JBUC Newsletter for May 29, 2026
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Celebrating Community in All Its Forms

James Bay United Church
JBUC Newsletter for May 29, 2026
Sunday Worship: Trinity Sunday

Sunday Worship: Trinity Sunday

May 31, 10:30–11:30 am

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, when Christians everywhere who thought they understood the concept of the Trinity step back and say, “huh?”. It's a little like water having three forms, but not quite (and let's not forget plasma and gels anyway). It's a little like a three-leaf clover, but not quite. It's more like the universe, consisting of time, space, and matter — but then what about light? Alas, it's actually the complexity that provides the intrigue, which, after all, must be the point. As our reading tells us, the point is to be curious, to learn — to be disciples.

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.

Following the Sunday Service, our Worship Choir will gather for the first of its final two rehearsals before the summer break.

For more infomation visit:

http://jamesbayunited.com/events/sunday-worship/2026-05-31

Bulletin & Livestream Here
Brad Shigeta Plays and Sings

Brad Shigeta Plays and Sings

May 31, 2:00–3:30 pm

Sunday Jazz Matinee at James Bay United Church presents Brad Shigeta Plays and Sings!

Originally from Winnipeg, Brad Shigeta moved to New York City at the invitation of internationally acclaimed bassist Dave Holland. For the next 20 years, Brad worked with the legacy orchestras of the legendary Count Basie and Duke Ellington, as well as the Lionel Hampton Big Band, the Dave Holland Big Band, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, saxophonist Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, and countless others.

Returning to Canada, Brad eventually relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia, and split his time between the Seattle and Vancouver jazz communities. He can be heard performing with many of the West Coast’s finest groups.

For this special concert, Brad brings Vancouver bassist Noah Hocker and Victoria drummer Matt Pease together to celebrate the release of his recent trio recording, Brad Shigeta Plays and Sings.

For more infomation visit:

http://jamesbayunited.com/events/brad-shigeta-plays-and-sings/2026-05-31

Swing Into the Details
Public Global Talks Series: Armando & the Amazing Animal Race

Public Global Talks Series: Armando & the Amazing Animal Race

May 31, 2:00 pm, UVic Multifaith Center

Join author and educator Diana Schaffter to discover the backstory of Armando & the Amazing Animal Race, an international prize-winning eco-adventure and mystery written for ages 8 to 14 but enjoyed by all ages.

We'll hear the story design, strategy, key messages and see photography in Southern India, Russia, the Judean desert and the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.

Diana has lived in Asia and Eastern Europe for 42 years and worked in international education as an elementary teacher. She has founded two preschools and been an educational consultant to Ministries of Education. 

Please join us with your family and friends for discussion, participation and refreshments.

For more infomation visit:

https://www.jamesbayunited.com/df_media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjYvMDUvMjkvMTcvMzQvMzcvOGMyNzhmYjEtNWYzNS00ZWU0LTk4ZWUtNGYzZmE3ZmY1NjBlL1NjaGFmZnRlci0yMDI2MDUzMS5wZGYiXV0/Schaffter-20260531.pdf?sha=cd6daceeefdc6725

See the Full Poster
Children of Gaza: Memory Quilt Exhibition

Children of Gaza: Memory Quilt Exhibition

June 1–3, Nova Arts Hub, 4489 Viewmont Ave

Visit Nova Arts Hub in Victoria, BC, to view the Children of Gaza memory quilts and works in progress. The exhibition is hosted in a creative community space dedicated to dreaming, healing, reflection, empowerment, and resistance.

Each quilt square commemorates a child who lost their life in Gaza and forms part of a collaborative international memorial project.

Schedule:
Monday, June 1, 7–9 pm — Opening Reception
Tuesday, June 2, 7–9 pm — Sewing Session*
Wednesday, June 3, 11 am–7 pm — Exhibition

*For more information or to register for the sewing session, please email childrenofgazaquilt@gmail.com.

The Twelve Animals of Liu He Ba Fa: Special Class in Chi Gong Health and Wellness

The Twelve Animals of Liu He Ba Fa: Special Class in Chi Gong Health and Wellness

June 4, 6:00–7:00 pm. Lower Hall

Join us for a very special class to support health, well-being, and longevity at JBUC!

In this special presentation, we will learn traditional health and wellness practices rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, refined over centuries and passed down from teacher to student.

The Twelve Animals of Liu He Ba Fa will be presented by Eric Tuttle, one of North America's highest-level internal martial artists.

Following the introductory session, we anticipate offering Eric's classes on a weekly basis, usually on Thursdays from 6:00–7:00 pm, with occasional schedule adjustments.

Cost: $10/class.

For more infomation visit:

http://jamesbayunited.com/events/the-twelve-animals-of-liu-he-ba-fa/2026-06-04

View Event Page
Al Pease Quartet

Al Pease Quartet

June 7, 2:00–3:30 pm

Sunday Jazz Matinee is honoured to present the Al Pease Quartet!

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of traditional jazz and beloved big band-era favourites, performed by some of Victoria’s most cherished jazz musicians.

Featuring the legendary Al Pease on clarinet and saxophone, alongside Matt Pease on drums, Toni Blodgett on piano, and Joey Smith on bass, this special matinee celebrates the timeless spirit of classic jazz with warmth, virtuosity, and swing.

We’re also delighted to welcome two very special guests: Victoria’s own Molly Raher, known to many as “Diamond Tooth” Molly, and the terrific guitarist and singer Thomas Buhman.

Dancers welcome!

For more infomation visit:

http://jamesbayunited.com/events/al-pease-quartet/2026-06-07

Join Us for Sunday Jazz
Memorial Service for Carolyn Vogt

Memorial Service for Carolyn Vogt

June 8, 10:00 am

The Memorial Service for Carolyn Vogt (November 10, 1944 – May 5, 2026) will be held at the Sanctuary on Monday, June 8th at 10:00 am. Carolyn didn't attend for long but she enjoyed James Bay United.

The Service will be livestreamed.

Obituary and condolences

For more infomation visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6qml-VHsNM

Join the Livestream
See You in September, Games Night!

See You in September, Games Night!

Looking for Volunteers

Games Night has had a wonderful year, meeting on the fourth Friday of each month from September through May. Between 6 and 15 people have come out to play a variety of games, enjoy tasty snacks, and get to know one another in a fun and welcoming setting. There has been a lot of laughter and fun along the way!

Gratitude to everyone who has joined us, shared games and treats, and helped build community through this monthly gathering.

Games Night is now on summer pause and will return in September.

Volunteer Opportunity:
We are looking for someone to oversee this monthly activity beginning in the fall. If you are interested, please speak with Carol Garceau at the church.

Poem of the Week

Poem of the Week

Joy Mead, from "Pentecost is Now" and "Big Book of Liturgies 2"

Pentecost Moments

Living Spirit
help us to hold on to our Pentecost moments
as we walk into the storm.

May we know the value of story, dream and poetry
that tell us of mystery and wonder, joy and pain,
hopes and visions.

May we see that narrow horizons limit compassion
and abstractions blanket feelings.

May we not be afraid
to imagine life as it is meant to be
for all people;
to live as if the world we long for
were already here.

Photo by: Hinda Morris, Victoria, BC

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511 Michigan Street
Victoria, BC
Canada V8V 1S1

250-384-5821

office@jamesbayunited.com