This Sunday we begin exploring the Tree of Life during the six weeks of Creation Time. This first week, we consider the roots of the Tree of Life and how God provides an anchor in our lives, just like the roots anchor a tree. We will overlay other wisdom traditions, like Jewish Kabbalah or Norse mythology, to see what insights the Tree of Life offers through those traditions.

Presiding: Rev Greg Powell
Music Lead: Jennifer Turner
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Alan Thurston
Christ Candle: Deborah Davis
Scripture: Genesis 2:4b-13; Revelation 22:1-9 
Scripture Reader: Mahima Sylvester
Reflection: Rev Greg Powell
Prayers of the People: Rev Greg Powell
Bulletin

We got a new roof! Martin connected with the shop in good time to alert the volunteers that the roofers would be there, so we weren’t alarmed by strangers looking through the upstairs windows. One section of the roof was initially missed but was spotted by a volunteer. The roofers promptly returned and completed the job. Once the rainy season arrives, we will be thankful not to have to watch the ceiling for drips!

Friday and Saturday volunteers continue to feel grateful and appreciated when they receive the snacks provided by the Board.

The shop has been unusually busy lately, and keeping up has been challenging, but our volunteers continue to come through. They work longer hours, come in on days off, and in some of the most challenging situations, respond gently when faced with the offer of inappropriate donations: “Thank you for thinking of us. I’m so sorry, we won't be able to sell these.” We then hand the person a flyer that lists local organizations that accept the kinds of donations we don’t.

In addition to the volunteers who come in on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to sort and price the donations we’ve received, there are also volunteers who work Friday and Saturday “on the floor,” i.e., interacting with shoppers both inside and outside the shop. We also have volunteers who work behind the scenes and on special projects, such as setting up the front hall display every two weeks and participating in special work parties at the changing of the seasons.

One of the most valuable gifts in all of this is our interactions with customers on Friday and Saturday and with those who bring us their donations on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Recently, a volunteer received some unusually lovely donations and said, “Thanks for thinking of us.” The benefactor paused as she was putting on her bike helmet and said, “Well, I like what you do here. You can tell that the people enjoy working together. There’s a positive spirit in this place.”

We regularly receive questions from shoppers wondering what the church does with the money that comes from the JBUC Thrift Shop. If a member of the church is around, it is possible to answer this question, but it would be helpful to have a list of the various ministries of the church that benefit from what the shop contributes monetarily.

Everyone who volunteers at the shop understands that one of the most essential gifts we offer one another, our customers, and the community is the animating principle of kindness, hope, humor, and generosity that flows through all we do. We support one another through the sadness that inevitably comes our way, and we celebrate each other’s milestones and achievements. We believe this makes us strong.

Submitted by: Aleksa Harkness,
Judy Langford,
Lenore Morrey,
The Steering Team, JBUC Thrift Shop

This children’s book reflects the author’s journey with her own kids when her mother died with medical assistance in 2019. It's grounded in her personal experience and her professional expertise as a death doula and counsellor, guiding families through MAID. It shares the best information available for children's emotional health and offers ideas to bring families together. Although this is a book for children, it will not be in the Kids’ section of the JBUC library to ensure that it’s read together with an adult.

This book gives little ones a soft place to land. “Pancakes with Nana helps families process death and loss in a way that is enriched with love, honour, and respect." —Dr. Jillian Roberts, child psychologist.

We’re looking for a couple of volunteers to assist with box pick-ups from the thrift shop while one of our regular volunteers is away from September 16th to November 3rd. The task involves climbing stairs and driving boxes of unsellable donations from James Bay to Value Village, where staff are ready to assist. Your help would make a huge difference to the other volunteers!

If you're interested, please contact Aleksa at griffonsong2@gmail.com.

Join us on Sunday, September 15, during coffee after church, as we celebrate Dorothy Ell's 100th birthday! Dorothy was a long-time member and dedicated volunteer of our church before moving to the Gorge area. Let's gather downstairs to sing, enjoy a piece of cake, and honour this incredible milestone together. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Dorothy's centennial birthday with love and joy!

Join us for the new season of SingYourJoy, Victoria’s vibrant, non-auditioned chorus for young adults aged 16–29. Starting September 9th, 2024, we meet on Mondays from 7 to 9 PM at 1355 Mitchell St., Oak Bay. This is a fantastic opportunity to make new friends, enhance your singing skills, and be part of a dynamic community. With no fees required, just bring your enthusiasm and commitment. Co-directed by Christine Chepyha and Gordon Miller.

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our Healing Pathway Ministry's public sessions starting this September. Beginning on September 11th, 2024, we will offer Healing Pathway sessions in the Sanctuary on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. These sessions provide a nurturing space for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, guided by our compassionate practitioners.

If you're interested in making an appointment at either 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM, please send an email request to Sandy at healingpathway2023@gmail.com to learn more.

Join us for the new fall season of the James Bay Community Chorus starting Wednesday, September 11th, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at James Bay United Church. Under the guidance of Christine Chepyha, this welcoming chorus invites all voices to come together in song. Experience enjoyable vocal exercises, uplifting music, and a sense of community as we sing in the beautiful Sanctuary. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this vibrant group—details and online registration can be found here.

James Bay United Church is proud to host the SingYourJoy Children’s Choruses weekly in the Sanctuary as part of our Arts Ministry. SingYourJoy Children’s Choruses (formerly the James Bay Children’s Chorus) was formed in September 2017 with the goal of providing a non-auditioned, affordable community choir for children and youth. Through weekly rehearsals and several performance opportunities throughout the year, these children learn musical and life skills. They learn to cooperate as a group, encouraging and motivating each other to reach their potential. Singers develop vocal techniques, music reading skills, solfege, and performance and listening skills. Our super fun rehearsals include music games and activities, age-appropriate songs, and percussion instruments.

the Inspire Program, (ages 6-11) rehearses from 3:45pm to 4:45pm on Thursdays. 

the Emerge Program, (ages 11-16) rehearses from 5pm to 6pm on Thursday evenings. 

For more information and online registration, click here.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 14 as we kick off with a potluck and a screening of the highly acclaimed movie Barbie! Doors open at 5:45 PM, dinner starts at 6:15 PM, and the movie will begin around 7:15 PM. This seriocomedy received rave reviews this spring and was nominated for multiple awards, including the Golden Globes and Academy Awards for Best Movie. Starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Canada's own Catherine McKinnon as "Weird Barbie," it’s a film not to be missed! Bring a dish and join us for a fun evening of food and entertainment.