Looking for a fun, relaxed way to connect with others and enjoy some friendly competition? "Friday Games Night" at James Bay United Church is the perfect opportunity to socialize and sharpen your board game skills in a casual, welcoming environment.

When: Friday, January 31st, 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Upstairs in the reception and office areas (ramp side entrance).

Bring along your favorite board game and a snack to share! We’ll provide hot drinks to keep you cozy as you play. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, this evening is all about building friendships and having fun together.

Inspired by The Right Rev. Mariann Budde, we depart from the lectionary and consider two significant Biblical passages where foreigners are welcomed. For years, Canada and the US have relied on an “immigration consensus” where immigration was understood to be necessary for population and economic growth. In a matter of months, this has all changed and it may be years before the dust settles. Meanwhile, just as God welcomes us, so, too, are we to welcome others. 

Presiding: Greg Powell
Music Lead: Jennifer Turner
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Steve Nichol
Christ Candle: D’Arcy McPherson
Scripture: Janice Langley
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2: 11-15, Deuteronomy 10: 17-19 
Bulletin

The JBUC Sunday Worship Choir will sing in five services this Spring and is open to everyone in the community, regardless of experience. Newcomers are warmly welcome! The choir holds two Sunday afternoon rehearsals before each service, with rehearsal files provided for personal practice. If you’re interested in participating, email our music director, Jennifer Turner, at music@jamesbayunited.com or chat with her after a Sunday service.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sunday, Feb. 2: Rehearsal (12–1 p.m.)
• Sunday, Feb. 9: Choir Service
• Saturday, Feb. 15: Choir Workshop (2–4 p.m.)
• Additional dates through Pentecost Sunday (June 8) are listed online!

A big thank you to the many folks who took part in and visited our Volunteer Fair! Your conversations, creativity, and commitment showed once again the power of community in shaping lives near and far. This year of action and connection is off to a brilliant start! Check out the pictures from the event and relive the inspiring moments!

The James Bay United Church Thrift Shop is reopening after our Winter Break! Donations will be accepted from Wednesday, February 5th, to Saturday, February 8th, between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. The shop will open for sales on Friday, February 7th, and Saturday, February 8th, from 10 am to 1 pm. Stop by to donate, browse for treasures, and support our community programs—we can’t wait to see you!

Join us on Thursday, February 6 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM PST at the Bob Wright Centre (BWC) A104 for an insightful talk by Dr. Sima Samar, renowned Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Dr. Samar will discuss the ongoing human rights crisis in Afghanistan, particularly the severe restrictions on women’s rights under the Taliban. As a prominent advocate for gender equality and human rights, her perspective offers a critical understanding of the challenges faced by Afghan women today. Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the world’s most influential human rights leaders.

We are excited to share that, through the generosity of our congregation and community, we have raised over $70,000 to support the sponsorship of a refugee family. A key contribution came from the fundraising dinner held on November 30, which featured a delicious Afghan meal and was attended by Sumaya, her daughter Haba, and her uncle Yasin—adding a personal touch to the evening. While a one-year pause on community sponsorships by IRCC presented a challenge, we are proud to report that, in addition to the funds raised, housing for the family has been secured for one year. The family continues to face severe hardship in Pakistan, and we are actively seeking alternative pathways to assist them during this waiting period. Our mission remains steadfast, and we will continue to update you as the situation develops. Thank you for your unwavering support.

Join us for a Choir Workshop on Saturday, February 15 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM in the JBUC Sanctuary! Led by our Music Minister, Jennifer Turner, this workshop is open to members of the JBUC Worship Choir and anyone interested in joining for upcoming Sunday services. The session will focus on vocal technique and choral blend, while introducing some of the repertoire for our upcoming Choir Sundays. To register, please email Jennifer at music@jamesbayunited.com or speak with her after a Sunday service. We look forward to seeing you there!

For the seventh year, James Bay will transform into a glowing outdoor gallery for Window Wanderland! From February 21 to 23, 2025, our neighbourhood will come alive with creative window displays, and we invite everyone to take part in this magical event. James Bay United Church is excited to participate once again, decorating our beautiful sanctuary windows with this year’s chosen theme: "Building Bridges." This theme reflects connection, unity, and the ways we come together as a community.

We’ll be announcing a date soon for a gathering to decorate the church windows—stay tuned! Whether you’re an artist or simply want to share your creativity, join us in illuminating James Bay with warmth, artistry, and togetherness.

We invite you to submit hymns that inspire you to be the light in a world that often feels dark and unjust. On February 23rd, we will celebrate by singing AND hearing a few words about why these pieces uplift you to be a voice of love during challenging times. 

How You Can Participate:

1. Identify Your Hymns: Choose one or two hymns – from the Voices United or More Voices collections—that inspire you to be the light.  

2. Submit Your Choices: 

   Drop off the hymn title and your contact info no later than Monday, February 10. Use the Singing Our Faith drop box in the sanctuary, or email Jennifer at music@jamesbayunited.com and please let us know the following: - Your Name

   - Your Email

   - Your hymn choice (# and Title)

   - Which verses to include if we can on if we can’t sing all verses.

3. Prepare to Share: Come prepared on February 23rd to tell us in 4 or 5 sentences what it is about this hymn that inspires you to be the light in a world that often feels dark and challenging.

Are you looking to reclaim greater wisdom, creativity, and rejuvenation? Join us for a three-part class designed to help you cultivate rest through restorative meditations, mindful movement, and strategies for relaxation. This series is open to everyone and will help you unwind and recharge. The sessions will take place bi-weekly on Tuesday or Saturday afternoons, starting in mid-February (dates to follow).

Miniseries Details:

• Rest as Resistance – Feb 22 and 25
• Reclaiming Rest – Mar 8 and 11
• Resting in Awareness (1.5 hours) – Mar 22 and 25

The series will be hosted on Zoom. For more information, contact Kam at k.mckim@myyahoo.com.

Come and experience the power of rest!

Join us at James Bay United Church for a delicious and festive evening as we celebrate Shrove Tuesday on March 4, 2025! This annual tradition brings our community together for a hearty meal of pancakes and sausages, served with warmth and hospitality.