Many of you will fondly remember our friend Shae Smith. As a church community we walked alongside him during the pandemic – through his personal struggles on the streets of Victoria and his advocacy for the unhoused and disenfranchised. 

Shae died on the streets of Victoria last month. When people hear that news, they ask me if I know the cause of death – I have no idea what the coroner concluded, but Shae's death was a direct result of homelessness, neglect, a culture of dehumanization and decades of misplaced priorities.

I was glad to call him friend for those years. I will be forever grateful for what he taught me about the reality of the street and for his passion for living and sense of fair play.

Gordon Miller

Shea Smith Memorial
Saturday January 11th 1pm to 3pm
Centennial Square

The Homeless Idea Podcast (Shae Smith)
I found Shae's most recent podcast entry compelling. (March 14, 2024)

Join us at the Fernwood Community Centre on January 11th for the Let's Talk About Sex! 2SLGBTQ+ Sexual Health Education Conference. This event provides a safe and inclusive space to dive into important conversations about sexual health within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Whether you're looking to learn, share your experiences, or connect with others, this conference has something for everyone. Let’s come together to discuss sexual health, share resources, and build a supportive community. See you there!

 This Sunday we remember and celebrate the baptism of Jesus. Although it seems like just last week he was born, he’s already all grown up and ready to begin his ministry in earnest(!). The purpose and meaning of Jesus’ baptism has been the subject of great debate: was it necessary? how does it relate to us? what does it say about soteriology (the process of our salvation or liberation)? Join us in person or online for our lay-led service exploring some of these ideas. (Rev. Greg will be preaching at the covenanting service at Oak Bay United Church with Rev. Sarah Fanning.)

Presiding: Colleen Nichol
Music Lead: Jennifer Turner
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Alan Thurston
Lighting the Christ Candle: Owen McCooey
Scripture Reading: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Reader: Chris Bodnarchuk
Reflection: André Fontaine
Prayers of of the People: Colleen Nichol
Bulletin

Reflection: "Baptism as Solidarity and Liberation"
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

This reflection connects Jesus' baptism to Gustavo Gutiérrez's liberation theology, highlighting solidarity with the marginalized, liberation from systemic injustice, and a call to active discipleship. It challenges Christians to follow Jesus’ commitment to justice by advocating for Indigenous rights, refugee support, and the full inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Rooted in the transformative power of baptism, the message calls believers to act as agents of God’s love and justice in the world.

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
                          —Luke 3.21-22

Chosen One, Beloved,
born of the water of Creation,
the river of a woman,

immersed in God,
plunged in human being:
submerge yourself in me.

Healing river of Christ,
wash over me,
flow in me.

Life-giving breath of God,
wind of first Creation,
breathe in me.

Holy flame of Spirit,
fire of love and justice,
burn in me.

Opening of heaven,
dove of light,
voice of mercy, speak:

“You are my child.
You are my Beloved.
With you I am well pleased.”

Send me on your wind,
flow me as you river,
breathe me into the world,

to love mercy,
to do justice,
to walk humbly with you.

~Steve Garnaas-Holmes

Last month, we were proud to be highlighted by MLA Grace Lore for the weekly Community Lunch hosted by James Bay United Church. Every Thursday from 1:00 to 2:30 PM, the church opens its doors to welcome anyone in need of a good meal and a warm, supportive environment. This initiative is a beautiful example of how local organizations bring people together, and we are grateful for the volunteers who make this gathering possible. Thank you to James Bay United Church volunteer for their ongoing commitment to supporting our community—be sure to check out the full spotlight on MLA Grace Lore’s social media: Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky

Join us on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the Multifaith Centre, University of Victoria, for a special workshop led by Adrienne Carter, a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in humanitarian aid both internationally and here in Canada. Building on her recent presentation in the Global Talks Series, Adrienne will facilitate small group discussions focused on taking meaningful action to heal and strengthen our communities.

This is a unique opportunity to explore how we can move beyond our comfort zones to make a difference. Don’t miss this engaging and transformative session at the Multifaith Centre!

The final Board meeting of the year focused on updates and plans for the future. Martin is organizing defibrillator training sessions for the congregation and smaller groups, while Kelby McNayr’s Arts Report highlighted a variety of enriching programs that continue to thrive and sustain themselves.

The Board has set its 2025 meetings for the 3rd Thursday of each month and reviewed the draft budget, which includes a modest raise for staff members. The congregation will vote on the budget at the Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Deborah Davis will lead nominations for leadership roles, with an event later this month to highlight opportunities for involvement.

We’re excited for a faith-filled year ahead at James Bay United Church!

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.

Chen Style Taijiquan Class
Beginning January 10, 2025, James Bay United Church will host weekly Chen Style Taijiquan classes on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 10:25 AM. These sessions will start with intermediate form practice and instruction, transitioning into beginners’ skills at the 40-minute mark. Chen style, the original form of Taijiquan, emphasizes a vigorous martial arts framework and clear yin-yang interplay, offering practitioners a physically challenging and rewarding experience. Classes are $45/month or $15 per drop-in. Please wear comfortable clothing, indoor footwear, and bring a notebook, pen, and water bottle.

Yang Style Taijiquan Class
Join us for Yang Style Taijiquan classes on Fridays from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM. These sessions open with beginners’ qigong and form practice, followed by intermediate forms and two-person drills. Yang style, derived from Chen, is lighter and more accessible to beginners while maintaining the same foundational principles. Classes are $45/month or $15 per drop-in. Wear comfortable clothing, bring indoor footwear, a notebook, pen, and water bottle, and be ready to explore the grace and balance of Taijiquan.