Reverend Lara Cowtan, Minister Jump to Pastoral Care Resources 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. 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 armly welcomes you and looks forward to journeying together with the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. 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. Email Rev Lara Meet with Rev Lara Visit Reverend Lara's Personal Website Affiliated Community Minister Reverend Mwibutsawineza Ndagijimanayiburundi Reverend Mwibutsawineza (formerly Fulgence) Ndagijimanayiburundi - Reverend Mwibutsa for short - is a unitarian minister ordained in Burundi in 2011 and welcomed into the Unitarian Universalist Ministerial Fellowship (UUMFC) of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in 2018. Rev. Has lived in Canada for 11 years and 6 years in Ottawa. Rev. Mwibutsa’s ministry is mostly with refugees, community development and nurturing Unitarian communities in Burundi and in Africa through a Canadian registered charity, Flaming Chalice International. Rev. Mwibutsa is involved with the Pan African Unitarians as chair of the leadership team and the “Unitarian Francophone project”. For Rev. Mwibutsa, being connected to ministerial colleagues and being part of the unitarian family in Ottawa is important. 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. FirstU's Lay Chaplains 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. For more information about the CUC Lay Chaplaincy program, visit the Canadian Unitarian Council website. Lisa Boulay Lisa has been a member of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa since 2018 and has quickly become involved in many aspects of the Congregation. She is a retired Family Counselor who for twenty years provided both individual and group counseling. In addition, she has developed and delivered several workshops and training programs on substance use, mental health, trauma and recovery. Before becoming a counselor, Lisa worked in the corporate environment and brings a background in training/course design, and communications to her work. Currently, Lisa is a facilitator for the Ottawa Pastoral Care Training Program. Lisa is also a Reiki practitioner and certified Yoga teacher. As a Lay Chaplain Lisa is happy to offer her talents and abilities to support you in creating a meaningful and sacred ceremony to celebrate with reverence, compassion and gratitude the rites of passage and milestones of your life. Guy Belleperche Guy is an engineer by education, a pragmatic idealist by temperament, a husband, father, retired public servant, resident of Ottawa since 1989, and a part of the FirstU community since 2004, where has volunteered as a sexuality educator, youth advisor, worship associate, and member of the board of directors. As a Lay Chaplain, Guy will work with you to create a rite of passage (wedding, memorial service, celebration of life, naming and dedication service) that matches your needs and expectations. Lee Rose Lee Rose initially came to First Unitarian Ottawa in 2020 for the architecture and stayed for the community. Over the past few years he has been engaged in various ways in the congregation including offering reflections during Sunday Services (One of his favourites is Sunday is a Verb ), serving on the ministerial search committee, and being an active member of the worship team - helping to design and deliver Sunday services. Lee is a father of three who has built a career in community and corporate philanthropy. He's also a professional facilitator and a fierce mental health advocate whose practice and work is rooted in social justice and informed by his own experiences as a 2SLGBTQ+ person navigating grief and loss, parenting and queerness as he makes his way through life and the world, sometimes tripping up between the English and French pronunciations of words in his head. Reach out if you or a loved one is looking for someone to help create a ceremony or milestone ritual that embraces and expresses your personal beliefs and values. You don’t have to be a member of the congregation — services are open to anyone of any heritage or faith, of any culture or race, of any gender or orientation, in any body, all that you are. PastoralCare Pastoral and Spiritual Care at FirstU Pastoral and Spiritual Care is provided by many individuals in our congregation in addition to the minister. 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, contact caringvisitors@firstunitarianottawa.ca or call the FirstU office at 613-725-1066. Click Here for UU Liturgical Resources

Settled Minister Discernment Process A Letter from Reverend Lara On August 16, 2026, FirstU launched our Settled Minister Discernment Process with a conversation on Ministry and Calling during our Sunday Service. If you missed it, or would like to rewatch it, here is a link to that service. Over the course of the next two months, we will be conducting conversations, surveys, and consultations with Members, congregants, staff, and other members of FirstU's community to help in our discernment of whether to call Reverend Lara as our settled, long-term Minister. See below for Key Dates in our process, a Letter from Rev. Lara, and watch this space for further information. Sincerely, Your Discernment Task Force: Lisa Boulay, Alex Campbell, Ally Hobson, Erin Keene, Lee Rose. Key Dates in Our Discernment Process Key Dates Key dates to share your thoughts and hopes as we discern whether to call Rev. Lara as our settled long term minister: September 8 - Launch of online Discernment Survey September 15 - Congregational Consultation over Zoom at 7:00pm. Click here to join September 20 - In Person Congregational Consultation (after the service) in the NOW room September 27 - Hybrid Fire Side Chat with Rev. Lara after the service in Worship Hall October 18 - Special Congregational Meeting on whether to call Rev Lara as our settled long-term Minister will take place after the service As part of our ongoing discernment about whether to call Rev. Lara Cowtan as our Settled Minister, the Settled Minister Discernment Task Force is inviting members of the congregation to share their perspectives. The survey is brief and provides an opportunity to indicate where you are in your discernment, as well as to share any questions, hopes or considerations you would like the Task Force to hear. Please take a few minutes to participate by clicking here. Thank you for adding your voice to this important congregational conversation. Letter from Lara Called Ministry Letter from Reverend Lara Cowtan This past year has been full — full of new faces in the pews, new energy in our programs, and new questions about who First U is and is becoming as a congregation. As we look toward our campus development project, our new