This Sunday we begin observing Creation Time. This year we explore creation via Christian mysticism (and vice versa), and we'll use the lenses of the four elements: water, earth, fire, and air. Christian mysticism typically refers to moments of sensing perfect union with God. We are always one with God, but observing that oneness can be difficult. So we take the time, we set aside the distractions, and we accept God's presence in and all around us.

This Service will also feature the first performance of our Sunday Worship Choir this season — a joyful beginning to our journey together.

Join us for a special evening with live music and desserts where we’ll meet a refugee family online, hear their story, and raise funds to support their journey – from pre-arrival needs to settlement once they arrive in Canada.

Inside the event page you’ll find a QR code that lets you donate online in just a couple of clicks. Let’s make a difference and help turn dreams into reality.

Stay tuned: the next big update from our Refugee Sponsorship Committee is expected next week.

Jackie is going to be away for a couple of weeks, so here’s a message from her:

"Greetings! I will be away starting September 22 and returning October 9. If you have any reimbursements or cheque requests, please hand them in as soon as possible so I can prepare everything before I go. Donations for the wonderful work of James Bay United are also welcome when I am here and also when I am away. They will be gratefully received.

Also, if you are contributing to support refugees, please make this a separate contribution from your regular operating support. This will be a big help to both the counters and myself.

Thank you,
Jackie Cox-Ziegler, bookkeeper"

We’ve learned that scammers are sending emails pretending to be Greg, our Minister, from fake addresses such as officeofthepriest.ca@gmail.com.

If a message looks unusual – especially if it asks to make a payment or donation – please check the sender’s address before replying or clicking links. Watch for any warning notices from your email provider, too.

If you receive a suspicious email, do not respond; instead, mark it as phishing or report it through your email provider, or let us know. Thank you for helping keep our community safe.

Next Saturday, September 20, people across Canada will gather to Draw the Line for a just and sustainable future. Here in Victoria, join our Ribbon Parade at 12:00 pm at the BC Legislature. We will walk together to the Johnson Street Bridge to Draw The Line for People, Peace, and Planet.

Come add your presence and your voice to this public call for the world we envision.

Doors open at 5:50 pm, with potluck dinner starting at 6:20 pm next Saturday, Sept 20. In addition to nice foods, enjoy the classic musical Hans Christian Andersen (1952).

We’re planning to host these fun Dinner + Movie Nights about every six weeks, so mark your calendars!

Caring for one another is part of being human, and we’re all involved in it at some point. This workshop, open to everyone, will explore the basics of pastoral care in a simple, practical way.

Led by Alanna Menu and Julianne Kasmer, both retired United Church ministers.

Bring a bag lunch to enjoy during coffee time beforehand.

This poem by Hildegard of Bingen beautifully reflects the heart of Christian Mysticism, portraying the Spirit of God as a living, healing presence that renews and awakens all creation.

The Spirit of God
is a life that bestows life,
root of world-tree
and wind in its boughs.

Scrubbing out sin,
she rubs oil into wounds.

She is glistening life
alluring all praise,
all-awakening,
all-resurrecting.