It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague, Rev. Brenda Fawkes, who was killed in a motor vehicle accident this past weekend. Please hold Brenda’s family and friends in your hearts and prayers during this difficult time.

Brenda served the church with unwavering dedication in many roles, most recently as Vocational Minister for the Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain Regions. She also served as a congregational minister at Wilson Heights and Dunbar United Churches and was a beloved professor at the Vancouver School of Theology. Her passion for theological education and her fearless advocacy for her students profoundly shaped the lives of countless individuals.

For those wishing to attend the funeral online, livestream information will be communicated closer to October 14, 2024 through Pacific Mountain Region newsletters and the website.

This Sunday we will be using a version of the Mi’kmaq Our Father created in 1897 by a Catholic priest based on numerous petroglyph writings found throughout the Mi’kma'ki traditional territory.  While the English summary translation doesn’t quite match that of the original hieroglyphs, you can see and even hear the original.

Long have you wept, O Lord,
over many new Jerusalems
where many of your faithful people
wage war instead of peace.

Bring a new word to the world, O God,
both angry and ringing with mercy,
that, long deaf, we may hear once again
the voices of those we oppress.

So that justice may roll down like a river,
the captives be released from their bonds,
our hearts be turned once again,
to love tenderly, walk humbly with you.

from 50 New Prayers from the Iona Community selected by Neil Painter

Once a month our worship services will be lay-led to help enable us to honour the ¾ time position of our minister, Greg Powell. This Sunday is one of those!!

We encourage you to come wearing something ORANGE as we will be uplifting “Orange Shirt Day” and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — a day that calls us to reflect on the truth of what has been lost: land, language, culture, and the innocence of generations of Indigenous children. 

Our worship service has been prepared and will be led in part by members of the interfaith steering group for “Reconciling with Indigenous Peoples and the Land”. We will hear Ezekiel’s startling vision of dry bones being infused by the resurrecting breath of the Spirit. What a proclamation of hope emerging from desolation! How might this metaphor inspire in us an openness to the Creator breathing new life into our relationships, our communities, and our land as we continue on this journey of reconciliation and healing?

Presiding: Karen Halliday
Music Lead: Jennifer Turner
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Alan Thurston
Christ Candle: Peggy Hodding
Scripture: Marg Lunam
Scripture Reading: Ezekial 37: 1-14
Reflection: by André Fontaine, read by Carol Yanisch
Prayers of the People: Kam McKim
Bulletin

We are excited to announce that the JBUC Sunday Worship Choir will be singing at three special services this fall: Thanksgiving Sunday, Advent Sunday, and Christmas Eve. Everyone in the community is welcome to join, no matter your experience level.

If you’ve ever wanted to try singing in a choir, now is the perfect time! We’ll have two Sunday afternoon rehearsals before each service, with rehearsal files available for practicing at home. While attending both rehearsals is ideal, we ask that you attend at least one.

For more information or to join, email Jennifer at music@jamesbayunited.com. We’d love to sing with you!

Soaking Prayer will be offered at the back of the church and in the balcony for anyone seeking a moment of healing prayer after the service on Sunday, September 29th.

There are still spaces available for the Phase 1 Intro to Healing Pathway Workshop from October 18-20, 2024. Registration forms are on the bulletin board, or you can email carolgarceau@yahoo.ca for more information.

The Offering to the Public will be held in the Sanctuary on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, with 1pm and 2pm sessions. The next session is Wednesday, October 9th. Sign up by emailing Sandy at healingpathway2023@gmail.com.

This Canada's National Seniors Day, October 1st, 2024, from 2 - 4 pm, join Seniors for Climate Victoria at the BC Legislature for a rally demanding urgent government action on climate change and an end to fossil fuel subsidies. Let’s come together to protect the environment for our children and grandchildren, and make our voices heard in the fight for a sustainable future. Be part of this important movement for change!

Moving with Grace is now accepting new participants for its 10-week fall term! Discover how to release stress, ease tension, and revitalize your body through gentle, easy-to-learn exercises. No experience is necessary—just dress comfortably and bring socks and a yoga mat if possible. Classes take place on Mondays from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM, at $10 per class or $80 for 10 weeks. For more information or to join the March waitlist, email movingwithgrace.vic@gmail.com.