This week we read from John 11, when Jesus brings Lazarus back to life. What could have been an interesting story about healing turns out to be a story about priorities, grief, weeping, and resurrection. It gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ character, which is often surprisingly difficult to discern. Martha’s and Mary’s grief rattles him. And through it all, he accompanies them from grief to joy and in-between. We don’t all experience resurrection like Lazarus (as far as we know), but we do all experience the presence and accompaniment of God through ups and downs.

Presiding: Rev. Greg Powell

Please note that our Sunday Service begins at 10:30. You are warmly invited to join from 10:15 for a time of musical reflection.

After the Service, from 12:00–1:00 pm we gather for the first of two Sunday Worship Choir rehearsals as we prepare for Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

This weekend at James Bay United, join us to watch and reflect on a critically acclaimed biographical drama, an eye-opening documentary — or both!

On Saturday at 6:20 pm, at our Dinner + Movie Night, we’ll be enjoying Judy — the powerful story of legendary performer Judy Garland, focusing on her challenging final years in London.

And on Sunday at 1:30 pm, in celebration of World Water Day, we invite you to join us for the thoughtful and hopeful documentary Water is Love, exploring how caring for water is truly caring for life.

Healing Pathway Practitioners come together monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the month between 1:30-3:30 pm to build confidence and grow their skills in this important healing ministry. They offer the Healing Pathway techniques to each other, learning, growing and fostering community.

For more information and/or the registration form, please contact Carol Garceau.

As the end of the month approaches, it can mean only one thing — it’s time for Big Play… a.k.a. Friday Games Night at James Bay United!

Join us next Friday, March 27, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Upstairs Reception Room.

Let’s laugh and play with friends — and don’t forget to bring a snack to share! We’ll provide hot drinks to keep you cozy as you play.

We are all educators — parents, relatives, friends, community members — whose words and actions shape how others think, feel, act, and even who they become.

This session explores how we can awaken and nurture our own souls and the souls around us in a world urgently needing a spiritual response. Drawing on the Bahá'i Writings, we will consider the nature of spiritual education, a holistic approach to life, and practical steps each of us can take in our families, communities, and society at large.

Speaker: Dan Vaillancourt, Baha'i Institute of Higher Education

A fantastic event for young adults on Vancouver Island is coming up: Re:Union by Re:Unite, a spinoff of the classic fall young adult retreat by First Third Ministry. Aimed at United Church young adults and friends (18–32ish), this gathering will take place at Camp Pringle, May 16–18.

Travel to Camp Pringle, surrounded by the beauty of Shawnigan Lake, for a weekend of rest, community, and fun.

Please note that, unlike the fall young adult retreat, travel support will not be provided; however, help with coordinating carpooling is available if needed. The cost to attend is $300, and bursaries are available — simply contact Alexandra Barr at FirstThirdMinistry@united-church.ca to receive a bursary code or ask any questions you might have.

Recently, we had a rare and joyful moment — all members of our online Thursday Morning Prayer gathered together on Zoom. We couldn’t resist sharing a screenshot of this wonderful group with you.

This amazing circle includes friends joining us from New Brunswick, two from Winnipeg, one currently in Summerland, BC, and a participant from Broadview United — all cherished members of our JBUC morning prayers.

There’s still a little room left on the screen — and yes, consider this your official hint! So if you’d like to join us Thursdays from 8:00 to 8:20 am, be sure to check out our event page.

Set aside some time to read these lines in a contemplative manner. Pay attention to which word or phrase jumps out at you. Let that word or phrase work in you throughout the day. 

Maybe post this somewhere in your home, reading it at different times to see what else emerges for you during the week. Each week we will offer a new set of lines from this poem.

Fast from worry;

Feast on divine order.

Fast from complaining;

Feast on appreciation.

Fast from thoughts that weaken;

Feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from shadows of sorrow;

Feast on the sunlight of serenity.

From "A Lenten Prayer" by William Arthur Ward

photo by: Hinda Morris, Victoria, BC

Here is a poem that resonates with the theme of the raising of Lazarus.

The Sacred Dance for Life

I sometimes forget that
I was created for joy
My mind is too busy
My heart is too heavy
Heavy for me to remember
that I have been
called to dance
the sacred dance for life
I was created to smile
to love
to be lifted up
and lift others up
O sacred one
Untangle my feet
from all that ensnares
Free my soul
That we might
Dance
and that our dancing
might be contagious.
by Hafiz

On the image: The Raising of Lazarus, Caravaggio, c. 1609, Museo Regionale, Messina, Italy.