partnerships and the ones we already share with Unitarian House and River Parkway Child Centre on our campus, the congregation is also exploring the question about calling me as your settled minister. With that are also asking what's the difference between a contract minister and a called minister, and why does it matter for our future together? The answer is important to understand, because it touches something at the heart of who we are as Unitarian Universalists and at the heart of my own calling to ministry. UU congregations govern themselves. We don't have a bishop or a hierarchy assigning ministers to churches — we practice what's called congregational polity, meaning this community determines its own direction, its own mission, and its own minister. That self-determination is sacred to us. It's also why the relationship between a “called” minister and a congregation isn't a contract; it's closer to a covenant, something entered into freely and renewed on purpose. There are several ways that a ministry can take shape, depending on a congregation's needs and season of life: interim, developmental, contract, or called. Each serves a purpose. A contract ministry — which is where we've begun together — is a defined-term engagement. It lets a minister and a congregation get to know each other, do real work together, and discern whether a longer future makes sense. That's exactly what this year has been: getting to know one another, building trust, and laying groundwork. A called ministry is different in kind, not just in length. It isn't a renewed contract between a Board and a minister — it's a vote of the whole congregation, an invitation extended by the membership and freely accepted by the minister, to enter an ongoing, ever-deepening relationship without a predetermined end date. It shifts the relationship from something more like a professional engagement into something more like a mutual, long-term commitment — one both sides keep choosing. A contract minister's role can end up looking a bit like a consultant or a hospital chaplain's — present with people in a specific moment of need, but without the runway to build the kind of relationship that forms over years. A called minister, by contrast, can be there through the whole arc of a person's, and a congregation's, life — the ordinary days as well as the crises and celebrations — because there's no clock running out. Trust and the kind of care that lets people bring their whole selves — their questions, their grief, their growth — takes time to build, and a called ministry is structured for exactly that kind of long, patient companionship. A seed needs time to grow, and even a strong one- or two-year plan is more robust when it rests on a longer-term vision. So what would change, concretely, if we moved from contract to call? In FirstU members' own words, the themes that matter most to you are spiritual growth, congregational care, leadership, activism, and values — and each is exactly where that shift would deepen what's possible. Spiritually, a settled ministry lets worship and faith formation programs develop over years rather than months, building themes and practices that mature with the congregation instead of always starting fresh. In congregational care, it means I could walk alongside people through the full arc of their lives here — long illnesses, long recoveries, the slow work of healing that only unfolds with time and trust. In leadership, it means investing in volunteer pipelines and structures built for the long term, not just stabilizing what's urgent in a first year. In activism, a contract ministry tends, naturally and appropriately, to focus inward on the congregation itself; a called minister can also turn outward, developing community relationships with justice-oriented and housing partners, like the Multifaith Housing Initiative and Flaming Chalice International, that our housing project and wider justice work will connect with for years to come. And in values, it means having the time to listen to people, to collaborate, to plan, to connect and ensure our UU values are fully woven through the many aspects of our congregational life. When I arrived, I identified three areas of focus for my first year of ministry based on what I heard in our Start-Up Workshop and what I observed in those early months: strengthening our visibility and relationships with campus and community partners; supporting volunteer leaders with the guidance, connection, and clarity that make ministry sustainable; and building accessibility, participation, and belonging for families and newcomers. Looking back over this year, I see real movement on all three: growing partnerships with Unitarian House, UUFO, and the Multifaith Housing Initiative; clearer Terms of Reference taking shape for our ministry teams; record Religious Education attendance, a new Children's Choir, and the lively Wednesday evening community dinners that became a genuine intergenerational hub. None of this was inevitable — it's the fruit of a congregation and a minister choosing, again and again, to show up for each other. This is shared ministry, a partnership, and this is just the beginning of what we can do together. My hope for our future ministry together, if we choose to walk that road, is a congregation that keeps growing into the fullness of what it has always been: a spiritual home with room for more voices in shaping worship, a community that cares for its members through every season of life, a shared leadership culture that outlasts any one minister's tenure, a faithful and sustained presence in the housing and justice work unfolding right on our own campus, and a congregation whose values are visible not just in what we say on Sunday but in how we build, welcome, and care for our wider community all week long. None of this is meant to suggest the outcome of any future conversation about call — that decision belongs to you, through the process our polity provides. What I hope this offers is clarity about what a contract ministry can and can't do, and why that choice carries real weight for the faithful work ahead of us. Whatever we discern together, I'm grateful for the trust already built this year, and for the chance to keep answering, together, the call of love that brought us here. — Rev. Lara Cowtan, September 2026 Click Here to Download Rev Lara's Letter as a PDF

