This Sunday is Father's Day and National Indigenous Peoples Day — so overall a Sunday of celebration. For the reflection, Rev. Greg will read a letter from his friend from the Gitxan Nation to James Bay United Church with a theme of perseverance. It may be incumbent upon us to respond to the letter so as you hear it, you might be thinking about the response.

The oldest stories from the Bible are rife with tribalism, genocide, colonialism, and warfare. These are not told with historical precision, but still with a high degree of thematic accuracy. Those times were brutal. From the agricultural revolution 10,000 years ago until about 80 years ago, the human condition has been one of scarcity and brutality. The past 80 years — especially in North America — have been exceptional. Until the end of the second world war, we were fighters more than we were lovers. We kidnapped and enslaved people. We stole from other people. We took control of others' land. Those who developed a taste for power dreamed of ways to seize more of it. >>

As we observe World Refugee Day on June 20, we are pleased to share an important milestone in our advocacy efforts on behalf of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Our parliamentary e-petition, which gathered 1,805 signatures in just 30 days from supporters in every province and territory across Canada, has now been officially presented in the House of Commons. The federal government is required to respond within 45 business days >>

Our Pride Committee is looking for volunteers to join us at the Victoria Pride March for Justice on Sunday, July 12th. 

This year, we need at least 18 volunteers to help carry our banners and our beautiful Pride doors. We will also be handing out Pride bracelets, stickers, and bookmarks to spectators along the route. The more people who join us, the stronger our witness for love, inclusion, justice, and belonging will be.

If you are interested in participating, please talk with Anne Manikel or Colleen Adair after service downstairs or email them: annemanikel@gmail.com and cadair4526@gmail.com

Join us for an evening of good food and great company! This is a potluck dinner. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. Please bring something special to share.

Clarinettist, composer, and vocalist Lloyd Arntzen — who is nearly 99 years old himself! — has been bringing the sounds of traditional jazz to audiences across Canada’s West Coast for more than 60 years.

With a remarkable career as a performer, composer, bandleader, and sideman, Lloyd has become a beloved figure in the traditional jazz community. Among many highlights, he welcomed Louis Armstrong to Vancouver in 1961. Today, he remains a favourite of traditional jazz enthusiasts and Lindy Hoppers alike around the world.

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

Photo credit: Evan Arntzen

Our neighbours at James Bay Community Project have their Annual General Meeting next Wednesday, June 24. In addition to sharing how they spent the past year, they'll have an incredible guest speaker — John Adams, respected local historian, longtime James Bay resident, and founder of Discover the Past which is well known for Victoria's popular Ghostly Walks.

Come hear John share stories from James Bay's rich past, and learn more about JBCP's year of community impact, key accomplishments, and plans for the future.

Door Prize Draw!

RSVP to askus@jbcp.bc.ca or through JBCP Reception.

A drop-in choir for everyone. Sing pop, rock and indie folk songs in two, three and four-part harmony. No audiions, no sheet music. The only thing you need is the desire to sing with others.

Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park, Wednesdays, June 24, July 8, 15 & 22, 5:00–7:00 pm, rain or shine.

Directed by Glenna Garramone.

Imagine, if you will, seven interrelated human capacities that support our spiritual development and enable us to flourish psychologically. Dr. Azin Nasseri will explore how these seven capacities may together form a framework for what can be understood as spiritual intelligence.

Please join us with your family and friends for discussion, participation and refreshments. Multifaith Centre entry is accessible via West Campus Gate with free Sunday parking (lot 6).