Sunday, July 14, 2024 Online AND In Person Starts at 10:30am
Critical Thinking and My Escape
From Biblical Inerrancy With Brian Cowan
This Sunday, guest speaker Brian Cowan talks about
how developing critical thinking skills helped him
find his way out of the valley of the shadow of
Christian fundamentalism.
Please join us for Coffee Hour following the service.
Grab a green mug to let us know if you're feeling new!
Our Outdoor Summer Program is in full swing!
Open to children ages 2-12, the program is a fantastic way to spend our summer Sundays. We'll meet in the Rainbow Room at 10:30am, then explore our church yard and the nearby NCC land with lots of free play, art projects, and activities focused on nature.
It's budget time again, if you run a team, group or committee please expect an email from the office with a budget request form attached.
If you haven’t received one as of today, July 5, you can call the office or contact [email protected], or else pick one up in the office when you're at the church.
They are due back to Michelle on Thursday, August 1, 2024. If you have any questions you can contact the office or [email protected]
Algonquin Word of the Week
We all know that Ajashki means "Soil" in Algonquin, that Kitigan Zibi means "Garden River", and "Gichi Zibi" means "Great River". Now let's learn some more words in Algonquin language.
This week's Algonquin Word of the Week is:
Bangibiisaa
Bangibiisaa means "it's pouring rain”. A good word for earlier this week!
Housing Affordability Circle
FirstU is going to co-own a 16-story apartment building on our campus and we are committed to ensuring there are funds to subsidize some units for low income individuals and families. Join Lisa Sharp and the Justice and Equality Action Group in creating a concrete action plan for making this a reality. If you'd like to help, please contact Lisa S.
Want to let the congregation know about a volunteer opportunity? Fill out this online form to let people know!
We are all interconnected, interdependent and minister to each other in many ways. Our monthly Caring Contacts take your phone calls and emails when you wish to alert us to a need or a concern or have a joy to celebrate. We try to ensure no one is forgotten and that appropriate help is provided when requested.
Read All About It!
Save the Date! Fall Fair 2024 is Saturday, November 16 Fall Fair is FirstU's biggest fundraising - and FUN-raising - event! Mark your calendars and tell your friends about this year's Fall Fair on Saturday November 16, from 9:30am to 2:00pm. Be sure to start saving items to donate to the Fair. You can get a list of items we are looking for HERE.
FirstU needs a Dehumidifier for the Lower Level
If you have one kicking around we would be delighted to have it! Contact Dee at [email protected] if you have one to offer. Thanks in advance!
Campus Redevelopment Plan Available for Comment
The Campus Redevelopment zoning submission has been deemed complete by city staff and will go to the Planning Committee on August 28th, to be voted on for approval before going to council. The committee is soliciting comments by July 25 from the public about the project. Submitted your comments online by clicking here. Note: Theia Partners is listed as the owner because they are the ones who prepared and submitted the zoning application. Questions? Contact [email protected].
FirstU Food Sharing
Our food cupboard welcomes home grown veggies and fruits. If you can share some of your bounty, please drop it off in the refrigerator in the Grow Tower room. We also accept home baked goods to go into the freezer in individual servings.
Seeking Legal Personhood for Tenàgàdino Zìbì (Gatineau River)
On June 23, Lindsey Barr, founder of World Changing Kids, spoke about seeking the legal personhood of Tenàgàdino Zìbì. Visit the Climate Action page for ways to support this initiative, and to view some very good news items for July!
Out with the Old, In with the New
We are getting a new mural in the west stairwell. Although the current design has long been beloved, it’s time to freshen up the space! Our own Susan McEwen has designed and will create the new mural. Look for the completed artwork in the next couple of weeks! Here is the old mural. This photo will be kept in our archives so it can’t be forgotten.
Upcoming Events
Summer Pick-Up Choir
Sunday, July 14 - 9:45am
Summer Choir will be running every Sunday in July at 9:45am. This is a "drop-in" choir and everyone is welcome. Show up at 9:45am on Sunday morning, and learn an anthem to be sung in the service that day. No singing experience necessary!
Taoist Tai Chi
Tuesday, July 16 - 1:00pm in Fellowship Hall
Led by Friends of Taoist Tai Chi, Ottawa
Tai Chi is a series of gentle movements that improves circulation, strengthens the bones, and develops good balance. Many have found their health greatly improved by regular practice. We welcome anyone to participate, beginners included. Each two-hour session will be led by experienced instructors from "Friends of Tai Chi" and will include a break for tea. No advance registration needed just drop in. There is no fixed fee for these classes, a free will donation basket will be available. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Drop-In Art Morning
Wednesday, July 17 - 9:00am - Room 3
Adults! Join us, every Wednesday, for three hours of creating and conversation! Drop in with your art supplies and pursuits. Please no oil paints. There is no storage so projects must go back home with you. No charge, free will offering basket will be available.
Knitters Group
Wednesday, July 17 - 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. Using donated yarn, we 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 Meditation Group
Wednesday, July 17 - 7:00pm on Zoom
Join us on Wednesday evenings for online meditation plus readings from teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh. Let Colleen know if you would like to receive a friendly email reminder on Tuesday. Click HERE to join the meditation session Meeting ID: 880 7343 6250 Passcode: 259109
Sunday, July 7 10:30am
Sunday Service Online AND In-Person 11:30am
Coffee Hour
FirstU Food Cupboard is Open
Save the Date
Mah Jongg
Monday, July 22 - 10:00am - Room 3
We will play American Mah Jongg with 3-4 people per table on the fourth Monday of every month. We are currently using the 2023 game card. Please bring your card. If you can bring a game, please let Barb know when you RSVP. A follow-up email will be sent to players who RSVP to confirm their spot. It is important that you know how to play the game.
Unitarian Universalist nUUs
Information about events and activities at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa can be found by reading the latest UUFO Friday Notes.
Canadian Unitarian Council Information about upcoming CUC events can be found on their Events Page.
If you would like an announcement made during the livestreamed Sunday Service, please send an email, by Friday at 10am, to [email protected].
Do allow for time in case there are questions with regard to the announcement. Also note that announcements may need to be edited
for length and that time-sensitive announcements may be prioritized.
eUU Submissions
Submit your eUU messages for consideration to [email protected] no later than Wednesday at noon of the week you want your announcement or event to appear. Submissions may be edited for length.
80 words or fewer, please. Allison, our Communications Coordinator, works Thursdays and Fridays.