Bridge and Branch Homeschool Co-Op Run by First Unitarian Ottawa in partnership with the parents, Bridge and Branch offers opportunities for homeschool families of different backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities to connect, and grow. Join us for a Season of Creativity, Curiosity, and Connection! Tuesdays from 10:30am to 2:30pm March 3 to April 21 30 Cleary Ave (Just off Richmond Rd, east of Woodroffe Ave) We are committed to creating a welcoming space for all families, and provide prayer space and Halal food options. We celebrate diverse traditions and cultures. Each week, we offer three learning blocks: Nature, STEM, and World Celebrations. Children explore through hands‑on activities such as experiments, group projects, crafts, nature journaling, outdoor exploration, and cooking. All activities are age‑appropriate and adaptable to support each child. Cost and Registration $150 per single child family $10 for each additional sibling (free for siblings three years old and under) Late registration available until November 12 at a rate of $125 for single child family, $10 for each additional sibling. To Register Contact - Jodi McIntosh at DRE@firstunitarianottawa.ca

We are an open, affirming, and welcoming congregation We embrace Two-Spirit, gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, asexual, intersex, and questioning (2SLGBTQ+) people into our spiritual community. We work to promote acceptance, inclusion, understanding, and equity for 2SLGBTQ+ people and families in Ottawa and society at large. We fight homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and other forms of hatred and oppression. Jump to UU Pride Jump to Embracing Diversity Events Jump to Congregational Focus Who We Are, What We Do Our Embracing Diversity Committee works to promote equity, inclusion and diversity within the congregation. We design and oversee the implementation of an annual plan of educational, advocacy, outreach, and community-building activities, and recommend policy/procedural/structural changes in Congregation operations. We host an annual Pride service, present film screenings and have hosted an interfaith panel of queer clergy for Pride Week. We present workshops like "Beyond Tolerance" on creating safer spaces, and our home-grown intro to pronouns workshop. The committee has supported fundraisers for community organizations like Ottawa's Ten Oaks Project, and organized workshops for congregants about power, privilege and unconscious bias. Upcoming plans include continued collaboration with 2Slgbtqia+ choirs and other community groups, creating a Welcoming Guide to provide FirstU's teams, groups, and committees with guidance on furthering their inclusivity, and inviting Branch Out Theatre to present their workshops at FirstU. Get Involved! Interested in making our church more accessible, physically and socially? Want to learn more about our Embracing Diversity Committee? Email the Embracing Diversity Committee Focus Our Congregational Focus: Cultivating Compassionate Communities We focus on Cultivating Compassionate Community by putting our values of inclusivity, justice, diversity, and the inherent worth and dignity of all, into real action to support the holistic wellbeing of marginalized people. What does our new congregational focus, Cultivating Compassionate Community mean? Deepening our welcome and support for marginalized and underserved folks. Who are the marginalized and underserved people Cultivating Compassionate Community aims to more deeply welcome and support? The proposal approved at our October Congregational Meeting focused on two groups: people experiencing anti-2SLGBTQ+ oppression and marginalization, and people with mental health challenges. At our Feb 14 brainstorming event (garage), with 32 very-engaged congregants, folks suggested some additional people in and/or outside our congregation, such as ones experiencing ageism, hunger, and racism. Some participants urged simply showing caring for everyone in the congregation. At the same time, congregants at the brainstorming clearly said we need to focus our efforts, to “set a small number of priorities and do them well”. Where do we begin? Our initiatives will concentrate 2024 work on things inside our congregation. Generally speaking, work focused beyond our walls will come later. Important aspects of our internal work, such as educating ourselves, will better equip FirstU to be a beacon of support and teach us all to be effective allies in the broader community. How is Cultivating Compassionate Community being organized? Since the focus touches a wide-range of groups in the congregation, and is not led by one group in the Social Justice Action Network, we have put in place a Core Team. Its current members are: Carl Sonnen, Rev. Eric Meter, Jane Lindsay, Julia Defalco, Lisa Sharp, Sharen Bowen, and Nina Strang A variety of groups and teams in FirstU have identified representatives to join a sounding board / advisory Circle for CCC. It will meet about quarterly One way or another, all of FirstU’s groups and programs are invited to join us this year in our journey. The Core Team has begun to draw on ideas from the February 11 brainstorm to develop a proposal of attention and activities for 2024. It will refine this proposal with the Circle. If you would like to join the Core Team or the Circle, please let us know by talking to or emailing a Core Team member. We are excited to continue to bring this focus to life with all of you. Stay tuned for updates. Please remember, it’s never too late to share ideas with us – just write a note and drop it in our “idea box” at the back of Worship Hall. Cultivating Compassionate Community: FirstU History on Video UU Pride UU Pride is a social group for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. We host social events just for us, as well as events that are open to our families friends, and allies. Jump to our Upcoming Events section to find out about our next events! "...justice, equity and compassion for all" -second UU principle If you're part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we'd love to meet you! Email diversity@firstunitarianottawa.ca to join the UU Pride group! Pride Pics 2026 Pride Activities at FirstU Pride Parade 2026 Lead - Is It You? Would you love participating in the Pride Parade with FirstU? We need someone to take the lead for our contingent, which includes: Registering our group and being a point person Organizing carpooling Going early for the parade to check in Marching on parade day with our contingent Mentorship prior to the parade is available! Contact Nina at diversity@firstunitarianottawa.ca for more information! 