The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa
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Welcome!
Our Church Isn't Just for Sunday Services;
It's a Gathering Place Where We Co-Create Our Community of Like Minds and Shared Values, Every Day.
Welcome to the First Unitarian Congregation, 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.
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.
30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa ON K2A 4A1 613-725-1066 uuoffice@firstunitarianottawa.ca
"We kindle the light within and inspire courage to nurture the web of life and to create a just and compassionate world."
Reverend Lara Cowtan, Minister
Sunday Mornings
SUNDAY
SERVICE
Join us for Sunday Service at
10:30am. You may also watch online!
This Week's Service:
The Adjacent Possible
With Lee Rose
Upcoming Services:
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July 5: Music Is Divine (with Jenn Berntson)
-
July 12: Unitarians Face a New Age (CUC National Service)
RELIGIOUS
EXPLORATION
Here's what our UU Kids will be doing this week:
This Sunday is our last day of RE before summer programming begins!
After Time for All Ages, we'll go downstairs for an outdoor party! Join us for crafts, games, and a snack, and remember to wear sunscreen and a hat!
Notes About Summer Programming
During our Summer Program, we will be spending a lot of time outside! Please remember sunscreen and hats to protect from the sun, and be aware that there will be a risk of ticks. Please perform a tick check when possible.
HOSPITALITY
HOUR
Attending in Person?
We invite you to join us in Fellowship Hall immediately after our Sunday service for coffee and conversation.
During our church year, there is hot food available for purchase from Mia's Indian Cuisine (cash preferred).
Our After-Service Discussion is on Summer Break and will return at Ingathering in September.
Parents: In addition to a kids' table in Fellowship Hall, we have the Chalice Room Cafe downstairs where you can connect with other parents while your kids enjoy free play.
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Accessing FirstU's Campus During Construction (Updated June 2026)
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 October or November 2026, 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.
Upcoming Events at FirstU
