This week we continue reading from the Sermon on the Mount, one of Jesus's finest. In this section, he tells us that we are the salt of the earth and that we are light. As salt, we add flavour to the world. It is reminiscent to the bumper-sticker quote attributed to Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself.. Everyone else is already taken.” But for Jesus, being salt is more than simply being unique: it's about contributing one's uniqueness to the world for a purpose. 

Joining us from home? Download our bulletin and follow the service via live stream.

Lent is just around the corner — and with it many captivating and thought-provoking readings. Following in the footsteps of this past Advent, the Worship Team is planning on bringing those readings to life by inviting into our midst a key character from each of those stories.

Could you see yourself going into character to embody either Nicodemus on March 1st as he surreptitiously comes to Jesus in the dark of night (John 3:1-17)? Or the Samaritan woman on March 8th as she encounters Jesus at the well? (John 4:5-42) 

If so, please contact Sarah Hovey, Worship Team Lead, at sarahhoveybcst@gmail.com. She will be happy to offer you any guidance you would need.

Dear friends,

It is quite an honour for me to be confirmed as James Bay United Church Treasurer. I have been working in the background over the last eight weeks learning about our systems, our challenges and our opportunities. One of the most important jobs of the treasurer is to communicate clearly to the congregation(s), connected programs and groups, the broader community, United Church bodies and the CRA what our financial status is, and how we are using our resources to drive our mission.

Toward that end I will be reporting to you weekly, from now until our annual meeting about our finances >>

On behalf of the Board of James Bay United Church, we wish to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the congregation and Social Justice Group of Emanu-El Synagogue. Your generous financial support of $250 per month for the Community Lunch, from October 2025 to March 2026, has been invaluable at a time when our funding has been precarious. This monthly contribution covers one full week of meals for our guests.

Your additional contribution of approximately six dedicated volunteers has also been a wonderful demonstration of moral and practical support, and of working together with another faith community. This has truly meant a great deal to us and reinforces our belief that working together for Good uplifts us all.

After our winter hiatus, our much-loved Thrift Shop is reopening! Starting today, we welcome you every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Come browse for hidden treasures, enjoy a friendly chat, and support the vital work of our community — there’s always something special waiting for you.

Visit us at 517 Michigan Street, right next to the Church.

Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church proudly presents Ms. Louise Rose in a special solo concert of gospel music!

Pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator Louise Rose is both a household name and a national treasure. A musician with an incomparable history and profound musicianship, Louise possesses a deep desire to connect her music with her listeners.

Louise has said that every performance is really “Church” — a bringing together of people and spirit through the shared experience of music. As part of our celebration of Black History Month, we are thrilled to invite Ms. Rose to present this special concert.

Admission by donation ($20 suggested, but all are welcome)

As part of the University of Victoria's The City Talks lecture series, Anglican priest and author Maggie Helwig (Encampment: Resistance, Grace, and an Unhoused Community) will be in conversation with Gregor Craigie, host of CBC's On the Island and author of Our Crumbling Foundation: How We Solve Canada's Housing Crisis.

The event is free and open to the public. 

On Monday night, Broadview magazine hosted their most-attended Broadview Live event ever. United Church minister and Broadview contributor Christopher White was joined by former MP Charlie Angus and former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy for a timely and wide-ranging conversation on democracy under pressure, the rise of fascism and Canada’s place in a rapidly changing world.

If you weren’t able to join live — or if you’d like to revisit the conversation — you can now watch the full recording.

As we continue preparing for the season of Lent, you are invited to walk this journey in the company of esteemed biblical scholar, Dr. John Dominic Crossan. Through an informative and inspiring five-week course, Dr. Crossan offers rich insights to deepen your Lenten reflection.

Please follow the link, and if it feels like a good fit for you, you can sign up independently and immerse yourself in this thoughtful exploration.