Gather for Friday Games Night in the Upstairs Reception. Bring a snack to share—hot drinks and lots of laughs are waiting. This is the final Games Night of the year. See you again in January!

Questions? Carol carolgarceau@yahoo.ca or Bev bevtracey@shaw.ca.

Happy New Year! In the Christian calendar, Advent marks the beginning of a new year, full of possibilities. We will be exploring the four themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, and this Sunday we begin with hope. If hope is the ability to envision things being better, we have to have a clear picture of how things are now. In other words, we have to know the truth. But truth is growing ever more difficult to discern. Indeed, each of the crises that define the current age hinges on different interpretations of truth. We might have thought that access to more information would make discerning truth easier, but it seems we were wrong. Ultimately, truth is revealed by God. (But what does that mean?) Real hope is based on the truth that God reveals.

A thoughtful invitation into deeper wakefulness, offered by Steve Garnaas-Holmes:

          Keep awake.
                      —Matthew 24.42

         It is already the moment
          for you to wake from sleep.
                      —Romans 13.11

We are awake to the coming of Christ
and the Reign of God,
which is not a private matter,
but a transformation of society.

Gita Badiyan will explore at the U.Vic Multifaith Centre how to connect across differences and find threads of unity in a polarized world. The event includes discussion, participation, and refreshments, offering insights into fostering understanding and stronger communities.

Accessible via West Campus Gate with free Sunday parking (Lot 6). See map attached for more information. Family and friends are welcome. 

Step into the glow of candlelight and harmony this Christmas Eve as part of our expanded choir! Music director Jennifer Turner invites anyone who loves to sing to take part in a beautiful evening of choral music. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or simply love Christmas melodies, there’s a place for your voice.
Practice files will be available — email to sign up music@jamesbayunited.com!

Calling all pageant players! We hope to reinspire the rave reviews that last year’s Christmas pageant received. Rehearsals will be on December 7 at 1:15 pm, December 14 at 1:15 pm, and December 24 at 2 pm. The service is at 4 pm on December 24. All are welcome, regardless of age, skill, ability, or faith.

Meet and support local Vancouver Island and Gulf Island makers, bakers, and producers on December 6 at James Bay Community Centre, 140 Oswego Street, Victoria. Explore treasures from woodwork and jewelry to baked goods, clothing, and more! Discover familiar James Bay Market vendors alongside new artisans at this beloved Winter Craft Fair.

SingYourJoy Young Adult Chorus presents Everyday People at the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre. Under the direction of Co-Founders Christine Chepyha and Gordon Miller, with Associate Director Jennifer Turner, this vibrant young adult choir offers an uplifting evening of music that celebrates community, belonging and the extraordinary potential that emerges when people sing together. In a world where tech-gadgetry is both your trusted friend and self-destructive, a concept as simple as choir (singing together) could become the antidote – the healing energy to help you get through your week.

The final public session of 2025 will be on Tuesday, December 10. Sessions will resume in the new year on Wednesday, January 14. To register, email Charmaine at healingpathway@jamesbayunited.com

We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026!

The Moderator's message for Advent, centers on the theme of complication of holding joy and hardship simultaneously, and the miracle of connection as the essential spiritual practice for navigating this tension.