As we hold in our hearts those affected by the recent hurricanes in Florida, we offer this poem prayer by Steve Garnaas-Holmes. It speaks to the pain of loss and the enduring power of love, which, like a thread, binds us together and stitches the world back into wholeness. May we all continue to love, even in the face of disaster, knowing that love is what survives and redeems.

 Disaster

When the flood waters scrape it all away
we recoil at the knives
of what once was, or should have been,
that is not,
the jagged edge of what we wanted
and still want
but can no longer.

And yet all of that (yes, so dear,
which is why the rich man went away grieving)
is the camel that couldn't pass through the needle's eye.

But you have.
Maybe shoved, but you have come through,
yes, with sorrow and trauma, but through
the needle's eye of loss,
into this world.

You, whole and alive, are here,
along with so many
who have also been drawn
through that same needle's eye,
drawn on the thread of grief,
by the hand of love.

For love has also come through. Love is unburdened,
and passes through any needle's eye,
through any wall, through any grave.

Let yourself be stitched, then,
with all the others, in life's fabric.
The whole wounded world needs your love,
the torn fabric needs the thread of your grace.
That is why you are here.
Amidst the mourning, the picking up of pieces,
the starting again,
keep loving.
In the end, it is all that survives disaster,
and all that redeems it.

Organized by WallmapuBC and The Abbey Church, this special event unites a diverse Latin American group, including the Chilean solidarity network, Salvadoreans, and Latino union members, all coming together to support the people of Gaza. Enjoy delicious food provided by a Palestinian group while contributing to a vital cause.

Funds raised will support the Urgent Palestine Emergency Appeal through the International Development and Relief Foundation, a registered Canadian Muslim charity and NGO. We invite everyone to participate—no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Tickets are available for $25 ($40 for two) or pay-what-you-can. You can purchase tickets at Abbey Church on Sundays or by emailing admin@emmauscommunity.ca.

Let’s come together to make a difference!

This Sunday, October 13, we celebrate the achievements of those participating in the Royal Victoria Marathon! As the marathon takes place, please allow extra time to get to worship, as traffic will be slower and parking more limited. Be sure to check the map and list of road closures to plan your route accordingly. Let’s cheer on the runners while we make our way to church!

This Thanksgiving we wrap up the Tree of Life theme we’ve been exploring during this Time of Creation in the Christian calendar. This week we consider the fruit and the seeds of the Tree of Life. Specifically, we explore the concept of first-fruits–offering the best of our harvest to God. What does that mean within a contemporary theology, where we aren’t necessarily seeking to ‘please’ God, but rather to worship and honour God and give thanks for the abundance in our lives. 

Presiding: Rev. Greg Powell
Music Lead: Jennifer Turner
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Steve Nichol
Christ Candle: Mahima Sylvester
Scripture: Owen McCooey
Scripture Reading: Leviticus 23:10-14
Bulletin

Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church is thrilled to present Traditional Jazz legends, pianist Toni Blodgett and clarinetist Al Pease, on Tuesday, October 15th at 7 PM. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music at James Bay United Church (511 Michigan St.), where these renowned musicians, alongside bassist Joey Smith and drummer Kelby MacNayr, will celebrate the rich legacies of New Orleans and Kansas City jazz. Admission is by donation ($20 suggested). Don’t miss this swinging night of classic jazz, filled with passion, skill, and timeless melodies!

am trying out some new initiatives to expand the music ministry at JBUC. The Singing in Harmony Workshop is meant to be a fun singing experience for the JBUC congregation and greater community. You will learn basic singing techniques and then practice singing in harmony through simple sung responses and rounds. Many of the songs will be familiar pieces drawn from More Voices and Voices United and other common response songs that we use in our Sunday Worship. Given that for most Sundays, the congregation is the choir, my hope is to enrich your musical experience even more by increasing your confidence in harmonious singing. This workshop is suited for all levels, particularly those who love to sing, but want to build more confidence in a safe singing environment.  

This will be a 1.5 hour workshop with a 15 minute break in the middle followed by coffee and goodies.

If this is something you would like to attend, would you prefer that it was on a Saturday afternoon or a Sunday afternoon? Please fill in this form to let me know or come see me after Sunday Worship.

Join us for our Virtual Campfire every Friday night from 6:30 to 7:30 PM PT (8:30 PM CT, 10:30 PM AT) until Spring 2025! This weekly drop-in conversation welcomes everyone to share their joys and sorrows while connecting with friends and community members. We’ll discuss what we’re watching, reading, and listening to, creating a warm and supportive space for all. Simply click the link to join the Zoom meeting, or use the Meeting ID and Passcode provided. For more information, reach out to Kam at karenmckim2@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you by the campfire!

Join us for a fun-filled evening of food, fellowship, and film! Doors open at 5:30 pm (back door), and dinner will be served at 6:30pm. This is a potluck, so please bring a dish to share! After dinner, we'll settle in for a screening of My Week with Marilyn, starting around 7:20pm. Mark your calendars for this delightful event, happening right after Thanksgiving Monday!

During the Season of Creation in the church, this remarkable movie offers an inside look at the creativity of filmmaking. Based on a true story, published in 2002, it reveals the generally unknown account of Sir Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe working together for a week on a movie. In the 1950s, when Olivier wasn’t doing well in Hollywood, he decided to make a blockbuster using The Prince and the Showgirl, a light British comedy, to shine a spotlight on himself as both director and star. Monroe, having just emerged as a superstar, was cast to play the showgirl, circa 1912.

Join us for the first of two insightful talks exploring three worldviews—past, present, and future—in understanding human psychology and fostering world unity for the advancement of civilization. This engaging series will take place on October 20 & 27 and is open to everyone, including the public, students, and faculty. Don’t miss this opportunity for thought-provoking discussion, followed by refreshments. Admission is free!