Do you have aversion to change? Perhaps change equates to fear of the unknown or the reason for unwanted conflict or even the cause of pain in some form for you. Will what first served you on your search for truth and meaning always be as relevant? One experience may simply be a stepping stone for another, allowing you to meet the ever changing needs ahead. Instead of change being a negative experience perhaps you need to open your arms wide and embrace it. Change may be what offers you the oppo...
Jul 16, 2017•27 min
When we consider the magnificent and diverse natural world in which we live, it isn’t hard to be impressed. The ecosystems of our human relationships are no different. Predator-prey, in-group and out-group, scarcity and abundance – they are all at play in our daily lives. When we understand our relationships through the lens of how nature works, we may develop the insight of how to relate to one another better. Going with the grain of nature rather than fighting it may align us better with what ...
Jul 09, 2017•19 min
Home can mean the “place where the heart is” and/or a physical place where we live. This sermon will consider our concepts of home, living in community and “coming home” to the end of our lives - in the context of a move to a seniors’ residence. We’ll hear about how Unitarian House, our nearest neighbour, came into being and what is special about this loving organization. Mo Gabe has been a member of either First Unitarian or the Unitarian Fellowship of Ottawa for many years. She discovered her ...
Jul 02, 2017•25 min
Joan will talk about her involvement with indigenous land and water defence particularly in regard to mineral exploration and development, and about the role organizations like MiningWatch Canada play in supporting communities affected by mining.
Jun 25, 2017•20 min
A community that recognizes that all natural cycles of sickness and health, birth and death, and love and loss occur every day within the surroundings of its institutions and regular activities is a compassionate community. Its residents recognize that care for one another at times of crisis and loss is not simply a task solely for health and social services but is everyone·s responsibility. Compassionate communities are inclusive of schools, workplaces, faith communities, art, literature, union...
Jun 18, 2017•18 min
FUCO Member Doug Cousins' Sermon deals with the question of how to find meaning in our lives - from a Unitarian perspective.
Jun 11, 2017•12 min
We all make snap judgements. It's a left-over vestige of the time when we evolved into humans 250,000 years ago on the African savannah. We needed to be able to determine quickly whether a stranger was a threat or not. We still make snap judgements, even though the threat is usually nonexistent. Sometimes these judgements can be tragically wrong, as Guy Thatcher learned while walking ancient pilgrimage trails in France and Spain.
Jun 04, 2017•20 min
Today is our interim Minister Paula Canon Gable's final service with us. As we celebrate with a congregational farewell and thank you, Paula shares some parting words to wrap up her 10 months of dedication to strengthening our beloved community here at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa.
May 28, 2017•11 min
Our Spiritual Care Visitor Ellen Bell delivers her first sermon as Reverend Ellen Bell. On this May long weekend, Rev. Bell will discuss the history and spiritual significance of the Queen's birthday..
May 21, 2017•18 min
Nowadays, spiritual communities are the "villages of old" that are essential in raising children. We'll explore the richness of relationships between children and adults while celebrating and giving thanks to mothers, and others who offered us parental love when we were young.
May 14, 2017•21 min
In Canada, the choice to belong to a faith community (or not) is a privilege that most of us take for granted. And rightfully so. However, there are places throught the world where religious choice is banned. If we are to pass our tradition of free faith to future generations, we must continually reaffirm and renew our commitment to this institution as a whole, as well as our support of programs and individuals. Please join us in joyfully welcoming our new members and offering them our love and ...
Apr 30, 2017•27 min
We honour those who came before us and also consider the NEXT 50 years of our beloved community. Here, former ministers of FUCO answer questions, sharing their memories and hopes for the future.
Apr 23, 2017•11 min
The rebirth and renewal of spring are integral to the celebration of Easter. We will observe this holiday with a uniquely Unitarian custom, Flower Communion, and also learn the story of Rev. Capek, a Unitarian martyr who created this ritual as a symbol of beauty, hope, faith, and solidarity.
Apr 16, 2017•27 min
Sometimes we are so convinced of the ·Truth· of our own beliefs that we fail to seek out and understand what others think and feel. This can become particularly tricky when people with very different theologies and philosophies have to work together · but their worldviews are very different. How can we bridge the divide to realize shared goals? What do we do if there·s a seeming impasse? The answer is simple · but not always easy.
