Calling all pageant players! We hope to reinspire the rave reviews that last year’s Christmas pageant received. Rehearsals will be on December 7 at 1:15 pm, December 14 at 1:15 pm, and December 24 at 2 pm. The service is at 4 pm on December 24. All are welcome, regardless of age, skill, ability, or faith.

We are also looking for young angels and shepherds (ages 6 to 14) to help lead our music during the Christmas story for the young and young at heart at 4pm on Christmas Eve. Rehearsal is on December 14 from 11:45 to 12:15, and the dress rehearsal is at 2pm on Christmas Eve. No experience necessary—either in herding sheep or bearing messages from God.

A gentle reflection on how darkness can hold truth, courage, and the quiet beginnings of new life. In the stillness, we listen for the deeper story of Love in which the Light always returns. 

This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent, when we consider Peace. We will be reading about John the Baptist and Isaiah’s vision of peace, which preceded the life of Jesus (and John the Baptist) by about 700 years. Isaiah’s vision is as radical now as when he first shared it: predator and prey lying together, one-time enemies coexisting as friends.

The justice-infused peace we seek in the world can only manifest if there is peace within. Peace within an individual eventually scales up to the whole world—but only if we tenaciously hold onto this radical vision.

Jennifer Turner (our beloved Music Minister) together with Gordon Miller and Christine Chepyha lead an outstanding choir of young adults in Victoria: SingYourJoy Young Adult Chorus.

They have been delighting audiences for the past 15 years and we encourage you to check out their concert this coming Sunday evening (7pm) at the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre in Oak Bay.

Our musical friends will appreciate your support in the audience this Sunday evening.

Here's a sample of their work.

(tickets also available at the door)

Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church has two festive concerts coming your way December 9 and 23. Two beautiful evenings of seasonal music — be sure to save the dates!

The final public session of 2025 will be on coming Tuesday, December 10 at 1pm. Sessions will resume in the new year on Wednesday, January 14. To register, email Charmaine at healingpathway@jamesbayunited.com

Our final shopping day for the James Bay United Church Thrift Shop in 2025 will be Saturday, December 13, from 10 am to 1 pm. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year, with our first sales day of 2026 on Friday, February 6. Thank you for holding your donations until February 4.

James Bay United Church offers an opportunity to bring your family and friends for a short walk to Parry House and Beckley Farm Lodge to sing with the residents. Share the joy of the season on Sunday, December 14. Meet at the office door at 4:20 pm to head out from 4:30–5:30 pm. Plan to warm up at the church afterward with hot chocolate and treats.

Our music minister Jennifer Turner will be the soprano soloist for the 26th annual Sing-Along Messiah with the Civic Orchestra—where the audience becomes the chorus!

Where: United Commons (formerly First Met), 932 Balmoral Road

Accessible entrance available at 932 Balmoral Road. Don’t miss this festive musical tradition!

December is full of warmth, music, and meaningful moments at James Bay United Church — and we’d love for you to be part of it. From festive jazz and community singing to reflective worship and Christmas Eve celebrations, there’s something for everyone this month. Make note of the dates below and experience the spirit of the season with us.