Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church and the Arts Ministry of James Bay United Church proudly presents the Home for the Holidays Jam Session!

Now in its 15th year, the Home for the Holidays Jam Session is a Victoria favorite, featuring many of the city's renowned jazz artists and visiting musicians – local professionals and amateurs – in a celebration of community, joy, and musical inspiration!

Hosted by renowned drummer Kelby MacNayr and featuring bassist Adrian Vedady and pianist Dr. Tony Genge.

Admission by donation ($20 suggested donation; participating musicians free).

As we close this year and prepare to step into a new one, join us for a hopeful and spirit-filled reflection inspired by Colossians 3:12–17. Together, we will explore the transformative power of kindness, humility, and gratitude, embracing the wonder of renewal and the promise of a fresh start. This uplifting message invites us to reflect on how we clothe ourselves in love and walk forward in unity and hope, embodying the divine spark within us all.

Presiding: Deborah Davis
Reflection by: D’Arcy McPherson 
Reflection: "Clothed in Renewal"
Christ Candle-lighting: Mahima Sylvester
Scripture Reader: Janice Langley
Reading:  Colossians 3:12–17
Prayers of the People: Owen McCooey

Save the date: Tuesday, December 31
Doors open at 5:50pm.  POTLUCK dinner is at 6:20pm. Movie at 7:30pm.  Seeing the old year out with a toast, at 10:30pm.
Come to the back-door, at James Bay United Church, 511 Michigan St.

Movie: "BARBIE' which we didn't manage to see in October.  
It was a front-runner in the last awards-season, winning for the  female and the male [Ryan Reynolds as Ken] leads as well as the director, and the truly remarkable scenography [Barbie-ville].  A very smart female writer & director put together a clever feminist 'take' on what it means to grow-up as a female--and how it rebounds on clueless young males.  A very adolescent Barbie, who can't seem to put her heels down starts to get bored with banality and wonders about the truly-adult world out beyond the 'bubble'  But how to get there? Her visit with a very wild & witchy former 'Barbie' who was the last one to try this is hilarious.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations to Ring in 2025 Full of New Hope and New Beginnings!

Join us for three dynamic, fun-filled events brought to you by the Arts Ministry of James Bay United Church! Three events designed to nourish the soul, stimulate the spirit, and bring us all together in the celebration of art and community.

See you there!

Date: Tuesday, December 31st, 2024

Time: 2 PM, 7 PM, 9 PM

Location: James Bay United Church, 511 Michigan St.

Please note there will be no classes in the Wednesday Chi Gong classes from 23 Dec 2024-05 Jan 2025. Classes will resume as usual the following week. Thank you for your understanding!

Please note that there will be no Chen Style Taiji or Yang Style Taiji classes on 23 Dec 2024-05 Jan 2025. Classes will resume as usual the following week. Thank you for your understanding!

Moving with Grace is back! Starting January 6, this 8-week program offers a gentle and empowering movement experience, perfect for beginning your week with calm and connection. Classes are on Mondays from 10:00 to 11:15 AM. The cost is $10 per class or $65 for the term. Space is limited, so join the January waitlist by emailing movingwithgrace.vic@gmail.com.

The Offering to the Public will not be held in December. We will resume our regular sessions on January 8th, the second Wednesday of the month. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!

Join the Abbey Church/Emmaus Community for a contemplative evening of prayer, song, and reflection in the style of Taize. Together, we will enter into the mystery of God's presence through meditative music, silence, and sacred readings.

When: 3rd Fridays at 6 PM (except February, rescheduled to Valentine's Day, the 2nd Friday)

• January 17
• February 14
• March 21, 2025

Where: First Met United Church site, Balmoral Road at Quadra Street

This simple and soulful gathering invites you to pause, breathe, and connect with the divine. All are welcome.