These past days have reminded us how fragile life can be, and how much love matters.

Love is not just pink hearts and sweets. It’s showing up, being gentle with one another, saying the kind words now instead of when it’s too late.

And sometimes, we do that best through music.

Join us on Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 pm for a very special matinee edition of our annual Love Songs Concert — a swinging celebration of love through the lens of the Great American Songbook, with songs made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra & more.

Whatever we raise that afternoon will be passed along to help the families affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy.

This Sunday we read about the Transfiguration of Jesus: on a mountaintop with his disciples, he encounters Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) and his face turns a dazzling white. This short story is full of symbolism and we will take it in within the context of the devastating tragedy at Tumbler Ridge this week. We will take some time to honour the victims.

Worshipping from home? Be sure to download the bulletin.

Indigenous Elder Carl Olsen and protectors have received a one-year reprieve from the government for Selektel/Goldstream Park. For the moment, 700 trees will not be destroyed, the Goldstream River will not have a cement barrier in it, and the salmon are protected… for now. Yet last Tuesday, after notice of the reprieve, Carl (far left in photo) continued to bring awareness to the plight of SELE₭TEȽ/Goldstream. The BC government has not stopped plans to devastate the park — it has only paused its plan for further environmental assessment.

Buttons have been produced and will be available this Sunday at our church. If you wish to show your support for the work of Carl and promote awareness in the greater Victoria community, you are most welcome to pick one up.

On Wednesday, February 18 we gather at noon to remember the circle of life: that we, ultimately, return to the earth.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of contemplation that often involves fasting and deep spiritual practice. During our short service, we will "impose" ashes upon the foreheads of those who do desire, offering a blessing for this sacred time of the Christian year.

Presiding: Rev. Greg Powell

Movie Screening: 'Capote'

This prize-winning film tells the story of American author Truman Capote — the writer of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood.

The film received 89 award nominations and won major honours across the American Academy, the British Awards, and the Golden Globes. In particular, Philip Seymour Hoffman was singled out for his outstanding performance as the idiosyncratic writer.

P.S. If you’re unsure what to bring for the potluck, consider the deli up the street — sliced meats are always welcome, and so is a salad.

Photo credit: IMDb

Speaker: Dr. Elaine McCreary, visiting from Surrey, BC

Based on her recently published book, A Journalist Interviews God on How Souls Grow in Faith, Hope, and Love, Elaine will recount posing as a journalist to interview the ultimate elusive Source. The topic of her interview is of interest to every awakening soul — the theme of their own identity, purpose for living, and method of making progress.

Elaine will take us through the journalist's six essential questions for this interview (the Who, What, Why, When, Where and How of soul development). And she'll show us where fresh answers are to be found in Bahá'i Sacred Writings.

As this is going to be a weekly (for now) blog style of financial updates to keep us all informed about our status and financial practices, I encourage the reader to start with my message from last week.

My goal is financial transparency, with accessible, easy-to-understand information so that any of us who call James Bay United Church home (regardless of which day of the week or program or activity you belong to) and want to know more, can participate in the conversation about our financial future.

If you have questions, please write to me at: treasurer@jamesbayunited.com

Gordon Miller

Look how our Community Lunch volunteers dressed the space for Valentine’s Day — hearts everywhere, every shade of red, and warm smiles (as always). There was even a chocolate cake… gone before we could take a photo!

We hope no one feels alone.