A huge shoutout to the James Bay United Church Thrift Shop for being bustling with activity on Valentine’s Day! Shoppers were eagerly waiting for the doors to open, a true sign of the shop’s importance to our community. Thanks to everyone who supports this vibrant space—your presence brings life and connection to our neighborhood!

Join us for a Choir Workshop 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. To register, please email Jennifer at music@jamesbayunited.com or speak with her after a Sunday service.

Are you excited to find out which movie we’ve chosen for this Valentine’s Day? Join us on Saturday, February 15 for a heartwarming Dinner + Movie Night and see for yourself! It’s a potluck, so bring a dish to share. Doors open at 5:50 PM, and dinner is served at 6:20 PM. Get ready for an evening of love, laughter, and a film that will tug at your heartstrings! 

This Sunday, the Lukan version of the Beatitudes appears. The Beatitudes (from the Latin beatus, meaning "blessed") stand among the most prominent of Christian teachings. However, unlike Matthew’s version in the Sermon on the Mount, Luke’s version in the Sermon on the Plain is much more challenging for those of us living with relative wealth. In Luke’s version, Jesus assures the poor of their blessing, but he also warns "the rich."

While it’s tempting to read this as an “us and them” or “sheep and goats” division, we might do well to recognize that each of us is poor in some regards and rich in others. And whether we are poor or rich in this world, in God’s world, all bets are off: what this world dismisses (simplicity, contentment) is celebrated in God’s domain. Conversely, material wealth holds no value in God’s domain.

The key, then, is to discern God’s calling(s) on our lives: if we are feeling rich in some ways, how is God calling us to be poor? And vice versa? What is it about us that this world might reward, but in God’s domain is meaningless? And vice versa?

Presiding: Greg Powell
Music Lead: Jennifer Turner
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Steve Nichol
Christ Candle: André Fontaine
Scripture: Luke 6:17-26
Scripture Reading: Karen Halliday
Bulletin

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new children’s program led by Kelby MacNayr! This fun and engaging Sunday morning experience will introduce children to the joy of singing, rhythm, and movement while fostering creativity and connection. Mark your calendars and join us as we sing, move, and celebrate the gift of music!

Daniel Morel, known to many as an amazing harmonica player, is looking for a shared space or apartment for March or April. He is 32 years old and enjoys a healthy, peaceful lifestyle. Daniel is polite, pleasant, and an active volunteer at the Community Lunch. He loves playing music with others and can pay $500 per month. If you have a space to share or know of any opportunities, please contact Joanne Keelan at keejoan@yahoo.ca or call/text 250-650-2748.

The report from Thursday Community Lunch, submitted to the board in January, is now available for reading. It provides insights into the program’s impact, challenges, and future plans. Take a look to learn more about how this initiative continues to serve our community.

Join us for an engaging presentation with Janet Cundall, whose diverse background in agroecology spans community development, environmental education, and restoration. Explore how agriculture impacts our environment and discover practical strategies to improve soil health, reduce pollution, and foster community resilience.

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

The Worship Team is busy planning for a rich Lenten season, which is fast approaching (the first Sunday of Lent is March 9). We are looking for creative people to help envision and craft an art installation for the chancel area that will reflect the theme of “Building Bridges — Making Connections.” If you are interested, please contact D’Arcy McPherson (Chair of the Worship Team) at darcymcpherson.victoria@gmail.com or 250-893-1313.

This Lent, join us for two engaging study series! Our in-person “Study & Soup Supper” runs Wednesdays from March 12 to April 9 in the Lower Hall—details coming soon. For an online study, explore Paul the Pharisee — Faith & Politics in a Divided World with Tripp Fuller and Dr. John Dominic Crossan on Thursdays from March 13 to April 10. Find details and register here.