Our Easter Sunday service was filled with music, flowers, and the joy of resurrection. Click below to see a few moments captured from this beautiful celebration.

Spring brought joy and community spirit as we marked 40 years of the James Bay United Church Thrift Shop! Relive the highlights—cake, music, and smiles all around—by checking out our photo gallery from the celebration.

Your continued support makes this vibrant hub of generosity possible—here’s to many more years together!

This week’s newsletter features the evocative poem “Earth Plea” by Steve Garnaas-Holmes, which weaves together images of forests, rivers, and the cycle of life and death to speak of forgiveness, renewal, and resurrection.

This Sunday, a 10K race will take place in Victoria, causing road closures that may affect travel to James Bay United Church, particularly for worship leaders and those coming from outside of James Bay. The race starts at 8 AM, with various road closures in effect throughout the day. Parking for congregation members may also be impacted due to the large number of participants. Please refer to the links below for details on road closures and alternate routes.

This Sunday as we continue our journey through this springtime season of Easter, we also celebrate Earth Sunday – a day in which we would pause to acknowledge and uphold creation with its vast diversity and splendour, its fragility and resilience.  In the Reflection and through all the dimensions of our worship experience,  we will honour creation as being infused with the very essence of God. In that honouring, what would it be for us to know – really know in the depths of our beings – that same Holy source of life germinating within us renewal, rebirth and indeed, resurrection!

Welcome: Mahima Silvester
Music Lead: Jennifer Turner
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Steve Nichol
Lighting the Christ Candle: Owen McCooey
Scripture selections: Luke 12: 24; Matthew 6:28-29; Mark 4:26-28; Mark 4:31-32; John 15:5 
Readers: Karen Halliday & Mahima Silvester
Reflection: Colleen Nichol 
Minute for Ministry: Climate Action Mark Ziegler
Bulletin

We’re looking for one or two people to help coordinate our wonderful team of Sunday morning greeters. This flexible, behind-the-scenes role can be shared and includes scheduling and occasional recruitment. No previous greeter experience needed! A great way to step into leadership at JBUC. Contact Colleen Nichol or Deborah Davis to learn more.

Please note that there will be no Chen Style Taiji or Yang Style Taiji Qigong classes from April 21 to May 4. Classes will resume as usual following this short break. Thank you for your understanding!

You're invited to a Welcome Lunch on Sunday, May 4 at 11:45 AM in the church hall. Meet others, make connections, and enjoy a delicious meal together.

Please RSVP by April 28 and let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.

A multi-generational choral celebration directed by Christine Chepyha, featuring classic songs by Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, brought to life by Voices in Motion with special guests EMERGE Youth Choir. Prepare for a joyful sing-along of “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Galway Bay,” and more—an uplifting afternoon of connection, community, and song.

See the featured artist and full program details!

 Experience the benefits of mindful movement, breath, and energy work with weekly Qigong classes at James Bay United Church. This gentle, progressive practice supports healing, vitality, and overall well-being. Open to beginners and those with some experience.
Wednesdays at 9 AM | Lower Hall | $45/month or $15 drop-in