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Good morning, James Bay United Church,

Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, is barely a breath away ... and even though some of us have met this week countless times before, there is something awaiting us all this week -- perhaps in the moment, and assuredly, in time to come.  For in the space of one week, an enormous amount of life is lived ... from celebration to desolation; from intimacy to utter loneliness; from courage to cowardice; viciousness to non-violence, horror to unimagined joy ... we encounter all this and more.  The shape of the week is given to us as we take our lead from the Passion Narrative in the New Testament Gospels.  We begin this Sunday.  I urge you to check the details for times and places, enter into the week with all your heart.

You may be aware that the young Syrian woman we are sponsoring is about to arrive in Victoria, at long last.  She will make that journey in fact on Thursday.  There is reason to be concerned for her safety as she makes her way to the Iraqui airport for her departure.  Would you be part of the circle of prayer, praying for her safety?  Meanwhile several people from our congregation and the neighbourhood have had their second lesson, learning to speak Arabic.  The apartment is ready for occupancy.  And a whole team of people is ready to offer friendship and a wide range of assistance.  More updates to follow no doubt.

Last night I went to the Sing Your Joy concert at Oak Bay United Church.  It is the 3rd or 4th of their concerts I've been to in the last 3 years, and every time I come away hugely heartened.  The non-auditioned choir of close to 60 people between 18 30 years old is a remarkable witness to the flourishing of people's lives when given the opportunity to come together in freedom and friendship, with leadership that values honest respectful conversation about life and believes in the power of singing to work its magic.  Along with the choir, this year's concert features Coastline Strings ... you have to hear them to believe it!  All this to say, there is another performance tonight and I heartily recommend it  ... 7pm 1355 Mitchell St, just one block south of Oak Bay Ave.  Tickets are available at the door -- $15 for adults; $10 for students.

And finally a note I received earlier this week from Victoria City Counsellor, Ben Isitt, at the request of organizers of an important grassroots initiative, the Walk 4 the Salish Sea, a 4-day March against Pipeline and Tanker development on unceded Indigenous lands.
The March will take place May 25-28th, 2017, leaving from Victoria and culminating in a Festival, rally and civil-disobedience teach-in at the gates of the Kinder Morgan Refinery in Burnaby.
Participants are welcome to join for part or all of the journey, and accommodations and communal dinners will be available for those who register.
For route information, registration, and fundraising details please see Walk 4 the Salish Sea!
We would be deeply grateful if you would pass this message and the attached poster onto your members and share our page on your social media to help spread the word about this event.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please email me. 
Thanks so much.  In solidarity,
Ben

Grace and Peace,

Karen 

 

 

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