2025 Pride Activities at FirstU In 2025, FirstU tabled at a Capital Pride Street Fair booth on Bank Street between Gloucester and Nepean, as well as marched in the Pride Parade as we do every year! In the slide show on the right, you'll find photos of FirstU members and friends celebrating Pride. Radically Inclusive Sex Ed Saves Lives! Free Palistine! Happy Pride! SHOP FirstU Pride Parade 2024 We had a great time marching in the 2024 Pride Parade! Check out these photos, captured by one Parade Brigade member, Patricia! FirstU Pride Parade 2023 Friend of the congregation, Jay-Dee Purdie, snapped these photos of our 2023 Pride Parade Brigade, including a first appearance by Uni the Unicorn! FirstU at Capital Pride 2022 We had a great time at the Pride Parade this year! Check out some of our photos! QueerEvents Upcoming Events - Pride Season is HERE! FirstU Pride Service "Chosen Family: Intentional Connections and Radical Acceptance" Sunday, August 23 10:30am Worship Hall Join guest speaker Amil Reddy for our annual Pride Service, as we celebrate queer joy and discuss the challenges faced by today's 2SLGBTQIA+ community. UU Pride Social Group Pride Parade Prep - Open to All Sunday, August 23 12:30pm Fellowship Hall Join us after our annual Pride service to get ready for Ottawa's Capital Pride Parade! Decorate T-shirts, make posters, or create crafty giveaways to help populate our Community Fair booth. Bring your friends and other supporters as we get ready to march - or cheer from the side-lines - on August 30th! No registration required & all are welcome to participate! FirstU at the Capital Pride Street Festival The Weekend of August 29-30 Noon - 8:00pm (both days) Bank St between Nepean and Gloucester The Capital Pride Street Festival returns to Bank Street this year, and FirstU will be part of it! The Street Fair features community organizations, political groups, a craft fair, events and performances, and other programming, all celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Last year, the Pride Street Festival was a great opportunity for FirstU to meet new people who might be looking for additional community and a Something More to add to their lives, and let them know about what we do as UUs. Our troupe of FirstU volunteers are excited to get out, do some face-painting for Festival attendees, and enjoy the day while we make some new friends! FirstU and UUFO in the Pride Parade Sunday, August 30 12:30pm (meet at the rally point) 1:00pm (Parade begins) Pride Staging Area (Booth St and Vimy Pl) Colour Zone RED, Area B110 The Pride Parade on Sunday August 30th is a great opportunity to dress festively and get to know other FirstU Marchers! Allies are very welcome. Meet by 12:30pm at area B110 in Colour Zone RED. Marchers can enter the staging area at Vimy and Wellington OR Booth and Wellington. Rainbow umbrellas act as portable shade. Bring a water bottle and any signs you made on the 23rd. Wear your decorated t-shirts, your leather, your leopard print, and your feather boas. Mobility devices and strollers encouraged - we'll be on our feet for a long time. The parade starts at 1:00pm. To keep up to date on parade logistics, or join the Pride WhatsApp group, email diversity@firstunitarianottawa.ca !

Men's Breakfast Group - Breakfast Registration Form Gentlemen are invited to join the Men's Breakfast Group on Friday Sept 11th, for coffee, socializing, and breakfast, followed by an informative and engaging talk and ensuing discussion by Jim Howse on the topic, Preserving Indigenous Languages in the Computer Age: Nunavut and Inuktitut Syllabics. Register no later than Tuesday Sept 8th by submitting the form below. Date of Breakfast you want to attend:* First name* Last name* Email* Phone Sign me up for the Men's Breakfast Group email list! Submit

Welcome to the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, a liberal, spiritual congregation located on the shores of the Ottawa River. We're a diverse, multigenerational community built on a variety of philosophical and faith traditions, and we're committed to turning compassion into action. Get to Know FirstU Jump to Spirituality Jump to Congregational Focus We're inclusive and caring, offer small group ministry, several choirs, social and personal growth events, Religious Exploration for children and youth, and much more. Our social justice action groups are committed to climate action, mental health, affordable housing, food security, Indigenous reconciliation, and supporting our 2SLGBTQ+ community. The Ottawa Unitarian Association was formed in February, 1898, and we've been worshipping together ever since! Our first church was built at the corner of Elgin and Lewis Street, and the congregation moved to our current location on Cleary Avenue in 1967. Throughout the decades our commitment to our faith, our community at large, and each other has remained constant. Our Community - Your Community FirstU is a lively, multi-generational congregation of passionate people who care about their world and the overlapping communities they're part of. You'll find us marching at Capital Pride, conducting shoreline clean-ups along the edge of the Ottawa River where our Campus is located, feeding our friends and neighbours through our food cupboard, sponsoring refugees, hosting tree give-aways, and sharing our campus with seniors' housing, childcare, Or Haneshamah, and the Ajashki Project. Use the buttons below to find out what's happening at FirstU and how you can take part! Services and Events Groups and Activities Read the Weekly eUU Staff Directory Sign Up for eUU Notifications Sundays and Beyond - Spirituality at FirstU At FirstU, we share our vibrant, living Unitarian Universalist culture in ways that are relevant to current and future generations. Understanding that we choose to walk diverse spiritual paths demands of each of us to seek and foster our own and others' spiritual growth. We encourage and support each other in striving towards social and environmental justice by respecting the interdependence of all existence. Use the buttons below to find out what to expect on a Sunday, and more about ministry and spiritual exploration at FirstU! Our Ministry Team Pastoral Care For Children and Youth FirstU Worship FAQ About Unitarian Universalism Past Service - Get Inspired Congregational Focus Our 2024-2026 Congregational Focus: Cultivating Compassionate Community We focus on Cultivating Compassionate Community by putting our values of inclusivity, justice, diversity, and the inherent worth and dignity of all, into real action to support the holistic wellbeing of marginalized people. Learn More About Cultivating Compassionate Community at FirstU Congregational Focus History 2020-2023 - Environmental Action Focusing on Environmental Action included developing the Ajashki project, making significant mitigation and resilience upgrades to our church building, and following through on our action plan of activities and projects including our affordable housing development and our Earth Speaks lecture series, to meet the requirements for Green Sanctuary accreditation. In 2024, after four years of work, FirstU and our Environmental Action Group were notified by the UUA that we had met all the criteria to receive Green Sanctuary 2030 accreditation!

