Our developmental Minister
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Rev. Patricia Guthmann Haresch joined us late in the Fall of 2018 as our Developmental Minister. Rev. Pat is a birthright Unitarian Universalist whose first position out of college was the coordination of Adult Religious Education and Programming at her home congregation, Unity Unitarian, a large congregation in St. Paul, Minnesota. Although her minister suggested she pursue ministry at that time, Rev. Pat felt it wise to gain some life experience and embarked on her first career as a paralegal and supervisor in complex litigation, her last position before theological school being the coordination of continuous improvement investigations at the well-known Mayo Clinic in the United States.
Rev. Pat has served as Minister for congregations in New Hampshire and North Carolina and as a consultant for a congregation renewing religious education for all ages in Virginia. A few years ago, her spouse, John, signed on with the U.S. State Department which has brought their family (including sons Will and Alex, and Bailey the dog) to the Philippines, where she had an active role with a local UU congregation and the national organization, then Colombia, and now Canada. Contact Rev Pat: minister@firstunitarianottawa.ca |
our new settled minister - aug 2021
FirstU Ottawa is excited to announce our new 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, hope to move to Ottawa by mid-summer. Rev. Eric will begin working with FirstU on August 9. More information about activities connected to Rev. Eric’s arrival will be shared as that time approaches in our weekly newsletter, the e-UU.
More resources about Rev. Eric Meter
Mar 13, 2021: The Road Ahead (Guest Minister at First U of Toronto)
April 4, 2021: Practicing Resurrection
May 2, 2021: The Once and Future Church (First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa)
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, hope to move to Ottawa by mid-summer. Rev. Eric will begin working with FirstU on August 9. More information about activities connected to Rev. Eric’s arrival will be shared as that time approaches in our weekly newsletter, the e-UU.
More resources about Rev. Eric Meter
- Read Rev. Eric Meter Bio
- Read Reflections from Rev. Eric on his ministry
- Watch the April 18 2021 Fireside Chat with Rev Eric
- Watch June 2020 Tribute to Rev Eric Meter by First UU of Columbus Ohio
- Listen to Rev. Eric selected sermons
Mar 13, 2021: The Road Ahead (Guest Minister at First U of Toronto)
April 4, 2021: Practicing Resurrection
May 2, 2021: The Once and Future Church (First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa)
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 both child naming/parent dedication services and memorial services and are licensed by the province to perform weddings. They perform these services for both members of our congregation and people who are not members but wish to use their services. Lay Chaplains take intensive training that includes regular meetings with the Minister and observing services they will perform. Their training is overseen by the Canadian Unitarian Council through the Ministry and Lay Chaplaincy Committee. As well, Unitarian Lay Chaplains across Canada have an organization which provides workshops for professional development. 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.
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.
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.
