This Sunday, we continue our "Summer Light" series drawn from J. Philip Newell’s book, "The Great Search: Turning to Earth & Soul in the Quest for Healing & Home".

The scripture reading and reflection will be offered by Diane Monteith. In Diane's own words:

"J. Phillip Newell’s book is a call for a new vision of our faith in the world — a faith that responds to the yearning of the soul and to the healing of our relationship with the earth and one another. I invite you into the journals of Etty Hillesum.

In 1941, Etty Hillesum was a 27-year-old Jewish woman in Amsterdam, who began a journal during the Nazi occupation of Holland. She recorded her journey of Soul amid the horror of what one people can do to another and who, in the middle of such terror, was witness to the meaning and even the beauty of life. How did she find meaning amid the fear and horror of a concentration camp?"

Take a look at James Bay United at the 2026 Victoria Pride Parade!

Browse our super colourful and fun photos from last Sunday's parade on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: James Bay United Church, Kairos Victoria

Our A Taste of Palestine Dinner with Izzeldin Bukhari, a Palestinian chef from Jerusalem, is getting closer! Our own Joanne Keelan has just returned from the dinner at Comox United Church — very excited (and very well fed with authentic Mediterranean cuisine).

Victoria dinner will take place at our Church on Saturday, August 8. Seating is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot soon.

You'll find all the details about the event on our website, and you can purchase your tickets here.

If you'd like to help us spread the word by displaying it in your apartment building, community centre, or another suitable location, we'd be most grateful! You can download and print the poster yourself or pick up a printed copy from Natalia or Joanne at the Сhurch.

Photo credit: Joanne Keelan

Here's the message from our dear Kam:

"Hi Folks,

I'm downsizing — really downsizing — from an apartment to a van. So, furniture needs to go!

I hope to find good homes for three items in particular:
- Antique twin spool bed
- Antique chest (34" × 20" × 14")
- Bar table (5' × 20" × 3') plus three stools

There's also plants.

If any of these items interest you, please contact Kam at karenmckim2@gmail.com"

Sunday Jazz Matinee at James Bay United Church presents Kelby MacNayr’s Tiny Rhythm Kings featuring special guest guitarist John Lee!

Drummer and vocalist Kelby MacNayr assembles an all-star trio to celebrate the timeless classics of the swing era, from Nat "King" Cole and Bing Crosby to Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and many more.

Introductory dance lesson at 1:30 pm – no additional charge :)

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

Sophia Ammann is a Belgian-Canadian indie folk singer-songwriter. She's the former frontwoman of band Little Dots and band Ansatz Der Maschine. In recent years she has toured most extensively with the project "Sophia Ammann plays Leonard Cohen" through many sold out concerts in Belgium. The same project has brought her to play for audiences in Nepal (2019) and Canada (2017, 2023, 2024).

Her angelic voice will transport you to heartwarming and enchanting musical realms. With songs and a voice that touches and soothes the soul, we dare promise you’ll leave her performance feeling a little lighter and with a smile on your face.

The suggested donation is $25 but we don't want anyone in our community to miss out because of finances.

Come together on August 6 to celebrate peace & culture and commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima & Nagasaki.

Honouring Peace is a special event, presented by The Greater Victoria Peace School, where we enjoy an evening of music, culture, lantern-making and presentations dedicated to peace:
- Make a Peace Lantern at 6:00 pm
- Program starts at 7:30 pm

Free family-friendly event. Cash donations gratefully accepted!

It's all about positive vibes, learning and meaningful connections. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something truly uplifting. See you there!

Free digital skills workshops for seniors (65+).

Learn to use your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other digital device with confidence. We can show you how to complete everyday digital tasks, answer your questions about your devices and apps, explain how they work, help you choose and set up a new device, and much more.

One-on-one sessions or small group workshops. Up to three sessions per person.

To register: Call JBCP's Reception, (250) 388-7844, or email askus@jbcp.bc.ca

Who won this badminton match? We may never know... but someone is definitely enjoying a well-deserved vacation!