Timing is everything, they say. Ken Shigematsu’s new book (God in My Everything) focuses on “how an ancient rhythm helps busy people enjoy God” and he will be a featured speaker at Missions Fest’s Leadership Seminar Wednesday morning (October 2) on how a pastor or leader should prioritize their time in terms of disciplines of study, reflection/sabbath and unity. At Tenth Church, the one he pastors.
In a larger sense, as well, the book’s timing has been good. For some time now, Christians have become increasingly open to ancient spiritual practices. Ken has entered into those practices and has demonstrated how an ancient rhythm helps busy people enjoy God. He says:
” I have found a way to live out my commitment to Christ in each of my different relationships and roles through a life-giving rhythm, what the ancient monks referred to as a rule of life. A rule of life is simply a rhythm of practices that empowers us to live well and grow more like Jesus by helping us experience God in everything. Though the word rule may sound harsh and confining, I have found that living by a rule has paradoxically freed me to pursue the life I have always longed for – a life of deeper, transforming friendship with Jesus and fruitful contribution to the world.”
The seminar should be a valuable one. Ken will be sharing the podium with three other speakers: pastor Sam Owusu, of Calvary Worship Centre, which meets in Surrey, Langley and New Westminster; pastor Dave Carson of Hope Vancouver; and passtor Giulio Gabeli of Westwood Community Church.
There will also be a report on Voices Together 2013 and discussion of future collaborations.
Other events around the city
Monday the 30th
* Orange Shirt Day: Wear one to honour the children who survived Indian Residential Schools – and those who didn’t.
* Harbour Lights is celebrating 60 years of service in the Downtown Eastside. It is seeking donations of ’60 [minutes or dollars] for our 60th.’
* Homegrown jazz: Bria Skonberg and Her Big Bang Jazz Band at St. Stephen’s on the North Shore.
* Last hurrah for Vancouver Heritage Foundation and Church at the Hollywood: Architecture and Design film series: Eames – The Architect and the Painter.
* Cal Pierce, director of Healing Rooms Ministries in Spokane, Washington, will be the featured guest at Open Heaven Healing & Revival Conference at New Life Christian Centre in North Van. (Oct 1 – 4)
Wednesday the 2nd* Missions Fest: Vancouver Leadership Seminar at Tenth Church in Vancouver.
* Jeremy Bell will lead one kind of story-telling event, at Carey Centre out at UBC: Framing the New Narrative for Non-profit Management. (Oct 2 – 3)
* Comic book businessman Jim Krueger is the featured speaker at Business by the Book, at the Fortis BC Centre downtown.
* Renowned philosopher Alvin Plantinga will be speaking at UBC in the late afternoon about ‘where the conflict really lies’ between science and religion.
* Explore the big issues in Christianity Explored over seven weeks at West Van Baptist.
* Doing Life Together: Mike Nichols will explore marriage at Valley Church in North Van.
Jim Krueger
* Another kind of story-telling at the Istoria Conference at Coastal Church. Features Jim, Krueger, Braden Douglas, Gordon Pennington and Willie George. (Oct 3 – 5)
* Spiritual Wellness is the theme at the annual Health and Wellness Fair at Elim Village in Surrey.
* Learn about God’s heart for the marginalized at a Life on the Margins Workshop at Jacob’s Well in the DTES. (Oct 4 – 5)
* If you love Camp Artaban, the Gala at the Italian Cultural Centre is the place to be.
* Perogy Night: Eat out at St. Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, just off Main Street.
* The Australian choir Jubilate came all the way from Australia to Elim Village in Surrey.
* And not too far away, at Chandos Pattison, experience ‘The Glorious Unfolding’ with Steven Curtis Chapman, Laura Story and Jason Gray.
Saturday the 5th
* Rides for Refuge, for Journey Home or Ratanak.
* Let’s Get Talking! Training for Faith-based Volunteer ESL Facilitators at Broadmoor Baptist in Richmond.
* Joe Padilla is keynote speaker for Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries’ We Are Not Alone Forum at Ryerson Hall in Vancouver.
* Celebrate the Harvest with A Rocha.
* Astronomer Dr. Danny Faulkner will discuss Cosmology and Creation at Renfrew Baptist.
* Couches, Cloth Diapers & Kraft Dinner: The Sanctification of an Ordinary Life – Melissa Lochhead at Regent College.
Sunday the 6th
* Meet at 29th and Oak, 2 pm, for Life Chain, a peaceful and prayerful pro-life witness.
* Abbotsford is a little out of our area, but some would drive a lot further to hear MercyMe.
* Closer to home are some Bach cantatas at Bethlehem Lutheran.
* Things That Go Bump in the Night: More biblical cosmology with Dr. Danny Faulkner, at New West Community Church.
All Week
* Lookout Gallery: Speaking in Oil by Haitao Yin
* Pacific Theatre: The Foreigner (Weds – Sat)
Looking ahead
* It may be cheating a bit, but it’s been a while since Amy Grant was last here, hasn’t it? She’s here with the VSO on Monday the 7th.