This past week, the Community Lunch celebrated Halloween in style! Guests and volunteers came dressed in their spookiest and silliest costumes, and John even created a hilarious Halloween song for the occasion. Take a look and enjoy the creativity, laughter, and community spirit that makes our lunches so special!

This Sunday we will be acknowledging and honouring the responses we have received for our Fall Pledge Campaign! And we will be announcing how close we are to reaching our goal. If you haven’t yet, you can fill out your pledge form online. Thank you for helping us continue building bridges of faith, love, and community at James Bay United Church.

Watch Karen’s video to hear her inspiring story and why she has made a pledge for 2026. 

This Sunday, we mark Remembrance Day and reflect on the vision of peace for which so many have made sacrifices. We complicate the notion of peace a little: it doesn't just mean calm and order; it also involves justice. Some would say, “If there is no justice, there should be no calm.” Once tyranny is over, and each of us can thrive, that’s the kind of peace for which Jesus advocated.

Dear People of James Bay United Church,

Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with you over the past while. I found myself in a place filled with curiosity, support, faith, honesty, joy, compassion, love, kindness, and acceptance. It was truly a pleasure to puzzle over the books, and I retire with full confidence in the new bookkeeping team.

You gave Charlie and me such lovely gifts—thank you! And if we should meet in the future, please stop and say hi.

Blessings,
Jackie

Our new evening study group begins this coming Wednesday, November 12! Come by the Lower Hall for a warm bowl of soup, fresh bread, and engaging conversation. Reflect on the upcoming Sunday scripture readings or explore thought-provoking social justice books. It’s a wonderful way to nourish your body, mind, and spirit—come be part of the conversation!

Public sessions of our Healing Pathway Ministry will be held in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, November 12, with offerings at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Sessions continue on the second Wednesday of each month. Email Charmaine at healingpathway@jamesbayunited.com to register.

Prayer Station will be offered during our monthly communion.

Monthly Practice Group will be on Wednesday, November November 26th at 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary. 

NOTE: If you are interested in offering Soaking Prayer or Distance Healing sessions, please let Charmaine or Carol know at our new email address healingpathway@jamesbayunited.com

We’re keeping this one a mystery — quite literally!

Our next Dinner + Movie Night will feature a surprise film — could it be a story of laughter and friendship, or a suspenseful classic filled with twists and turns?

Read more to find out which movie is showing, or catch the reveal in next week’s newsletter. Come for the food, stay for the company, and enjoy the mystery on the big screen!

All voices are welcome to be part of our special Advent Choir! Rehearsals take place right after Sunday service, and no experience is required — just a love of singing and community.

Choir Service: Sunday, November 30 – Advent I
Rehearsal #1: Sunday, November 16 • 12:00–1:00 pm
Rehearsal #2: Sunday, November 23 • 12:00–1:00 pm

The Worship Committee is looking for folks to help prepare and clean up Communion. Typically, we celebrate Communion on the first Sunday of each month, as well as on the Sundays of Advent and Lent. Preparation and clean-up each take about 15 minutes (before and after the service).

If this seems like a meaningful way to contribute, please contact Rev. Greg at greg.powell@jamesbayunited.com.