This week we read about Jesus renaming his friend and disciple Simon. Jesus declares Simon Peter as the one who will be the rock of the church. But the astute reader wonders, "isn't this the same Simon Peter who messes up royally more than once?" Why would Jesus pick him? Why does God choose us? How do we know if we've built our church on a rock, rather than on sand?

The JBUC Sunday Worship choir sings in special services from September to June and anyone in the community is welcome to join regardless of ability. If you are a newcomer or someone who wants to try out the choir for the first time, please know that your voice is so welcome.

We usually hold two Sunday afternoon rehearsals in the weeks preceding each choir service and a short rehearsal at 9:30 am the morning of the service.

All rehearsals and services are held in the JBUC Sanctuary. Please see the schedule.

If you would like to take part in any or all of these services, please email our music minister Jennifer Turner at music@jamesbayunited.com or talk to her following a Sunday service.

Have you been thinking about joining a community choir? The James Bay Community Chorus is looking for new friends to participate in our community choir. We've been singing together for four years and September is a great time to join. Our repertoire is easily accessible to all levels of singers and we're currently looking for all voice types.

Our Thursday Morning Prayer group is taking a little summer break next week, so no gathering Thursday, August 27th. We look forward to reconvening on Thursday September 3rd.

Sunday Jazz Matinee at James Bay United Church presents Cold Cut Combo!

Featuring guitarist and musette-style accordionist Aaron Watson (who you might know from our Monday Community Guitar Classes), virtuoso gypsy jazz guitarist Chris Sartisohn, and special guest bassist Joey Smith, this group is a powerhouse of Django Reinhardt-inspired jazz and traditional swing.

1:30 pm — Everyone is welcome to our swing dance lesson!
2:00 pm — Show

With a repertoire featuring jazz standards from some of the greatest composers of the 20th century, including Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Carlos Jobim, George & Ira Gershwin, Django Reinhardt, and Stéphane Grappelli, the Cold Cut Combo has become a go-to band for community festivals, citywide events, celebrations, and fundraisers in Victoria and across the South Island.

Admission by donation ($20 suggested donation), but ALL are welcome, regardless of funds.

In 1985, the governing body of the Bahá’í Faith wrote a letter to the “Peoples of the World” called The Promise of World Peace (PWP). In this document, they state, “World peace is not only possible but inevitable.” The PWP contains insights into the causes of war and strife and identifies many actions and behaviours that will set humanity on the path to peace.

In this presentation, our speaker, Sharon Welsh, will highlight some of the wisdom and guidance provided in The Promise of World Peace and explore key actions we can take, both individually and collectively, towards creating a peaceful and just world.

Please join us with your family and friends for discussion and refreshments. The Multifaith Centre entrance is accessible via the West Campus Gate, with free Sunday parking in Lot 6.

Join us for an evening of learning about Healing Pathway at Broadview United Church.

Learn how Healing Pathway can teach you to:
- Center and ground yourself through meditation and grounding exercises;
- Work with your own energy to create harmony in your body and mind;
- Offer healing sessions to friends and family or offer to members of our community with our dedicated group of healing pathway practitioners.

Healing Pathway is for everyone!

Inquiries: healingpathway@jamesbayunited.com

Visited our A Taste of Palestine Dinner with chef Izzeldin Bukhari and got inspired by his creations? Here’s the story — and the recipe! — for Rummaniyeh, the delicious first course we tried at our dinner.

And good news for our vegan friends: it’s vegan-friendly!

In August, Naramata Centre, a ministry within the United Church of Canada, cancelled the programming for two weeks of its summer season and opened its rooms to households evacuated by the Bald Range fire.

The staff at Naramata Centre mostly talk to each other in one group text. This film is based on that thread, starting the night before the first flame in Summerland, August 6th.

Their team of 19 made the decisions in that thread and then carried them out. Weeks 5 and 6 were cancelled. Fifty-six people were given a bed in rooms Naramata's guests released, along with fifteen dogs, four cats, and a snake named Pretzel.

The film runs just under four minutes. If you watch to the end, please send it to somebody who remembers this place. Almost everyone who comes here was told about it by somebody. And if you are able, donate via CanadaHelps or e-transfer to finance@naramatacentresoceity.org. Please use this form to let Naramata Centre know your donation is on its way.