Join us for the 7th annual Window Wanderland starting tonight in James Bay as our neighbourhood will come alive with creativity, light, and community spirit as homes and businesses transform their windows into illuminated displays.

Join us for a special Singing Our Faith service—led by our congregation! Through hymns and shared reflections, we’ll celebrate the songs that uplift, unite, and inspire us. Come ready to sing, listen, and be moved. All are welcome!

Join us for two special concerts in honour of Black History Month with the Great American Songbook Trio! Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and storytelling!

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This Sunday’s worship is a “people’s choice” hymn-sing. We’ve received many responses to the invitation to submit favourite hymns, and how interesting it is to see which hymns stand out for folks. Here’s an interesting observation: when Jennifer and Greg select hymns, they select the vast majority from More Voices, the coil-bound book; but many in the congregation find their favourite hymns in Voices United, the big red book. It’s always good to mix it up!

Welcome: D’Arcy McPherson
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Barry Putz
Christ Candle: Owen McCooey
Scripture: Let There be Peace on Earth – Alisha Read
Prayers of the People: Cheryl Macpherson
Bulletin

Give no heed to those who are greedy, 
attend not to those who do wrong.
For, like the green grass of spring, they soon fade and wither away.

Thanks to your generous support, we are making steady progress in sponsoring our Afghan refugee family. The Refugee Sponsorship Committee is working hard to finalize our application with the Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) of Greater Victoria, with a goal to submit it by the end of February. To complete this crucial step, we need to raise an additional $8,000 by February 28. Your donations—whether one-time or monthly—will help bring this family to safety.

For more details or to contribute, visit: here.

Join us for our Healing Pathway Ministry offerings this month:

Sunday, February 23 – Soaking Prayer
11:30 am (after the church service in the Sanctuary)

Wednesday, February 26 – Monthly Practice Group (New Time!)
2–4 pm (Sanctuary)

We look forward to sharing this healing journey with you!

Join us for 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!

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

Join us for an evening of reflection and advocacy with Linda Taffs, a Vancouver Island resident and long-time Palestinian human rights activist. Linda will share insights from her recent ecumenical witness pilgrimage to the West Bank in Occupied Palestine, offering a personal perspective on the realities faced by Palestinian communities. For more information, contact mkang@united-church.ca.

Looking for a fun way to connect with others and enjoy some friendly competition? Join us for Friday Games Night at James Bay United Church on Friday, February 28 from 6 pm to 8 pm!

Would you like to help serve Communion at James Bay United Church? Everyone is welcome to take part! We’re holding a short training session on Sunday, March 2, after the service. Grab some refreshments downstairs, then join us upstairs at 11:45 AM. If you’re interested, see Sarah Hovey on Sunday or just show up!

Thank you for your patience as we process your 2024 tax receipts while working with a new program. These will be available on Sunday morning and next Sunday morning.

Did you know that the CRA allows donations made in the first two months of 2025 to be claimed on your 2024 tax return? If you would like a statement printed for this purpose, please let me know.

Also, please let me know at bookkeeper@jamesbayunited.com if you would like your receipt mailed.

Blessings,
Jackie

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.

Throughout our faith journeys, certain people stand out—mentors, choir directors, ministers, Sunday school teachers, and steadfast leaders who have shaped our congregations, communities, and denomination. Now, you have a special opportunity to honour their lasting impact. The deadline to participate is March 15.