Our final shopping day for the James Bay United Church Thrift Shop in 2025 is 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.

This Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate joy. Joy is more than intense happiness. It is about deep fulfillment—about having a sense of living into one’s purpose. In that sense, joy has little to do with happiness, because living into our deepest purpose is often neither easy nor comfortable; sometimes it is even frustrating and disheartening. But it’s worth it. Joy is far greater than mere happiness. God has called us to live deeper than happiness. As we await the coming Christ, we take stock of the joy in our lives.

We’re down to our last five United Church calendars for 2026! Each calendar features beautiful photos of United Churches from across Canada, along with key dates observed throughout the church year.

They’re just $12 each. If you’d like one, simply bring cash on Sunday after the service and connect with Joanne Keelan.

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.

This powerful and beloved Ukrainian poem Contra Spem Spero by Lesya Ukrainka was shared with us by Natalia Zhuravlova. Written by a poet who lived with lifelong illness and immense struggle, the poem speaks with striking honesty about sorrow, perseverance, and the fierce determination to hope against all odds. Its life-affirming spirit continues to inspire generations—an enduring reminder that even in darkness, the heart can choose hope.

Our sanctuary is now beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. Come and enjoy the peaceful, joy-filled atmosphere throughout Advent and Christmas.

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!

Experience a reflective and comforting service in the JBUC Sanctuary at 7 pm. Through music, prayer, poems, and communion, Christmas in a Minor Key offers a sacred space to acknowledge sadness and loss, reminding us that God’s light shines into our dark places and that we are never alone.

All ages will enjoy the sounds of the season led by Jennifer Turner (piano and vocals) and Gordon Miller (guitar and vocals). This is a wonderful opportunity for you to join with your neighbours singing best loved Christmas Carols and other seasonal favourites. This event is family-friendly, and we encourage you to bring your children along! 

Celebrate a decade of song, story, and the returning light with vocalist Cari Burdett and an all-star ensemble including Adrian Dolan, Quin Etheridge Redden, Scott White, Adam Dobres, and Maeve Iredale. 

Five percent of proceeds support Mischa Lelum, the Cowichan Valley Youth Emergency Shelter for youth ages 15–18.

Catch a glimpse of their performance from last year’s magic here.

We’ve just published the summary and board minutes of our recent James Bay United Church Board meeting. Stay updated on the latest decisions, plans, and community initiatives discussed by our leadership.