A beautiful reflection for the season: Emmanuel – God with us. In the midst of a world full of challenges, this poem reminds us of the divine presence and grace that sustains us.

I know how you feel, Joseph.
I am disappointed in this world
and its hate and greed, daily violence,
cruelty and stupidity at the highest levels,
climate change, microplastics….

This Sunday, as we continue to celebrate the birth of Christ, we also remember that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were forced to leave their home and flee to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod, who feared this new Messiah and sought to kill him. We explore how we hold the celebration of this miraculous birth alongside the reality of refugees living in fear in foreign lands—much as we see in our world today. How do we live in hope and pray for peace?

Please note that there will be no livestream for this Sunday’s service. Our tech team is taking a well-deserved break. We warmly invite those who are able to gather in person as we share worship together in the sanctuary.

Ring in the New Year with a cozy Dinner + Movie Night at James Bay United Church. Doors open at 5:00 pm, with a potluck dinner at 5:15 pm, followed by a very special classic film at 6:30 pm. This New Year’s Eve screening features STAR! (1965), starring a young Julie Andrews alongside Canadian actor Daniel Massey—a little-known biographical gem filled with music, story, and nostalgia. Bring a dish to share, settle in with friends, and welcome the New Year with warmth, hope, and joy.

Whether you’re a longtime Tuesday Night Jazz regular or just discovering us, if you’re looking for a truly proper way to thank 2025 and welcome 2026 (literally at midnight!), we have a suggestion.

There’s a superstition that how you meet the New Year is how you’ll spend it — so why not start 2026 together, swinging through the very last minutes of 2025?

Do you use personal numbered envelopes for Sunday donations? Your 2026 set will be available at the Greeters’ table (rear entrance to the sanctuary) after the December 28 Sunday service.

If you don’t have envelopes yet and would like to use them—or learn more—please contact Natalia Zhuravlova during a Sunday service, email donors@jamesbayunited.com, or leave a note with the Greeters.

Community Lunch returns on Thursday, January 1 from 1:00–2:30 pm, offering a warm meal and Food Share. All are welcome.

Every week we celebrate our role in the community. Every week we look forward to renewing our connections and creating new ones. Thank you for your continuing support.

Our volunteers extend warm wishes to everyone for all the best of the season, and a peaceful, hopeful, and healthy new year.

Please note there will be no classes from December 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Stay active and see you back in the New Year!

Please note that there will be no Qigong classes from December 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Regular Wednesday morning classes will resume after this break.

It has been another meaningful year with Campus United at the University of Victoria, with much to celebrate. You’re invited to take a moment to read the Campus United newsletter—especially the student testimonies—which reflect the real and lasting impact of this ministry. Thank you for your ongoing support; it truly takes a whole community to nurture and accompany students.