Here are a few more pictures from our Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras Kick-Off! A huge thank you to everyone who joined the celebration, and special thanks to Raymond for capturing these wonderful moments. Take a look and relive the joy, music, and community spirit!

Ignatian Meditation is a way to enter into the biblical story of Jesus’ journey—through Lent to Good Friday and Easter. Each week, there will be two readings from the Gospel of Luke—one from the upcoming Sunday service and the other on Wednesday.

This week, we begin our journey with Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, using our imagination to enter into these ancient stories.

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 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.

This Sunday, the second Sunday of Lent, we get a sense of the precariousness of Jesus’ situation. A group of Pharisees—who, it should be noted, are often on the receiving end of Jesus’ stern words—warn him about the political pressure he faces. His response is a seasonally appropriate and evocative one: Jesus’ mission is to bring people together despite political forces that seek to divide. God—the force of good in the world—continues to unite people, even in the face of the temptation to create division for political reasons.

Presiding: Greg Powell
Music Lead: Jennifer Turner
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Steve Nichol
Christ Candle: Richard Wey
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:31-35  
Reader: Owen McCooey 
Reflection: Rev. Greg Powell
Bulletin

Fast from criticism,
and feast on praise.
Fast from self-pity, 
and feast on joy.

Fast from ill-temper,
and feast on peace.
Fast from resentment,
and feast on contentment.

Fast from jealousy,
and feast on love.
Fast from pride,
and feast on humility.

Fast from selfishness,
and feast on service.
Fast from fear,
and feast on faith.

The JBUC Sunday Worship Choir will sing in the upcoming March 16 Sunday Service in the JBUC Sanctuary.

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

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.

 The Existence Project presents a screening of Moving Day on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at UVic. The film will be shown in Room C118, David Strong Building, with doors opening at 5:00 PM and the screening starting at 5:30 PM. A 30-minute Q&A will follow with director Meera Mathew and a guest panelist. Admission is pay what you can!

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.

The CRA is allowing donors to claim donations made in January and February 2025 on their 2024 income tax. A receipt for this purpose will be available on Sunday, March 16. There are also some 2024 receipts remaining. Any receipts not picked up will be mailed on March 17. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email bookkeeper@jamesbayunited.com. Thank you for your generosity.

Jackie

Join the Abbey Church/Emmaus Community for a contemplative evening of prayer, song, and reflection in the style of Taize. Together, we will enter into the mystery of God's presence through meditative music, silence, and sacred readings.

When: 3rd Fridays at 6 PM
    March 21, 2025

Where: First Met United Church site, Balmoral Road at Quadra Street

This simple and soulful gathering invites you to pause, breathe, and connect with the divine. All are welcome.

Mark your calendar! Can you guess the movie for our next Dinner + Movie Night?

Click here to find out and get ready for a fun and festive evening on Saturday, March 22! Potluck dinner starts at 6:20 PM, followed by the movie at 7:20 PM. Don’t miss it!

A thought to carry with you this season, inviting us to wrestle with justice and grace. 

Mark your calendar! Our Annual General Meeting is happening on March 27 at 7 PM. This is an opportunity to elect our new board and trustees, approve financial statements and the 2025 budget, and hear reports from our ministry teams. The AGM is a meaningful way to stay connected and engaged—come and be part of the conversation!