Local Events

As part of free time at General Council on Wednesday, August 15, we offer the below optional local events. Please note that costs associated with these events will be due at time of registration to ensure proper transportation is available.

Healing Pathway

Congregations in Ottawa invite you to hear and experience well-being and wholeness through the ministry of Healing Pathway, a program from the United Church’s Naramata Centre (since 1993). We reclaim Jesus’ healing ministry, develop gifts and skills of healing hands in the Christian tradition, and foster healing ministries generally.

Healing Pathway deepens pastoral care and spiritual growth and helps heal others in body, mind, and spirit. Experience the ministry’s transforming power.

• Where: First United Church (chapel)
• When: 1:00−4:45 p.m.
• Agenda: Hands-on healing; discussion of the program, spiritual approach, and techniques; the network in Ottawa
• Cost: $20 for bus

Bus tickets will be available for purchase at Carleton for the return trip from Parliament Hill.

You may return to Carleton for dinner or eat downtown and join others at Parliament Hill at 7:30 p.m. for the Prayer and Song Vigil.

Downtown Justice Walk

Beginning at Centre 507, an adult drop-in centre located at historic Centretown United Church on Bank St., you will walk through the streets of downtown Ottawa to visit a variety of interesting locations, programs, and people. Learn how the faith community and the wider community are responding to a variety of social issues, such as homelessness, affordable housing, women’s needs, artistic expressions, human rights, youth in crisis, economic development co-ops, and health programs for the chronically homeless. The tour ends by 5:00 p.m. at the Ottawa Mission. Dinner can be enjoyed at an eclectic variety of restaurants in the nearby Byward Market, a well-known tourist destination.

• When: 1:00−5:00 p.m.
• Departure: Leave Carleton at 1:00 p.m.
• Cost: $20 for bus

Bus tickets will be available for purchase at Carleton for the return trip from Parliament.

You may join others at Parliament Hill at 7:30 p.m. for the Prayer and Song Vigil.

Nature Hike in Gatineau Park in Quebec and Mackenzie King Estate

Hike on one of the many beautiful trails in Gatineau Park with City of Ottawa ecologist Nick Stowe. Wear shoes suitable for hiking. You will learn about the varied and unique flora and fauna of the region. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Ottawa River Valley and learn about its geological history—perfect photo shoot!

After the hike discover the life and times of Canada’s 10th prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, at the Mackenzie King Estate. This country estate was his summer home and inspiration for almost 50 years. The estate features colourful heritage gardens, walking trails, picturesque ruins, and King’s original cottages. Your afternoon will end with a delectable meal served at 5 p.m. at Alymer United Church, Quebec.

• Departure: Leave Carleton at 1 p.m.
• Cost: $35 (bus $25 and meal $10)

Return Trip: You may be dropped off at Parliament Hill for the evening Prayer and Song Vigil at 7:30pm or you may continue to Carleton University.

Going Green! A Visit to Two Churches That Are Leaders in the Green Movement

Your Green Tour begins with a trip to Stittsville United Church to see and learn about their recently completed Solar Panel Project. After refreshments, you will travel to Emmanuel United Church to see the extensive renovations to their Christian Education Building now completed through their Revitalization Project. Learn all about the joys and challenges of renovating a church according to the new green building codes.

Trip concludes at Parliament Hill in time for the Prayer and Song Vigil at 7:30 p.m. or you may continue to Carleton University.

• Departure: Leave Carleton at 1 p.m.
• Cost: $20

Bus tickets will be available for purchase at Carleton for the return trip from Parliament.

Housing Outreach Projects

Learn from two different United Church congregations how they developed and continue to sustain two unique affordable housing projects. You will begin your tour at Barrhaven United Church to visit their award-winning housing project, which includes both handicapped and environmentally-friendly units, now celebrating their 20th anniversary. Then on to Bell Corners to visit Harmer House, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. This affordable housing project for seniors was developed through ecumenical collaboration in Bells Corners, including the United Church. It is called the West Nepean Ecumenical Residential Project.

Dinner is available at Carleton or you may dine out.

• When: 1:30−5:00 p.m.
• Departure: Leave Carleton at 1:30 p.m.
• Cost: $20 for bus

Bus tickets will be available for purchase at Carleton for the return trip.

