believes in, but something she lives and breathes.
Before entering ministry, Lara worked as a Registered Nurse in Canada and the United States. Her nursing background continues to shape her ministry—grounding her in deep listening, compassion, and an honest engagement with both healing and loss. It taught her how to be present with people in times of vulnerability and transition, and how to help build systems of care that support both individuals and communities. |
Watch Rev Lara's message to FirstU.
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Lara lived in Switzerland for many years, where she became deeply involved in international Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist communities. During that time, she helped found the Unitarian Universalist fellowship in Basel, served in leadership roles across Europe, and discerned her call to ministry in a richly diverse and pluralistic context. She earned her Master of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School, completed her internship with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, Connecticut, and was ordained there in 2017.
After returning to Canada in 2019, Rev. Lara served in a variety of ministerial capacities, including consulting and leading worship with congregations across Canada, the United States, and Europe. She served as Interim Minister at Vancouver Unitarians and as consulting minister with the Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship in Thunder Bay. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also served as a hospital chaplain at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, offering spiritual care during a time of profound uncertainty and loss. Most recently, she served as Minister of Congregational Care at Unity Church–Unitarian in St. Paul, Minnesota, one of the largest congregations in the denomination.
Rev Lara is especially drawn to ministry that nurtures connection, resilience, and shared leadership. She believes deeply in the power of beloved community, in walking with one another through times of change, and in creating spaces where people can bring their whole selves — gifts and wounds, questions and convictions.
Whether you are new to Unitarian Universalism, exploring your faith journey, or have been part of this tradition for many years, Rev. Lara warmly welcomes you and looks forward to journeying together with the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa.
613-725-1066 ext. 225
Send an email to Rev Lara
Schedule a meeting with Rev Lara
Worship Associates
The Worship Associates program offers congregation members an opportunity to participate in shaping and delivering a worship experience. Each Associate works with the minister to develop and participate in three to four services during the church year.
Our Worship Associates' participation during Sunday worship is a testimony to our community’s commitment to direct congregational involvement in the worship and the liturgy of the church through preaching, readings, storytelling, drama, dance, and music.
Our Worship Associates' participation during Sunday worship is a testimony to our community’s commitment to direct congregational involvement in the worship and the liturgy of the church through preaching, readings, storytelling, drama, dance, and music.
pastoral and spiritual care at FirstUPastoral and Spiritual Care is provided by many individuals in our congregation in addition to the minister.
Community Minister Rev. Linda Goonewardene shares time with members and friends who would like to talk about the joys and challenges of our human journey. Caring Network ‘We listen, we phone, we bake, we drive’ is the motto of our Caring Network. The Caring Network has two different contacts for each month that serve as coordinators. They also provide cards to be signed on Sunday mornings to be sent to members who are ill, or who are experiencing a life transition, be it joyous or sad. If you would like to contact this month's Caring Contact, please check the eUU for their contact information. Caring Visitors We are happy to announce that FirstU has a small team of trained Caring Visitors to support congregants who are experiencing challenges, transitions and times of questioning in their lives. Our Caring Visitors do visits in-person, by phone, and on Zoom. In these visits, they listen attentively and with empathy and, if requested, assist you in clarifying your feelings and thoughts. They can also make referrals to the Caring Network or our Minister. Caring Visitors do not provide counselling, driving, or appointment accompaniment. To request a Caring Visit, call the FirstU office at 613-725-1066 or send us an email using the button below: |
Reverend Lara Cowtan, Minister
Reverend Linda Goonewardene, Community Minister
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