Apr 02, 2017•32 min
"Biographies and Writing Memoirs"
Mar 30, 2017•54 min
At last year’s Canadian Unitarian Council National Conference, we discovered that Unitarians from across the country are supporting refugees and also getting to know our First Nations, Inuit and Métis neighbours. We are living into the vision of interdependence, which calls us to Love and Justice. What a difference it makes to be part of something larger than our own congregation. Come and enjoy our stories of successful common causes supported by strength in numbers.
Mar 26, 2017•19 min
This Sunday we explore how we make promises to each other and what happens when we break them. Our whole congregation is invited to explore with their whole selves in this multi-sensory service, with a little help from a popular children's book. To join the fun, read Dr.Seuss' "Horton Hatches The Egg", then listen to this homily by Liz Roper about the importance of covenant as a keystone to our Unitarian Universalist community.
Mar 19, 2017•12 min
Bad things happen to good people all the time, and often, no one is to blame. Not self. Not other. Not even God. It's tough, but we have to accept these things and move on. As a wise person once said, "If you lose, don't lose the lesson." Each challenge can be an opportunity for spiritual growth – if we choose to see it that way.
Mar 12, 2017•23 min
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we will join UU Congregations throughout Canada to explore changes required for true gender equality. Although there is always more work to be done, we must also celebrate our successes, which are significant – given that Canadian women didn’t gain the right to vote until 1916. We have reason to feel grateful for those who have worked to advance our 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
Mar 05, 2017•28 min
Congregants cope with a change of ministers at different rates, but there are methods to move forward with grace. Summary: When a congregation changes ministers, lots of emotions arise. Grief, anger, despair, wonder, all surface... and at different times for different people. This service is about a congregation's greatest change and how we can help each other move into the future with grace and confidence.
Feb 26, 2017•17 min
A joyful life is possible. You start by envisioning one. Then you find resources, such as your spiritual community, to help you realize this vision.
Feb 19, 2017•31 min
The Rev. Fred Cappuccino will speak on Dealing with 'Difficult or Impossible' People, with help from Massey Lecturer Jennifer Welsh, Senator Bernie Sanders, the Rev Clarence Jordan of Koinonia Community, and Loch Haven (pond).
Feb 12, 2017•23 min
As Valentine·s Day approaches, we are reminded of the joys of romantic love, which is wonderful. Yet, REAL love requires commitment and maturity to sustain a covenantal relationship once the flames of passion burn less brightly.
Feb 05, 2017•26 min
Senior's Program for January 2017. This month features Patricia Stockwell with a sermon called "Caring for Ourselves and Caring for Others". And an after service presentation by Anne Raina entitled "Clara's Rib".
Jan 26, 2017•1 hr 4 min
USC Canada has a long and commendable history providing assistance on behalf of Unitarians and the Canadian public. In a changing world, USC Canada has always adapted. A bold decision in 2007 -- to do less -- has made the organization stronger and multiplied its impact around the world. Can we learn from these lesson as we move forward in our visioning process at First Unitarian Ottawa?
Jan 22, 2017•20 min
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) inspired a peaceful civil rights revolution with oration such including his stirring “I Have a Dream” speech. On the eve of our Southern neighbor’s “statutory holiday” of MLK Day, we will explore how living his prophetic vision of liberty and justice for all is still a moral imperative for our faith community today.
Jan 15, 2017•24 min
Combining knowledge of 12-Step and Indigenous spiritual traditions can help us understand and engage with processing the multi-dimensional trauma of the Doctrine of Discovery. We can consider how this relates to our covenant of being in right relationship with ourselves, each other and the larger community.
Jan 08, 2017•28 min
In some Christian communities, the litmus test for “right action” is “What Would Jesus Do? In a Unitarian congregation, we have numerous “authorities” to inform our actions. How might we apply Buddhist wisdom to prepare for the New Year?
Jan 01, 2017•25 min
During this last week before Christmas comes the Winter Solstice · the shortest day of the year, when winter begins and we start turning from darkness to light. And then begins Hanukah, the eight-day celebration of light for our Jewish brothers and sisters. And finally here, in this congregation, we'll celebrate the Eve of Christmas. Light, joy and generosity link these three celebrations - especially that spiritual generosity which Dalai Lama XIV says is "the most natural expression of an inner...
Dec 18, 2016•24 min
Times of transition lend themselves to higher levels of anxiety, as things are uncertain. We are in the midst of an Interim Ministry · which is quite different from ·Business as Usual.· Recent political events add another layer of complexity. Still, there is great reason for hope and even optimism, for love is more powerful than fear. Together, we have the power to realize our goals by harnessing the power of covenant and community.
Nov 27, 2016•24 min