You may join others at Parliament Hill at 7:30 p.m. for the Prayer and Song Vigil.

Faith and Public Life: Visit to Parliament Hill

For politically engaged members of our United Church, no visit to Ottawa is complete without a chance to see the place where decisions affecting equity and peace with justice are made. And what better way to experience our Parliament than in the company of a former cabinet minister of faith. The Honourable Jack Murta (retired), elected from Manitoba, served in the 1988−93 Mulroney cabinet. Since leaving politics he has continued his care for our society, currently serving as president of the Ottawa City Mission, conducting meditation classes, and providing leadership to the national parliamentary prayer breakfast. Jack has agreed to meet with a group of up to 40 people to talk about how the parliamentary process functions and the challenges of working in Parliament as a person of faith. He has also agreed to arrange a tour of the buildings. Space is limited, so sign up early.

• Departure: Leave Carleton at 1:30 p.m.
• Cost: $20 for bus

Bus tickets will be available for purchase at Carleton for the return trip.

You may join others at Parliament Hill at 7:30 p.m. for the Prayer and Song Vigil.

French Ministries (Ministères en français)

In 1608, when Samuel de Champlain founded Québec, the capital of New France, many of his men were Protestant Huguenots! Since the beginning, French-speaking Protestants have been an integral, if often unnoticed, part of the francophone community in Canada. Many French-speaking congregations also entered into union in 1925. So what’s it like to be a Protestant minority in a francophone society that sees itself as solely Catholic? What’s it like to be a francophone minority in a Protestant community that often sees itself as predominantly anglophone? The Rev. Eduard Barbezat and the congregation of Église St. Marc, located in downtown Ottawa, have agreed to welcome up to 40 people for a tour and conversation about the joys, challenges, and unique aspects among our francophone United Churches. Space is limited, so sign up early.

• Departure: Leave Carleton at 1:30 p.m.
• Cost: $20 for bus

Bus tickets will be available for purchase at Carleton for the return trip from Parliament Hill or downtown Ottawa.

You may join others at Parliament Hill at 7:30 p.m. for the Prayer and Song Vigil.

Relaxing and Refreshing Walking Tours through Rockcliffe Park and Rideau Hall

After a refreshing picnic lunch by the Pavilion, come and take a leisurely walk through beautiful Rockcliffe Park. On your way, stop and see the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and Quebec from the famous lookout. Follow the Parkway Path to Sussex Drive, the home of the prime minister, and the gates to Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor general. Take advantage of the open house and friendly guides to learn about Rideau Hall and the beautiful grounds surrounding it. The south side of the grounds will lead you into the sanctuary of the historic Mackay United Church for more refreshments and a bit of church history. End your walking tour with a quick bus ride to the Byward Market, which is only a short walk away from Parliament Hill.

• Departure: Leave Carleton at 12:30 p.m.
• Agenda: Arrive at Rockcliffe Park by 1 p.m. Leave there by 2:00 p.m. to go to lookout; start walking to Rideau Hall. Open house at Rideau Hall from 2:30−4:00, followed by a visit to the historic Mackay United Church. Dine out at the Byward Market.
• Cost: $20 for bus

Bus tickets will be available for purchase at Carleton for the return trip from Parliament Hill or downtown Ottawa .

You may join others at Parliament Hill at 7:30 p.m. for the Prayer and Song Vigil.

Rural Ministry Experience

An hour’s drive from Ottawa, you will arrive in historic Fitzroy Harbour after passing through rural villages (Kinburn, Galetta). You will be welcomed at St. Andrew’s for refreshment. You will hear the story of the area, with local clergy speaking about rural ministry and the Beef Farmers Co-operative. We will have a BBQ from local produce and a time on the beach. This is a picturesque trip by bus.

• Time: 1:00 p.m.; return to Carleton after dinner.
• Cost: $35 ($15 for meal and pass to Fitzroy Park and $20 for bus)

You may join others at Parliament Hill at 7:30 p.m. for the Prayer and Song Vigil.

War, Peace, and World Religions Walk

This event has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Walk the Labyrinth

This event has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.