Throughout the last year, many of us have been writing letters to Provincial Government officials and standing alongside W̱SÁNEĆ elder Carl Olsen at Goldstream Park, raising awareness about the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s proposal, which threatens the entire Goldstream habitat and violates the Douglas Treaty.

Now, we invite you to join us for what promises to be a lively and informative 90 minutes with Rob YELḰÁTŦE Clifford, who will speak from the perspective of W̱SÁNEĆ Legal Theory regarding the B.C. government’s proposal to expand the Malahat highway by SELE₭TEȽ (known as the Goldstream River). Drawing on W̱SÁNEĆ stories, he will provide a W̱SÁNEĆ framework to understand the harm this proposal may cause to the trees, water, salmon, birds, animals, and the W̱SÁNEĆ people, as well as the broader implications of shifting this framework.

Join us to learn more about Indigenous legal traditions as a path to decolonization and reconciliation.

Join us for our Virtual Campfire every Friday night from 6:30 to 7:30 PM PT (8:30 PM CT, 10:30 PM AT) until Spring 2025! This weekly drop-in conversation welcomes everyone to share their joys and sorrows while connecting with friends and community members. We’ll discuss what we’re watching, reading, and listening to, creating a warm and supportive space for all. Simply click the link to join the Zoom meeting, or use the Meeting ID and Passcode provided. For more information, reach out to Kam at karenmckim2@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you by the campfire!

We’ve begun exploring darkness during the month of November, starting with the opportunity for rest and prayer. This week, coincident with Remembrance Day we take things a bit more metaphorically and we consider the darkness of war. Some argue convincingly that despite ongoing wars, these days are more peaceful than any other time in human history and that every decade is more peaceful than the last. If so, why doesn’t it feel like it? Why is the tension–the darkness–of the world so palpable?

Join us for the Singing in Harmony Workshop Series at James Bay United Church, a new initiative aimed at enriching our Music Ministry and the broader community! Led by our Music Director, Jennifer Turner, these workshops will focus on basic singing techniques and harmonizing through familiar songs from folk traditions, More Voices, and Voices United. Open to all levels, this supportive environment is perfect for anyone looking to boost their confidence in singing. If you're attending the morning service, feel free to bring a bagged lunch to enjoy beforehand.

We are excited to offer a free Singing in Harmony Workshop, please take a moment to register to help us shape this uplifting experience.

The first Singing in Harmony Workshop will take place on Sunday, November 10th, from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM in the JBUC Sanctuary. If you are coming from the Sunday morning service, I suggest bringing a bagged lunch to eat beforehand.

Please note that Centering Prayer session will resume on November 11 and look forward to welcoming everyone back for a peaceful time of reflection and prayer.

Please note that there will be no Chen Style Taiji or Yang Style Taiji classes on Friday, November 15, 2024. Classes will resume as usual the following week. Thank you for your understanding!

Get ready for some holiday cheer at the Thrift Shop on November 15 and 16! For two days only, we’ll be offering a special selection of brand-new items just in time for the season. From festive decor to unique gift ideas, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list. Join us to support our community while checking off your holiday shopping!

Our talented music minister, Jennifer Turner, will be performing as the soprano soloist in two wonderful concerts this season:

• Saturday, November 16: Jennifer will be the soprano soloist in Mozart’s Requiem and Laudate Dominum with the Victoria Choral Society at Christ Church Cathedral.

• Wednesday, December 18 – Join Jennifer again as the soprano soloist for the Victoria Civic Orchestra’s annual Singalong Messiah—a fun holiday tradition where you can sing along to Handel’s masterpiece!

Don’t miss these chances to support Jennifer and enjoy stunning live performances this season!

The JBUC Sunday Worship choir will sing for the first Sunday in Advent and anyone in the community is welcome to join regardless of ability. If you are a newcomer or someone who wants to try out the choir for the first time, please know that your voice is so welcome. We hold two Sunday afternoon rehearsals in the weeks preceding each choir service. Rehearsal files are provided so that you can practice on your own too. Preferably, you would be able to attend both rehearsals, but seeing as we are all very busy, at a minimum you should plan to attend one of the two rehearsals. 

• Sunday November 17, Rehearsal from 12 - 1pm in Sanctuary
• Sunday November 24, Rehearsal from 12 - 1pm in Sanctuary
• Sunday December 1, Advent 1

If you would like to join the choir, or have any questions, please send Jennifer an email at music@jamesbayunited.com. You are also welcome to talk with her after a Sunday service.

Get ready for a fantastic afternoon of music and community! Join us at James Bay United Church on November 17 for a special fundraiser concert featuring the acoustic duo Big Train. From 2 PM to 4 PM (doors open at 1:45 PM), this talented duo will take the stage, showcasing their original songs that blend soulful stories and earthy tunes. With their powerful sound and some of the meanest blues harmonica licks this side of the Mississippi River, Big Train promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. Admission is just $20 suggested donation, so come out enjoy the music, and support a great cause!

Eden and Jeff Poynter are incredible West-Coast Indie Folk Artists, and we are very fortunate to have them performing in our space at James Bay United.

In the modern musical landscape, it’s rare to hear something as put-together as Cascadian folk duo West My Friend - something so layered, deeply symphonic, baroque, and mysterious in its own winking way while still courting an edge of disaster. Simple is safe, but complex is fiery, intricate, and ultimately more rewarding.

We recommend you get your tickets in advance, but they will also be available at the door. 

Imagine being forced to flee your home with only the clothes on your back, escaping violence simply for supporting equality and education. This is the reality for an Afghan family of six who had to leave Kabul in 2021. The father, a school principal championing girls' education, put his family at risk under the Taliban and now they live as refugees in unsafe conditions in Pakistan.

James Bay United Church is rallying to help bring this courageous family to Canada, and we invite you to join us in supporting them. Join us for an evening of Afghan cuisine and community on November 30 at 6 pm in the church’s lower hall. The evening will feature a presentation, silent auction, and dinner, with a recommended $20 offering per plate (donations above $25 are eligible for tax receipts). You’ll also meet the eldest sister, who now lives in Canada and is eager to help her family find safety.

For more details or to RSVP, contact D’Arcy McPherson at darcymcpherson.victoria@gmail.com. Together, we can make a difference and bring this family to a place of safety and hope.

Mark your calendars for December 7th, 2024, and get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the beloved Dickens Fair! Celebrating its 43rd year, this winter craft fair is one of Victoria’s oldest traditions, taking place at the James Bay Community School, located at 140 Oswego Street. The fair will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Admission is just $3, with children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult. For those wishing to use a debit or credit card, the admission fee is $3.50. This is a fantastic opportunity to shop local and support our talented artisans.