This Sunday is Pentecost! As the story goes, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, resurrected on Easter Sunday, ascended 40 days after Easter, then the Holy Spirit descends with a whooosh! on Pentecost (the 50th day). Wind and fire are commonly associated with this event, as is mutual understanding and infusion of the Spirit. We will be hosting the SingYourJoy Emerge Youth Choir (under the direction of Gordon Miller and Christine Chepyha) so it will certainly be a Spirit-filled Sunday.

Please note that our Sunday Service begins at 10:30. You are warmly invited to gather with us from 10:15 am, in our Sanctuary or online, for a time of musical reflection.

You still have a chance to submit your favourite hymns that fill you up with strength, inspiration, comfort, hope, or joy. On June 7, we will celebrate by singing these hymns AND hearing a few words about why these pieces uplift you.

In preparation we’re asking you to:

1) Identify one or two hymns – from the Voices United or More Voices collections — that you absolutely love.

2) Fill in the online form, email Jennifer at music@jamesbayunited.com, or complete the form included in the bulletin during the May 24 Sunday Service and drop it no later than Tuesday, May 26 into the Singing Our Faith drop box in the sanctuary.

3) Come prepared on June 7 to tell us in 4 or 5 sentences what it is about this hymn that inspires you.

Please note that if we receive more hymns than can be sung in a one hour service, we’ll have to select from among them. Hold on to the ones not chosen and do this again in the future.

Last Friday Games Night before summer! This is your perfect opportunity to socialize and sharpen your board game skills in a casual, welcoming environment.

Join us tonight in the upstairs reception (ramp entrance) at 7:00–9:00 pm.

This Sunday, right after the service, we're inviting all of you to a congregational conversation over lunch. If you’d still like to sign up, please email Scott at chair@jamesbayunited.com.

If you can't join us in person, an online survey with the same questions is available.

If you have questions, please speak with Scott Jantzen or any Board member.

The Sunday Jazz Matinee proudly presents Adventures in the Djangosphere!

Five of the West Coast’s top swing musicians join forces in a special ensemble dedicated to celebrating the timeless sound and swing of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.

Featuring Victoria’s own, the incredible Chris Sartisohn on lead guitar, virtuoso violinist Richard Moody, rhythm guitarist extraordinaire Paul Dowd, acoustic bassist Joey Smith, and drummer Kelby MacNayr.

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

Jennifer Turner, our beloved Music Minister, will be singing the soprano solo in Brahms’ Requiem with the Choral Society.

Also featured is the world premiere arrangement of Marble of the West by Canadian-Iranian composer, Iman Habibi, a moving work that addresses themes of displacement and the impact of environmental change — a powerful pairing to end our season.

Pre-Concert Talk from 1:30 pm–2 pm:
Join Iman Habibi (composer), Jon O’Riordan (Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Fund), Jacques Sirois (Greater Victoria NatureHood), and Brian Wismath (VCS Artistic Director), for a 30-minute pre-concert talk exploring Habibi’s Marble of the West. This discussion will delve into the impact of deforestation on the marbled murrelet, alongside broader themes of migration and displacement that shape the work.

Healing Pathway Practitioners come together monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the month 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.

After May 27, the Healing Pathway Ministry will take a summer pause, returning in September.

For more information, please contact healingpathway@jamesbayunited.com

Enjoy a delightful evening of shared choral music with the James Bay Community Chorus. After, celebrate with the singers at a reception in the Lower Hall.

Admission by donation.

Our final choir session before the summer break:

Choir Service: Sunday, June 21
Rehearsal #1: Sunday, May 31 • 12:00–1:00 pm
Rehearsal # 2: Sunday, June 14 • 12:00–1:00 pm