What is Legacy Giving? FirstU's Charitable Number: 107387953 RR 0001 Legacy Giving generally involves planning gifts that will benefit the congregation in the future. Such gifts can allow you to make a substantial, long -term financial contribution independent of your current financial needs. The two principal types of legacy gifts are 1) bequests (gifts by will) and 2) beneficiary designations. Talk to us about other possible types. Bequests can be for a specific amount of money and/or specific assets, all or a fraction of what remains after other obligations are met, or contingent on other conditions being met, such as the prior death of other beneficiaries. Beneficiary designations (naming the congregation as a beneficiary) can be done for a life insurance policy, or other accounts* such as an RRSP or RRIF or TFSA. * If you are a Quebec resident, such designations must be done in your will. Benefits of Legacy Giving Legacy gifts: Are often the largest gift you can make to a cause close to your heart Have no impact on income or assets during your lifetime Can help reduce taxes on your estate * Are relatively easy to change (“revocable”) Will be a good source of future funding for the congregation * Certain types of gifts not covered by this information can provide tax benefits during your lifetime. Tips on Legacy Giving Some important things to consider in your planning are: Always have a will and Powers of Attorney (for health care and property) Seek professional legal and financial advice according to your province of residence Discuss your plans with family and others implicated, including beneficiaries such as the congregation Make your gifts as unrestricted as possible, because future needs are notoriously difficult to predict Living Our Generosity Legacy giving is possible for almost everyone. Contact us using the button below to request more information and to have your questions answered. To request more information on legacy giving, email Michele using the button below. Email Michelle About Legacy Giving

Cleary Detour in Effect: People will use the new detour for Cleary Avenue to enter our campus. Please drive slowly and pay attention to detour signage. More information available on the Cleary Detour Page. We'd be delighted to hear from you! 30 Cleary Avenue Ottawa, ON - K2A 4A1 613-725-1066 (phone) 613-725-3259 (fax) Click here to email the office Click here for the staff directory Sign up for the eUU Find Us... Our beautiful campus is located at 30 Cleary Avenue, off of Richmond Road, West of Westboro and East of Woodroffe Avenue. There is ample free parking. We have accessible parking spots, and an elevator located at the west entrance. From downtown: click here to see directions from the Tunney's Pasture O-Train. The bus  stops at Cleary Avenue and Richmond Road. The intersection has audible aids for the visually impaired. For directions from the west end (Baseline Station) click here. CampusAccess Accessing our Campus During Construction Access from Richmond Road You can access Cleary Avenue by turning north at Byron/Redwood into the campus. Updates on the detour, and the 2024-2027 Richmond Road closure, including maps showing entrance and exit routes, have been added to our Cleary Detour Page and will continue to be updated as information becomes available. Click HERE to view the map. On Campus We will have construction on the First Unitarian campus beginning mid-November 2026, (after our Fall Fair) and will be reduced to only 35 parking spaces for the church. There is parking on side-streets within 2 to 3 blocks, and the #11 OC Transpo route passes us with a one-block walk in to the building. More About Our Campus Our congregational campus situated in the west end on a six-acre, wooded campus adjacent to the Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway and conveniently close to the Trans Canada Trail / Ottawa River Pathway bike path, bus routes, the Transitway, and the community of Westboro. Our campus includes the Meditation Garden, the Ajashki Project, and a children's play area with a climbing structure. We share our grounds with Unitarian House and River Parkway Children's Centre. In 2020, we began the process of adding affordable housing to our campus. Visit our Affordable Housing page to learn more about this process. Constructed in 1967, our beautiful building of red cedar and concrete, is memorable for its soaring spire and the beauty of its interior design. Its architect, James B. Craig, won a second place in an annual city design contest run by the Ottawa chapter of the Ontario Association of Architects. We are in the process of becoming a Green Sanctuary Accredited church. Developing Our Campus Any development that we undertake for our Campus must be consistent with our values as laid out in the document Goals and Guiding Principles for Development of the Unitarian Campus. Want to know about further plans for how our campus is growing? Visit our Affordable Housing page. Are you a member looking for Campus Planning documents or meeting information? Click HERE for the Campus Planning Member Page . Staff Directory Board of Directors For a list of Directors and Bios, please visit the Member's Page. Contact to Board President Contact the Board Secretary Contact the Board of Directors Program Staff Ministry Rev. Lara Cowtan - Minister 613-725-1066 ext. 225 Email Reverend Lara Book a Meeting with Reverend Lara Lay Chaplains For information on our Lay Chaplain officients, please click here. For information on Rites of Passage, click here. For further information, please contact Jen Brennan: 613-725-1066 ext. 221 Religious Exploration Jodi McIntosh 613-725-1066 ext. 234 Contact Jodi for questions on the Religious Exploration Programming for children and youth. Click here to meet our RE Team. Contact Jodi Music Jenn Berntson, Music Director 613-725-1066 ext. 230 Contact Jenn for information on our choirs. Contact Jenn Admin and