A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras Kick-Off with the Dixieland Parade and Pancake Supper! It was a fantastic evening filled with fun, food, and community spirit. Special thanks to Carol Garceau and Raymond for capturing these moments in photos. Check out the pictures to relive the fun and joy of the evening

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a vibrant celebration of Mardi Gras at Tuesday Night Jazz! The New Orleans-style jazz, lively music, and festive atmosphere made for an unforgettable evening. Stay tuned for more exciting performances coming your way! 

As we embrace our 2025 theme, Building Bridges, these significant dates invite us to deepen our awareness and understanding of the diverse experiences and struggles within our communities.

• March 8 – International Women’s Day
• March 15 – International Day to Combat Islamophobia
• March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
• March 31 – International Transgender Day of Visibility
• March 31 – National Indigenous Languages Day

These dates invite us to deepen our understanding and commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion in our communities and beyond.

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour this Sunday, March 9, 2025 as Daylight Savings Time begins. We may lose an hour of sleep, but we gain more daylight to brighten our days. See you at church on time!

Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, when we commemorate Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, which were rife with temptation and void of food. We might also choose to give something up for Lent–perhaps something food-related, perhaps something worry-related, perhaps something that impedes our relationship with God. We also launch our theme for the year: Building Bridges. The first phase of building a bridge is to prepare the site, which often entails a degree of destruction and desolation–which might be reminiscent of the desert. If we are to metaphorically building a bridge to another person, the first phase is to know our own selves. And how about that – Jesus’ 40 days in the desert were all about knowing himself, his true diamond. This Sunday we explore some of these themes and see where they take us.

Presiding: Greg Powell
Music Lead: Jennifer Turner
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Steve Nichol
Christ Candle: Peggy Hodding
Scripture Reading: Luke 4:1-13
Reader: Mahima Sylvester
Minute for Ministry: Colleen Nichol for Pastoral Care
Bulletin

This Lent, experience a spiritual journey through Ignatian Meditation. Each week, we'll reflect on readings from the Gospel of Luke, deepening our connection to Jesus' journey to Good Friday and Easter. Weekly instructions will be shared, starting this Sunday in church and via email. Let’s walk this path of reflection and renewal together.

The JBUC Sunday Worship Choir will sing in the upcoming March 16 Sunday Service, with a rehearsal on Sunday, March 9, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM in the JBUC Sanctuary.

Anyone in the community is welcome to join, regardless of ability. If you are a newcomer or trying out the choir for the first time, please know that your voice is welcome!

For more information, visit our website or email our music director, Jennifer Turner, at music@jamesbayunited.com.

We hope you enjoyed the beautiful displays for Window Wanderland this year! The windows at James Bay United Church were transformed with creativity and light. We’d love to hear your thoughts! How did you like our windows? Please share your feedback with us and help us make next year even better!

A time for reflection, discussion, and a shared meal. This year’s Lenten study focuses on A Song of Faith, with spiritual practices woven in. Held in person every Wednesday in the Lower Hall. Limited spots remain—RSVP to greg.powell@jamesbayunited.com.

Thank you, Jennifer!! So many of us from JBUC were deeply enriched by the “Victoria Baroque” concert last Sunday — and most especially by your glorious part in it! We are so grateful and honored to have you as our Music Director.

This Lenten season, we invite you to participate in our “Give It Up for the Earth” campaign. Focus your Lenten fast on caring for God’s creation by taking part in the Do One Thing (DOT) Challenge. Each week, choose one action that supports the planet—such as going meatless on Tuesdays, reducing plastic use, or carpooling to church. Show your commitment by adding a DOT to the bulletin board in the hall. Together, we can take small steps toward healing the Earth and advocating for systemic change. Let’s make this Lent meaningful for both our spirits and the planet.

With spring and summer just around the corner, the Thrift Shop volunteers are looking forward to quenching their thirst with juice and pop as they work. The volunteer who has been responsible for purchasing the soft drinks now finds the weight of the 12-packs too much and is seeking someone else to take on this task.

If picking up and delivering pop for the Thrift Shop is something you could help with every couple of weeks, please see Aleksa or Judy.

James Bay United’s Music Director, Jennifer Turner invites you to an evening where we will embrace Spring through music and poetry. Music selections are drawn from the classical repertoire including works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Hugo Wolf and Florence Price.

On March 16, we will take time to celebrate those who wish to become full members of the congregation. While little distinguishes a full member from an adherent, some find meaning in this commitment, and membership is required for certain leadership roles. If you’re interested in transferring or taking up full membership, please contact Rev. Greg at greg.powell@jamesbayunited.com.