After 2 years of a Covid restricted Christmas Eve, the way is open this year to gather in person, albeit knee deep in winter. Thanks to a great cast of characters, we’ll welcome young and old into a dramatized telling of the Christmas story at 4pm indoors, in our sanctuary. 

And then, a few hours later, we’ll re-set the space, light the candles, set the table. Jennifer will gather the choir and instrumentalists.  Nathan and Dylan will set up for the livestream.  And we’ll come together from near and far, in person and online, for our 8pm celebration. Of course! we’ll conclude with Silent Night, candles lit and in hand.  If you are joining online, I encourage you to take time to prepare your own space, with candles perhaps, with some bread and wine or juice ... with whatever will allow you to sense and share in the sacredness of this night.

Christmas Eve 8pm in the Sanctuary: NOTE the LiveStream will start at 7:45pm (PT)

Less rambunctious but no less poignant, this service of Carols, Candlelight and Communion will have a more contemplative feel, with space to breathe.

Let your heart feel and wonder at the mystery of it all!

With a variety of instrumentalists and singers, led by Jennifer Turner, the music will be – well ... spectacular!

There is no Sunday service on December 25th. We offer you the LiveStream from last evening's 8pm service. 

We will resume in person (and online) services on Sunday, January 1st, 2023, with musical leadership from Gordon Miller.

Rev. Karen Dickey

On Sunday, December 25th the Social Justice team will offer a welcome event for those out in the cold or looking for company - an afternoon Christmas dinner in the lower hall, with carolling, stories and feasting.

IF you would like to assist in preparations OR to join for the meal, please confirm with Sinan by FRIDAY (December 23) 2pm. (socialjustice.jbuc@gmail.com )

When everyone had gone
I sat in the library
With the small silent tree,
She and I alone.
How softly she shone!

And for the first time then
For the first time this year,
I felt reborn again,
I knew love’s presence near.

Love distant, love detached
And strangely without weight,
Was with me in the night
When everyone had gone
And the garland of pure light
Stayed on, stayed on.

~ May Sarton

Our thanks to the Salt Project for this beautiful poem.

Our hall has been greatly appreciated as an overnight warming centre for several weeks.  In meantime, the folks at St John the Divine have made their hall available which accommodates twice as many people, so the Warming Centre has shifted to there.

Thanks to Sinan and a team of volunteers, people have been welcomed into our hall out of the cold during the day, in the coldest of these days.

Our 2023 campaign to raise $15,000 (all of which will go directly to people and projects that serve the community) has been kick-started by a couple of significant contributions.

For those who need or want a sensible party with congenial friends, lavish food, and terrific entertainment, to see in the new year, why not a POTLUCK DINNER + MOVIE!

Next Saturday, December 31st, in the James Bay lower church hall.... doors open at 6pm with dinner at 6:20pm, and movie starting at 7:15pm.

The movie is 'Licorice Pizza', a contender for best-picture Academy Award last year. Theme is about growing up and trying to find love [and success, maybe?] during the '70's and '80's.  It is by turns hilarious, touching, thought-provoking, nostalgic and hopeful...and full of that sweet innocence that many of us will remember.  

Bring a friend (or 3).

Questions? Contact Gary.