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, May 23 from 6 pm to 8 pm!

Help heal the land and restore native ecosystems in the W̱S͸ḴEM (Tseycum) village forest on the Jim family’s land. Led by Sarah Jim, a proud W̱SÁNEĆ Nation member, artist, and language learner, this restoration project invites you to connect with the land through hands-on stewardship.

You're invited to an inspiring evening in support of the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR). The Hope and Belonging Benefit Concert takes place in Victoria, featuring over 60 talented performers. All proceeds support VICCIR’s vital, trauma-informed counselling services for newcomers—services now at risk due to recent funding cuts. Learn more about their life-changing work at viccir.org.

This Sunday we are hosting the SingYourJoy children's choir, and welcoming Susan Ko from the board of Camp Pringle. As such, the service will focus on children, the gift of childhood, and the imperative to maintain a childlike perspective on life. It just so happens the New Testament offers some beautiful sentiments to guide an approach to childhood and integrating children into a community. The reflection will include interviews with our guests.

Welcome: Rev Greg Powell
Tech Team: Nathan McDormand, Jamie Waters, Alan Thurston
Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:2-6, 19:13-14
Read by: Owen McCooey
Reflection: Interview by Rev. Greg Powell
Bulletin

Lend a hand in restoring native ecosystems on Songhees land with the lək̓ʷəŋən Community Toolshed. Volunteers are invited to Maplebank for the removal of invasive species and Indigenous plant restoration, led by Cheryl Bryce. Tools, snacks, and drinks provided. Youth welcome; please leave pets at home.

 As we mark the United Church’s Centennial, we’re invited to be deep, bold, and daring in shaping what comes next. The General Council’s Strategic Plan is guiding this renewal across the country. Read stories of progress from year two of the plan and be inspired: Read the Report here!

At the Multifaith Centre next to Finnerty Gardens, Registered Clinical Counsellor Dana Simard will offer a reflective and inspiring talk, The Healing Loop: How Serving Others Transforms Us. Drawing on psychology, human physiology, and spiritual virtues, Dana explores how acts of service can be a powerful source of healing—for ourselves and the world around us.

Enjoy a delightful evening of shared choral music with the James Bay Community Chorus on May 28th at 7pm. Expect music from Joni Mitchell to Leonard Cohen and anything in between, along with an opportunity to sing together with the chorus. After, celebrate with the singers at a reception in the lower hall.

Admission by donation.

Bring a dish to share and enjoy a heartwarming film about a teacher who transforms a class no one else wanted—using creativity, courage, and care. Read more on our website to discover the film we’ll be showing!

The JBUC Sunday Worship Choir will sing on Sunday, June 9 for Pentecost Sunday. Anyone in the community is welcome to participate, regardless of experience or ability. If you’re new or curious about singing in the choir for the first time, please know that your voice is truly welcome.

We’ll hold one more rehearsal in preparation for this service. Rehearsal files will be provided so you can practice on your own. Ideally, you’ll be able to attend both rehearsals, but at a minimum, plan to attend at least one.

If you'd like to take part and aren’t yet on the choir email list, please contact our Music Director, Jennifer Turner, at music@jamesbayunited.com.

Rehearsals (in the JBUC Sanctuary):

• Sunday, June 1, 12–1 PM

Service:

• Sunday, June 9 – Pentecost Sunday