Support Staff Jen Brennan - Operations Manager 613-725-1066 ext. 221 Contact Jen for rentals and rites of passage inquiries, administration, communications, and property questions: Email Jen Michelle Jackson - Finance and Human Resources Manager 613-725-1066 x 222 Contact Michelle for Stewardship, Membership and Financial information including pledges and donations: Contact Michelle Julia Defalco - Audiovisual Coordinator 613-725-1066 ext. 223 Contact Julia with with questions regarding sound and lighting for events: Contact Julia Dee Mollema - Lead Custodian Eden and Leaf, Custodians 613-725-1066 ext. 224 OR custodian cellphone: 613-890-1067 Contact the Lead Custodian: Contact the Lead Custodian Publications Allison Armstrong, Communications Coordinator Thursdays and Fridays, 11:00am - 3:00pm By Email Only On Tuesdays and Wednesday, please contact Jen Brennan - 613-725-1066 ext. 221 The deadline to submit an item to the weekly eUU Newsletter is 12:00pm on Wednesday of the week you wish your item to be published. The deadline to submit to our quarterly magazine, the Parkway Spire, is the 15th of the month before the issue is published (in March, June, September, and December). Contact Allison OR Submit an Item to the eUU Submit an article to the Parkway Spire

Governing Documents and Policies Welcome! Use the buttons below to download PDFs of FirstU's manuals, bylaws, and other governing documents. Letters of Patent (Updated 2023) General By-Laws May 2022 Governance Manual October 2021 ORG CHARTS 2026 Governance Townhall Board of Directors' Handbook Employee Manual (2019) FirstU Finance Policies Click the buttons below to access the google folder containing FirstU's finance policies. FP-01 - Congregation Financial Policies FP-02 - Financial Authorities FP-03 Annual Financial Plan and Congregational Reporting FP-04 - Deferred Contritubtion Funds FP-06 - Campus Projects Fund FP-09 - Charitable Receipts FP-10 - Travel Expenses FP-14 - Assignment of Investment Income and Changes in Capital Value FP-15 - Legacy Fund FP-16 Honoraria and Related Expenses FP-17 - Benevolent Fund Our Charitable Purposes The charitable purpose of the Corporation (First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa) is to advance religion in accordance with the tenets, principles, practices and traditions of the Unitarian Universalist faith by carrying out activities in support of the following purposes: Preaching, teaching and manifesting the tenets, principles, practices and traditions of the Unitarian Universalist faith Establishing, maintaining and operating a place of worship; Nurturing, supporting and enhancing its religious community and other groups to work together on mutual concerns for the benefit of the community, including promoting and advancing social and environmental justice; Providing basic necessities of life, including food, clothing, school supplies and affordable housing to low-income individuals and families; Maintaining a Benevolent Fund to assist in providing support in cases of urgent need; Sponsoring eligible refugees including providing financial and other support necessary to ensure a successful transition to life in Canada, consistent with Government of Canada requirements for refugee sponsorship; Gifting to qualified donees as defined in subsection 149.1(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada); and Undertaking activities ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the above charitable purposes.

Youth Group - 11-17 years Our Youth Group gets together on the third Friday of every month, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm for dinner plus games, discussions and music - whatever we decide we want to do. Friends are always welcome. Maybe you'd like to join us. Are you: 11-17 years old? Wanting to explore your own spirituality with people your age? Interested in social hang-outs with peers who share your values? Get In Touch Do you want more info, want to know if this group is right for your youth, or are curious about what we are doing this month? Use the form below to contact our director of religious exploration at: dre@firstunitarianottawa.ca .

Edith Holtom Peace Lecture Series The Edith Holtom Memorial Lecture Series presents lectures promoting conflict resolution and peace. Click Here to open a PDF providing further background on "The Holtom Lectures". 2026 Holtom Lecture Featuring the Honourable Bob Rae "What is the Direction for Canada post DAVOS?" Tuesday, November 3 7:30pm Worship Hall Free to Attend (Donations Encouraged) Join us for this year's Holtom Lecture, where the Honourable Bob Rae will provide his insights and perspective on Canada's direction and a peaceful, prosperous future. Read the Honourable Bob Rae's bio HERE. Reception and book signing to follow. Donations gratefully accepted. Past Lectures Holtom Lecture - May 8, 20214 - On Conflict Resolution Dr Donna Hicks 00:00 / 1:14:20 Dr Donna Hicks presenting at Harvard about Conflict Resolution. She presented this lecture on May 8, 2014, as a Holtom Lecture. Building Peace in the 21st Centure: Reflections Over Four Decades Peggy Mason 00:00 / 54:18 Peggy Mason presented "“Building Peace in the 21st Century: Reflections Over Four Decades” as a Holtom Lecture on January 30, 2013. Peggy Mason served as Canada’s UN Ambassador for Disarmament from 1989 to 1994. She is currently a Senior Fellow at the Norman Patterson school of International Affairs. Stories and What They Do Noah Richler 00:00 / 1:04:41 Noah Richler presented "Stories and What They Do" as a Holtom Lecture on April 29, 2013. This lecture features Noah Richler, internationally acclaimed journalist, addressing the transformation of Canada's focus from a peace oriented country to a warrior nation. How permanent is this change in Canada's character? Holtom Lecture - November 25, 2015 Desmond Morton 00:00 / 1:03:55 Desmond Morton presented this Holtom Lecture on November 25, 2015.

