We wait. We wonder. We watch. And we wake up. We come anew to the Mystery of Christmas as we listen to these reflections and join in conversation together.

In this four week Small Group Study, we set four sayings from an ancient Christian text, The Gospel of Thomas, beside our traditional scripture and consider ways they might wake something fresh in us. The Gospel of Thomas was one of the ancient texts found buried in the desert of Egypt in 1945,  opening up a new understanding of Christianity. It is 114 sayings attributed to Jesus that help us see what we’ve always known in a new way.

Please RSVP Bev Tracey at bevtracey@shaw.ca

This Sunday we wrap up this season in which we have been exploring what it might mean to embrace the darkness.  Of its many dimensions, I invite us to ponder what it might mean for darkness to be welcomed as SHELTER. What would it be for us to seek out the Holy One in the sheltering embrace of darkness? What would we find ourselves bringing into that sacred space … and what might we find awaiting us there? 
 
Presiding: Colleen Nichol
Reflection: Colleen Nichol
Music Lead: Jennifer Turner
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Steve Nichol
Christ Candle: Richard Wey
Scripture: Marg Lunam
Scripture Reading: John 3: 1-8  
Bulletin

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 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.

Join Camille, Kam, and Joy for a restorative retreat on Sunday, November 24, from 1:00-4:00 PM PT on Zoom. This retreat offers a series of guided meditations, gentle movement, talks, discussions, and creative activities like drawing and coloring—all focused on reclaiming rest as a vital practice for wholeness and creativity. All levels are welcome!

This is a donation-only retreat with no registration fee. To register, please contact Kam at karenmckim2@gmail.com.

This moment, stop.
Be still.
The Beloved says,
“I am holding you.”

Notice the planet earth.
Yes, “I am holding you.”
The light of day and the dark of night
say “I am holding you.”

No matter what happens,
triumph or tragedy,
we are held.
It's all right to want paradise,
but for now, here, 
let it be enough
that we are so lovingly, tenderly,
mightily held.

~ by Steve Garnaas-Holmes ~

Join Adrienne Carter for an insightful presentation on how we can bring hope and healing to communities affected by war and natural disasters. Learn how social action, from providing essential relief to fostering emotional resilience and trust, plays a crucial role in long-term recovery. Adrienne’s extensive experience with Médecins Sans Frontières and as co-founder of VICCIR brings a unique perspective on empowering communities to heal and rebuild.

University of Victoria Multifaith Centre, West Campus Gate, next to Finnerty Gardens, Parking Lot 6
Free Parking on Sundays

Step outside your comfort zone and discover ways to make a meaningful impact.

This will be an unforgettable evening in an intimate venue showcasing the beauty of West My Friend's incredible music. TICKETS

We recommend you get your tickets in advance for this popular performance. For those of you who would like to purchase tickets and save the on-line fees, there are paper tickets available at the church office and from Gordon on Sunday morning.

Here is a teaser for our Special Silent Auction Fundraiser! 

Great news! The Afghan Family Refugee Sponsorship Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraising dinner is sold out.  Thanks so much to everyone for their generosity.  Together, we will make a meaningful difference!

Things to know:
- Donations and auction purchases can be made via cash, cheques, or credit cards (using our Tap Square System). 
- The recommended offering for the meal is $20 per plate. Any donation over and above $20 will receive a tax receipt (excluding silent auction items). 

Other Exciting News:
Every dollar raised—including gifts of money—will be matched by a generous JBUC member!

Our Silent Auction Highlights Include: 
- 3 handmade quilts, including one from an Amish community 
- 5 New Bose SoundLink Micro
- A gift card for a local barber shop 
- “Music for a Garden Party” by Jennifer Turner 
- 3 new JBL LiveFree2 Anc TWS earbuds
- Gift cards for 3 James Bay restaurants 
- A handmade quilted wall hanging 
- 2 new Sharper Image Soundhaven Anc headphones
- A special gift from a James Bay tea shop 
- A gift from a local florist shop 
- Two hours of gardening by a JBUC Garden Team member 
- Gift cards from 2 local grocery stores 
- Paintings from 2 local artists 
- Two “Dinner for Six” evenings in JBUC member homes 
- A set of pillows from Dodd’s 
- Family photo shoot by Alan Thurston 
- Wines and more! 

We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for your generous support in helping to make this important initiative a reality. 

Location: Lower hall, James Bay United Church, 511 Michigan Street, Victoria BC

NOTE: Please enter the lower hall via the rear door at the back of the church.

Together, we’re making a difference!

We had a wonderful turnout for the first Singing in Harmony Workshop held on November 10th. There was a great breadth of people who came from all over Greater Victoria and of varying musical backgrounds. It was fun and energizing for me and everyone involved. Stay tuned for information about the next Singing in Harmony Workshop to come in the New Year!

Here is some feedback I received from participants:

• “I really enjoyed the workshop and dared to sing!”
• “Very enjoyable session - it has been years since I sang in a choir, and this was fun and very encouraging.”
• Thank you for the time you spent with the group of singers today. I really enjoyed it. It’s been about 3 years since I sang with a group apart from Sunday mornings and I was reminded of how it energizes me.
• Had so much fun this afternoon and eager to learn more about singing in harmony!
• Everyone loved the session It was neat how the congregation was joined by members of the community.

Our James Bay United Church Minister, Greg, and Bev were hard at work recently, tackling the fall leaves in front of the church. Their efforts have left the area looking clean and welcoming for all. Thank you both for your dedication and care for our church grounds!

A friendly reminder to the congregation: If you receive any unexpected or suspicious emails requesting personal information, financial support, or urgent action, please do not respond or click on any links. These are likely spam or phishing attempts. If in doubt, verify the email by contacting the church office directly. Let’s stay safe and protect our community!