our minister
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FirstU Ottawa is excited to introduce our Settled Minister REV. ERIC METER!
At a virtual Special Meeting held on Sunday May 2, 2021, the members of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa overwhelmingly approved the motion that Rev. Eric Meter be called as the next Settled Minister for our congregation. Rev Eric and his wife Ann De Leon have arrived in Ottawa and Rev Eric began his ministry with us on August 9. Contact Rev Eric at minister@firstunitarianottawa.ca or 613-371-0595. |
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More resources about Rev. Eric Meter
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Listen to Rev. Eric selected sermons
Dec 13, 2020: Finding Stillness May 2, 2021: The Once and Future Church |
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.
Lay Chaplains
Lay Chaplains perform many types of rites of passage, but most often, weddings, memorials, and child naming/parent dedication services. They officiate these services primarily for people who are not associated with our congregation, but can serve our members as well. Lay Chaplains take intensive training to be appointed and additional advanced training courses during their time as a Lay Chaplain. They are responsible to the minister who, with the Lay Chaplaincy Committee, ensures ongoing performance observation and coaching. The Unitarian Lay Chaplaincy Program is a uniquely Canadian program established by the national Canadian Unitarian Council. A national Lay Chaplaincy Committee sets standards for the program and develops and conducts ongoing professional development through courses and workshops. Read about our current Lay Chaplains here.
For more information about the Lay Chaplaincy program, visit the Canadian Unitarian Council website.
For more information about the Lay Chaplaincy program, visit the Canadian Unitarian Council website.
pastoral and spiritual care
Pastoral and Spiritual Care is provided by many individuals in our congregation in addition to the minister.
Lay Spiritual Care Visitors coordinated by Rev. Ellen Bell visit members and friends who are home-bound or hospitalized, or in need of a listening ear. Our 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. ‘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. We also have a facilitator trained in active listening who serve as a resource for anyone who feels angry or upset that our congregational covenant has been breached. Their first job is to listen to concerns and then determine what next steps are appropriate. Our current Active Listener is Rev. Ellen Bell. |
Rev. Eric Meter, Settled Minister
minister@firstunitarianottawa.ca Rev. Ellen Bell, Spiritual Care Visiting (613) 831-5205 ellenrbell@gmail.com Rev. Linda Goonewardene, Community Minister cupotea13@rogers.com 
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Lay Spiritual Care
Lay Spiritual Visitors are volunteers who take Pastoral Care Studies and visit members of the congregation who ask for support. Although not professional counselors, they are trained to be active listeners and provide care, comfort, and support to people who face transitions and decisions. All conversations between Lay Spiritual Visitors and members are confidential unless there is a risk of harm. If needed, we may make referrals to the Lay Spiritual Care Coordinator and to the ministerial staff. Perhaps you're in need of our service. Or, maybe, you would be interested in becoming a lay spiritual visitor.
The Caring Network
We provide assistance to members who are sick, house-bound, or caught in an emergency. We offer occasional transportation, make home and hospital visits, call people to see how they’re doing, create “caring cards,” and provide support in a crisis such as child care, transportation, food, and reassurance.