Connect with Friends Getting Involved is Easy at FirstU Weekly Groups Biweekly Groups Monthly Groups Getting more involved in congregational life is a great way to deepen your social and spiritual connections to your church community. You can keep up with your community's events and announcements by subscribing to our FirstU publications. Joining a social or activist group, a committee, or a council at FirstU makes it easy to make new friends, and get to know your favourite acquaintances better. Visit our Adult Learning and Growth page to find out about our spiritual enrichment and personal growth workshops and events. Click on Make Change to get involved with one of our many activist groups, or check out our Volunteer With Us page for ways to share your skills and learn some new ones. Check out the Getting Connected Guide page to find out about social, spiritual, activist, discussion, and creative groups you can join. Love our Meditation Gardens and want to get involved? Join our Gardens' Facebook group. Read on for a list of recurring group events, and consult the calendar or check the eUU to confirm scheduling. Contact the church office (613-725-1066) for more information. Caring for Each Other As part of a community, we are all responsible for supporting and helping members who are in need. The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa has groups - including the Caring Network, the Mental Health Support and Action Group, and our Caring Visitors - who work to help us care for each other. Click here to learn more. If you need to talk to someone from one these groups, contact the church office at 613-725-1066 OR: Click here to Request Support Recurring Group Events Weekly Groups Weekly Group Events Taoist Tai Chi Tuesdays - 1:00pm to 3:00pm - Fellowship Hall Thursdays - 10:00am to Noon - Fellowship Hall Tai Chi is a series of gentle movements that improves circulation, strengthens the bones, and develops good balance. Our Tai Chi series will continue through July and August. Each two-hour session is led by experienced instructors from "Friends of Tai Chi" and includes a tea break. There is no fixed fee for these classes, a donation basket will be available. Questions? Use the green button to contact us about Tai Chi. Knitters Group Wednesdays - 1:00pm - Room 3 This group welcomes knitters and crocheters of any level, from beginner to expert, who enjoy creating hand-made items in a friendly, supportive setting. We use donated yarn to make a variety of goods to sell at Fall Fair, Mitten Tree, and other events in support of the church, and to donate to special community projects. Online Group Meditation Wednesdays - 7:00pm - On Zoom Join us on Wednesday evenings for online meditation plus readings from teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh. The online "room" open shortly before 7:00pm. All are welcome. Contact adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca in advance to see if our meeting agenda items interests you and to receive the zoom link. Singing Spires Fridays - 12:15pm - Worship Hall On Summer Break Join us in this informal weekly get together to sing and strum folk tunes and favourites from the 60’s through 90’s. Bring your guitar, ukulele or other instrument, or just come to sing. Song sheets / overhead provided. This is a fun, social and relaxed group; musical skill and singing is for all levels. Email Friday Spires for information, and to confirm you're attending. After-Service Conversation Sundays - 11:45am The Lounge Returns September 20 Join us in the Lounge for a conversation about themes and insights from this morning's service. Grab some food from Mia's Indian Cuisine (cash preferred) in Fellowship Hall, if you wish, then join us in the Lounge for coffee and the conversation. Check the eUU for changes to this schedule. Email Adult Learning and Growth about Tai Chi Email Friday Spires to RSVP Bi-Weekly Group Events Biweekly Groups FirstU Virtual Discussion Circle Every Other Thursday - 1:30pm - On Zoom Discussion circles are held biweekly, with a different topic each time. No pre-registration is required, just drop in by clicking on the link. We look forward to seeing you! Contact Andrew for the next date and discussion topic! ZOOM LINK Meeting ID: 865 5594 9758 Passcode: 917486 Men's Breakfast Group Second and Fourth Friday of the Month - 8:00am - Fellowship Hall - $10 Gentlemen are invited to join the Men’s Breakfast Group for coffee, socializing, and breakfast, followed by a talk by an informed and engaging guest speaker. Check the eUU "Recurring Events" section for our latest speaker and topic. Register by the Monday immediately before the Breakfast you want to attend, by submitting this form. Email Andrew about the Virtual Discussion Circle Monthly Group Events Monthly Groups Drop-In Games Night First and Third Wednesday of Every Month - 6:30pm - Room 3 Drop-in Games Nights are held at FirstU on the first and third Wednesday evening of each month. We gather in Room 3 to play Euchre, Backgammon, and Chess. Everyone from novices to experts is welcome. There is even a "teaching table" for newer players. Please feel free to bring a snack to share if you like, but mostly feel free to bring a friend! And, of course, bring along a deck of cards, a board, or other game pieces, if you have them. Mah Jongg Second Monday of Every Month - 10:00am - Room 3 Do you know how to play Mah Jongg? Come and join other seasoned players in Room 3 on the second Monday of every month. We play American Mah Jongg, with 3-4 people per table, using the 2025 game card. Please bring your card. If you can bring a game, please let Barb know when you RSVP using the green button. A follow-up email will be sent to