First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa

Sunday, March 1st, 2020 - Sunday Sermon by Rev. Patricia Guthmann Haresch -

So often we use the term “Christian” in a monolithic way, suggesting it refers to a uniform set of beliefs and practices. A few years ago when Rev. Pat searched the internet asking the question, “how many different kinds of Christians are there?”, the answer was 33,820. The most recent study from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon Conwell puts the number of Christian denominations and sects at 43,000. What is a "good" definition for the word Christian and where might Unitarians and Universalists fit into the spectrum?

Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 - CUC Sharing Our Faith "Drops Making Waves" Sermon by Rev. Patricia Guthmann Haresch -

"Because he knew that, although he was just a drop in the bucket, enough drops in the bucket make a bucketful." From A Drop with a Dream by Rev Christopher Buice. Annually the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) encourages congregations to take up a special offering for the CUC Sharing Our Faith Fund, part of a program that provides funds for congregational initiatives. Last year such grants helped support UU summer camps, website development, accessibility renovations, increases in social media and outreach. Rev. Pat will reflect on the theme of one drop in the bucket making a difference, making waves you can say, when joined by other drops.

Sunday, February 16th, 2020 - by Rev. Patricia Guthmann Haresch -

“Although our theological beliefs can be diverse, our covenant with one another and the love we bring to it tie us together in a common bond. . .We embrace our responsibility toward one another and the world at large. We encourage one another's search for truth and meaning.” (from Love Connects Us by UU Curriculum authors, Michelle Richards and Lynn Ungar) Rev. Pat will reflect on our Unitarian Universalist heritage of love.

Sunday, February 2nd, 2020 - by Rev. Patricia Guthmann Haresch -

As a little UU girl, Rev. Pat was taught that everyone was part of the human family, that all should be respected. How can it be that we separate out certain people from the rest of the pack, the rest of the human family, and call them "other." Who after all is a “they” and not an “us”? As Black History month commences this February, Rev. Pat considers the idea of "the other."

Sunday, January 26th, 2020 - by Rev. Patricia Guthmann Haresch -

Rev. Pat recalls being asked once, “Why do Unitarian Universalists pray?” Interesting question... How would you respond? Do you pray or meditate? What sort of meaning does this practice hold for you? Join Rev. Pat as she explores a UU understanding of prayer.

January 19, 2020 - Sunday Sermon by Rev. Patricia Guthmann Haresch and The Right Relations Team - We acknowledge that our campus is located on unceded, traditional Algonquin Territory and that all Canadians have treaty responsibilities. What other covanental responsibilities do we have in nurturing the interdependent web of life?