This Sunday, we continue exploring Christian mysticism as we welcome Linda Mulhall as our guest preacher. Linda is a member of Esquimalt United Church and of the Coordinating Team for Contemplative Path: South Vancouver Island. Linda’s spiritual practice has been informed by several traditions including Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Sufism and is committed to accessible, “inter-spiritual” practices. Welcome, Linda!

Our scripture readings this Sunday are 1 Kings 19:11–12 and Romans 8:38–39, brought to life in the reading by Colleen Nichol.

As we also celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4, we’ll begin with a pet blessing before the service (see details later in the newsletter).

And at the close of this ENews, you’ll find another treasured poem that speaks beautifully to the spirit of Christian mysticism.

On the evening of September 27, the Lower Hall of our church was filled with music, laughter, and heartfelt community spirit as we gathered for a special Refugee Family Fundraiser. Together, we shared singalongs, beloved tunes, and even had the joy of meeting the Afghan refugee family we are supporting through an online connection.

Thanks to your generosity, we raised $16,500 that evening.
On top of that, one of James Bay community members generously stepped in to cover the family’s pre-arrival expenses through the end of the year. With this incredible act of kindness, our total now stands at $21,300!

But the journey doesn’t end here. Our fundraising continues, and every contribution matters.

Do you love to sing or play an instrument? Come join us at James Bay United Church, 5:00–6:15 pm in the Sanctuary. All levels welcome – Jennifer Turner will help facilitate, but this is a collaborative group where everyone can bring ideas.

Every Friday, Oct 3 – Dec 12 (except Oct 24).

Come make music and community together!

Aligning with St. Francis of Assisi day, we offer a pet blessing on the sidewalk in front of the church building from 9:30 to 10:15 on Sunday morning. Bring your dogs, cats, horses, geckos – you name it, we’ll bless them (just as they bless us)!

Pictured here is Phil, age 13 – he says hello, but reminds us that even three breakfasts before 6 am just isn’t enough. 

Join us this Sunday, October 5 at 1:00 pm in our Sanctuary for a workshop with Alanna Menu and Julianne Kasmer, both retired United Church ministers. Together we’ll explore the basics of pastoral care – what it is, when to offer it, and how simple it can be.

Bring a bag lunch to enjoy during coffee time beforehand. All are welcome!

Public sessions of our Healing Pathway Ministry resume on Wednesday, October 8 in the Sanctuary, with offerings at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm on the second Wednesday of each month.

These sessions provide a gentle space for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, led by trained practitioners.

To register, email Charmaine at healingpathway@jamesbayunited.com

In the Christian mystical tradition, silence is never empty. To listen deeply is to hear with the heart, where every sorrow and every joy resound as part of God’s eternal song.

Amid the intricacies of your inner ear,
the vessels and instruments and wise listeners
that translate air into meaning,
is an ocean cave that magnifies
all the haunting cries of the earth...

As a special gift for our newsletter subscribers, we invite you to pause and listen to the incredible, calming, heavenly voice of Jennifer Turner, our Music Minister. She offers a moving rendition of “Oh God, You Search Me” by Bernadette Farrell, based on Psalm 139 – a song of God’s tender presence with us.