players who RSVP to confirm their spot. Drumming Spires Third Friday of Every Month - 11:00am - Fellowship Hall Returns on Friday, September 18 Come find your rhythm connection in this recreational community drum circle. Please bring a small drum, coffee canister, or percussion instrument. No experience needed! Please accompany children who attend. Use the green "Friday Spires" button to email us for information and to confirm you're attending. Mental Health Support and Action Group Third Sunday of Every Month - 12:00pm - Room 6 and Online The Mental Health Support and Action Group meets on the third Sunday of every month for an hour of supportive listening and sharing. An additional thirty minutes are available after 1:00pm for those who wish to collaborate on group administration and on planning the future foci of our group. ZOOM LINK Meeting ID: 873 3523 6995 Passcode: 417892 UU Pride Social and Support Group Third Sunday of Every Month - 7:00pm - Online UU Pride runs monthly events for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and our families and friends. Some of our events are in person, and some are online. Email us to find out about our next event! FirstU Trivia Night Third Monday of Every Month - 7:00pm - On Zoom Returns September 21 Join us for our monthly Trivia Quiz! Questions are diverse, fun, and taken from several sources, and there is no need to feel embarrassed about getting an incorrect answer: players score themselves! All you need is a pen or pencil, paper and your "thinking cap". Play alone or team up with friends! ZOOM LINK Meeting ID: 826 4527 6924 Passcode: 976057 yUUth Group Third Friday of Every Month - 6:30pm Youth ages 11-17 are invited to join our yUUth Group meetup on the third Friday of every month. We usually meet at the church (but sometimes go bowling or do something else off-site), share a meal, and play games together. Email our Director of Religious Exploration for details on this month's activity! Thursday Evening Reading for Growth Fourth Thursday of Every Month - 7:00pm - On Zoom Returns September 24 Join us, on the fourth Thursday of every month, for a lively discussion of our latest non-fiction book! Use the green button to contact Ken for the zoom link and our next title! Friday Afternoon Reading for Growth LAST Friday of Every Month - 1:30pm - On Zoom Returns September 25 Join us on the last (usual fourth, sometimes fifth) Friday of every month for a thoughtful discussion of our latest book. We choose older books that are reliably available through the Ottawa Public Library. Use the green button to contact Clea for the zoom details and our latest book selection. RSVP to Mah Jongg Email Friday Spires to RSVP Email UU Pride Contact our DRE for More Information Contact Ken for More Information and the Link Contact Clea for More Information and the Link Event Updates Recurring Events: Topics and Changes September’s Journey Group theme is “Beginnings”. Starting in October, the group will meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Contact Amalilly for more information. October 1 - Virtual Discussion Circle - Every other Thursday at 1:30pm on zoom. Discussion circles are held biweekly, with a different topic each time. No pre-registration is required, just drop in by clicking on the link. We look forward to seeing you! Contact Andrew with any questions. Our topic will be: "Describe the most captivating painting or artwork that you've ever seen" October 6 – Journey Group – 2:00pm - Room 6 - Our Journey Group meets twice a month to discuss a monthly theme. October’s theme is “Courage”. Additional groups will form based on demand for time, type, and frequency. Starting in October, the group will meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Contact Amalilly for more information. October 9 - Men's Breakfast Group - 8:30am - Fellowship Hall - Gentlemen are invited to join the Men's Breakfast Group on Friday, October 9, for coffee, socializing, and breakfast, followed by an informative and engaging talk and ensuing discussion. Register no later than Monday, October 5, by clicking HERE and submitting this form. October 22 - Thursday Evening Reading for Growth – 7:00pm on the fourth Thursday of the month. Contact Ken for the zoom link and our first book title of the year. October 30 - Friday Afternoon Reading for Growth – 1:30pm on the last Friday of the month. Contact Clea for the zoom link and our next title. FirstUpubs Get All the FirstU News eUU Weekly Newsletter Our weekly email bulletin arrives in your inbox on Fridays, through a free subscription. The eUU provides Sunday service and RE information, upcoming FirstU events, congregational news, Unitarian Universalist information, and news from our friends. Click HERE to read the eUU online. Subscribe to get the eUU in Your Inbox Submit an Item to the eUU Submission Guidelines - Items in the eUU: Are published weekly for a maximum of three weeks. Are restricted to congregational news and events Can be no more than 80 words in length. Must be submitted by Wednesday at noon. Email Your Submission to the eUU The Parkway Spire Magazine A quarterly, printed magazine about congregational news and events. Additional description of Spire general content. Click HERE to read the latest edition. FirstU Members can Contribute to the Parkway Spire! Are you a member? Have an editorial, essay, poem, or photograph you'd like to share? Submit it for consideration to the Parkway Spire. Maximum 450 words. Check the calendar for submission deadlines. Email an unformatted copy (.docx is fine), before the next submission deadline, to: spire@firstunitarianottawa.ca Subscribe to be notified that the latest edition is available Read Past Spire Editions Here