James Bay United Church

James Bay United Church We are a Christian community from many walks of life growing in trust that God is up to something beautiful here and now, in and through our lives.

James Bay United Church is a community striking for its diversity. We are made up of people following in the way of Jesus on the journey inward and the journey outward. We are discovering once again that our vitality grows when our love reaches wide and our commitment is to serve the well-being of the neighbourhood. It’s happening, for example
- through the ministry of our thrift shop,
- in our ga

thering for Sunday worship,
- at our Tuesday morning neighbourhood breakfast,
- in our partnering with others to sponsor refugees. As our connections widen and our friendships deepen, we are experiencing a sense of the abundant community that God dreams for all people. If this calls to you we welcome your companionship.

Games Night has had a wonderful year, meeting on the fourth Friday of each month from September through May. Between 6 a...
06/23/2026

Games Night has had a wonderful year, meeting on the fourth Friday of each month from September through May. Between 6 and 15 people have come out to play a variety of games, enjoy tasty snacks, and get to know one another in a fun and welcoming setting. There has been a lot of laughter and fun along the way!

Gratitude to everyone who has joined us, shared games and treats, and helped build community through this monthly gathering.

Games Night is now on summer pause and will return in September.

Volunteer Opportunity:
We are looking for someone to oversee this monthly activity beginning in the fall. If you are interested, please speak with Carol Garceau at the church.

The oldest stories from the Bible are rife with tribalism, genocide, colonialism, and warfare. These are not told with h...
06/21/2026

The oldest stories from the Bible are rife with tribalism, genocide, colonialism, and warfare. These are not told with historical precision, but still with a high degree of thematic accuracy. Those times were brutal. From the agricultural revolution 10,000 years ago until about 80 years ago, the human condition has been one of scarcity and brutality. The past 80 years — especially in North America — have been exceptional. Until the end of the second world war, we were fighters more than we were lovers. We kidnapped and enslaved people. We stole from other people. We took control of others' land. Those who developed a taste for power dreamed of ways to seize more of it.

Read the full reflection by Rev. Greg Powell for National Indigenous Peoples Day: https://tinyurl.com/JBUCreflection

REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP UPDATEAs we observe World Refugee Day, we are pleased to share an important milestone in our advocac...
06/20/2026

REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP UPDATE

As we observe World Refugee Day, we are pleased to share an important milestone in our advocacy efforts on behalf of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Our parliamentary e-petition, which gathered 1,805 signatures in just 30 days from supporters in every province and territory across Canada, has now been officially presented in the House of Commons. The federal government is required to respond within 45 business days.

The final sitting days before Parliament’s summer adjournment are especially busy, and we are deeply grateful to MP Will Greaves and his office for their assistance in ensuring the petition was presented before the House rose for the summer. Their support and encouragement has been invaluable throughout this process.

D’Arcy and André also had the opportunity to meet with MP Greaves in Ottawa to discuss the situation facing Afghan refugees in Pakistan and possible next steps. The petition has helped foster important conversations and connections among parliamentarians and others working to support refugees.

Thank you to everyone who signed the petition, shared it with others and keep our family in your prayers. Your support continues to make a huge difference.

Our Community Lunch has slightly changed its timing. Delicious chef-prepared meals are now served from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, ...
06/18/2026

Our Community Lunch has slightly changed its timing. Delicious chef-prepared meals are now served from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, and the Lower Hall remains open until 2:45 pm for conversation, connection, and socializing.

Come every Thursday and enjoy a restaurant-quality lunch prepared by an experienced chef in the company of old and new friends. Everyone is welcome!

Donations are appreciated but not required.

Our Pride Committee is looking for volunteers to join us at the Victoria Pride March for Justice on Sunday, July 12th. T...
06/18/2026

Our Pride Committee is looking for volunteers to join us at the Victoria Pride March for Justice on Sunday, July 12th.

This year, we need at least 18 volunteers to help carry our banners and our beautiful Pride doors. We will also be handing out Pride bracelets, stickers, and bookmarks to spectators along the route. The more people who join us, the stronger our witness for love, inclusion, justice, and belonging will be.

While many people know it as a parade, we see it as something more — a March for Justice. It is an opportunity to stand publicly with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and affirm the sacred worth and dignity of all people.

We do not yet have a specific gathering time, but please note that those participating will not be able to attend worship at the church that morning. Instead, we invite you to consider the Pride March as another worship experience — a joyful and public expression of our faith in action. It is always an energizing, meaningful, and fun event. Whether you have marched before or this would be your first time, we would love to have you join us.

If you are interested in participating, please talk with Anne Manikel or Colleen Adair after service downstairs or email them: [email protected] and [email protected]

Come march with us for justice, love, and inclusion!

"Ah, look at all the lonely people..."In an age of social media, it can be easy to assume that people are more connected...
06/17/2026

"Ah, look at all the lonely people..."

In an age of social media, it can be easy to assume that people are more connected than ever. Yet many of us still experience profound loneliness and isolation, reminding us that meaningful human connection cannot be replaced by technology alone.

One of the most beautiful things about a congregation like ours is that people don't have to go through life on their own. At James Bay United, many of us come together each week not only to worship, but also to share joys and challenges, support one another through difficult times, and simply enjoy each other's company.

Our church family is, in many ways, quite senior, and it is touching to see how people care for one another. Whether it's helping Jim get from his care home to Sunday worship, visiting someone who can no longer attend in person, or making a phone call to check in, these small acts of kindness matter.

This week, thanks to the wonderful initiative of GenWell, Canada is marking Loneliness Awareness Week. And if you ever feel lonely, don't hesitate to visit us, regardless of your religion, ethnicity, or the colour of the socks you wear. We'll do our best to make you feel welcome and help you find connection, friendship, and community.

Save the date! August 8, 6:00 pm, Lower HallJoin us for a special evening of Palestinian food, culture, and storytelling...
06/15/2026

Save the date! August 8, 6:00 pm, Lower Hall

Join us for a special evening of Palestinian food, culture, and storytelling with Izzeldin Bukhari, a Palestinian chef from Jerusalem and founder of Sacred Cuisine. Izzeldin cooks and teaches about Palestinian cuisine, with a special focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes rooted in the Sufi tradition.

Proceeds from the dinner will be shared equally: 50% will support Palestinian causes, and 50% will help Izzeldin continue his peacemaking work.

More details, including ticket information, will follow shortly.

Joanne Keelan is also looking for volunteers to join a planning team and for the dinner.

To learn more or volunteer, please contact Joanne at [email protected] or talk to her in the Church.

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511 Michigan Street
Victoria, BC
V8V1S1

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