Around Town: Ann Voskamp, Welcome the Stranger, St. Edward’s, Rohingya

Ann Voskamp will be on the west coast this week, Saturday (October 21) as a keynote speaker for Gather Rise at Peace Portal Alliance Church in south Surrey and Sunday (October 22) to preach at Tenth Church in Vancouver.

Many, many people appreciate Voskamp’s insights – 170,000 Twitter followers, 452,000 Facebook likers, her first book (One Thousand Gifts) sold more than a million copies. . . She manages that side of her life while also being married to ‘The Farmer’ and looking after their seven children in rural Ontario. Sounds extremely well organized!

But she clearly tries to hear what God is saying, and her comments hit home. Last week she posted this in response to #weinsteinscandal (well before #MeToo began):

. . . hey, all girls need to know right now, that when God decided to pull on skin and make His visitation into the world, He didn’t show up in some backroom of an inner boy’s club or regale us with some black tie inaugural affair.

This is what all girls need to know:

That Christ never beat down a woman with harsh words or lusting eyes or sneering innuendos, but He stepped in and stopped a broken woman from the abuse of angry men

Christ came to the defense of a hurting woman and the Son of Man stood between her ache and her attackers and He lifted the weight of shame from her and cupped her heart with hope and wrote a new future into the dust and dirt of everything and He saved. her. life.

That’s how God loves His daughters with His defense.

That Christ didn’t degrade women in His talk, but He made women heroes in His stories. . . .

Go here for the full post. The next day she wrote again, beginning “. . . . in light of the current state of things, yeah: Real Manhood never objectifies women. Real Manhood edifies women. . . .”

Voskamp will be joined by several other speakers at Gather Rise, and will take part in all services at the three Tenth Church locations (either live or by video).

Welcome the Stranger

Journey Home Community and Kinbrace Community Society have been welcoming refugee claimant families to Metro Vancouver for a combined 30-plus years.

They will be hosting Welcome the Stranger: Refugees Becoming Neighbours – “an interactive evening of stories from Canadians who have welcomed individuals who have lived the refugee journey” – next Thursday (October 26) at Olivet Baptist Church in New Westminster:

Our speakers arrived from Kurdistan of Iraq in August 2016 and were subsequently granted protection as refugees. Like many refugees arriving in our city, they had no place to live until space was offered at the home of Ken and Aisyah Pierce. Upon becoming neighbours, these two couples developed a bond of friendship. Come and hear the story of how this friendship impacted and transformed both couples.

Who should come?:

If you are currently working with refugee communities or are considering future involvement, this evening will be helpful to you. Refugees arrive in Canada through various streams – some through sponsorship and some by themselves. All of them benefit from communities and people ready to welcome them in unique and personal ways.

St. Edward’s secularized

Former parishioners and friends gathered at St. Edward’s Anglican Church October 7 for a ‘service of secularization.’ The liturgy recognized the end of the building’s use for church purposes; it has been sold to a Chinese language school for young people.

A report by Randy Murray (with files from Elizabeth Northcott, Archdeacon of Westminster and Rector of All Saints’, Ladner, who presided over the service) noted:

St. Edward’s was blessed to have a very robust Sunday School cohort during the 1960s and 1970s; it is safe to assume that the voices of children will again fill the space.

Go here for the full report.

How to Help the Rohingya

Greg Toews is director of Partners Canada, which works with innocent children caught in conflicts. Though based in Calgary now, he worked for many years with refugees from Myanmar in Thailand.

He will be speaking this Sunday (October 22) at Cedar Park Church in Delta about How to Help the Rohingya.

Here is how Partners describes the situation:

The Rohingya are a stateless Muslim minority group in Myanmar. The estimated 1 million Rohingya living in Myanmar have been subjected to systematic persecution and grave human rights abuses by authorities for decades. Escalating violence in September 2017 has now forced an additional 500,000 to flee to Bangladesh.

Despite the election of a nominally-civilian government in November 2015, the new Myanmar Government has not shifted its policies of persecution of the Rohingya. Over 100,000 live in internally displaced persons camps with no freedom of movement or access to food, water, sanitation, healthcare and education. A report released by the International State Crime Initiative at the Queen Mary University of London has concluded that the Rohingya “face the final stages of genocide.”

Since 2012, Partners has been providing emergency relief to those in camps in Rakhine State as well as those fleeing violence to Bangladesh, including rice distribution, basic medical support, tarps for shelter as well as animals, seeds and fertilizer to help establish more sustainable food supply. Please help provide life-saving relief to these vulnerable children and families and advocate for their freedom.

You could go to Partners website for more guidance, or to Cedar Park for a first-hand account of the situation.

Oct 2017

Eyes and Wings Prophetic Conference, with Bill Johnson – October 19, 2017 - October 21, 2017 at 12:00 am
Global Leadership Summit – October 19, 2017 - October 20, 2017 at All Day
Chapel Conference – October 19, 2017 - October 20, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
In Theatres: Same Kind of Different as Me – October 20, 2017 at All Day
The Risk of Isolation: The Role of Community in Mental Health – October 20, 2017 at 7:30 am - 9:00 am
Ruth Everhart: Shame - Hope and Healing – October 20, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The French Symphonic Organ – October 20, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Gather Rise 2017 – October 21, 2017 at 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Building Blocks of Faith-Based ELL Ministry Conference – October 21, 2017 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Made in God's Image – October 21, 2017 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Our Town: A Lianna Klassen Exhibition – October 21, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Women's Prayer Conference – October 21, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Creation Science Meeting: Hugh Ross vs Carl Wieland (video) – October 21, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
A History of God on Vancouver Island: Featuring Storyteller/Journalist Phil Hood – October 21, 2017 at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
BC Lions Faith & Family Night – October 21, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
EMBER: Pursuing His Presence and His Heart for Our City – October 21, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:15 pm
Reformation Hymn Festival – October 21, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Secret Keeper Girl: The Purple Party Tour – October 21, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: Christie Grace – October 22, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Karin Plato, Natasha D'Agostino – October 22, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Monthly Hymn Sing – October 22, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Greg Toews: How to Help the Rohingya – October 22, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Made in God's Image – October 22, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Canada's Thanksgiving Concert Tour 2017: Triumphant Quartet & Southern Raised – October 23, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Open House: Surrey Christian School (Kindergarten) – October 24, 2017 at All Day
Chris Barrigar: God's Agape / Probability Design – October 24, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: The Dignity of Difference – Critical Moral Contributions of Religion in a Globalized World – October 25, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Free Will Clinic – October 25, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Welcome the Stranger: Refugees Becoming Neighbours – October 26, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jesus + Justice Conference – October 27, 2017 - October 28, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 12:00 pm
Made in God's Image – October 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Rend Collective: The Good News Tour, Part 1 – October 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dave Siverns: Longings and Liturgies – October 27, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
What in the World is Going On? – October 28, 2017 at 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Reframing Retirement and the Spiritual Journey – October 28, 2017 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Art Show: Honouring Women of the Downtown Eastside – October 28, 2017 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Concert: Where Truest Pleasure Lies – October 29, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Written on the Heart – October 29, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Sanctuary Allstars – October 29, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Abbotsford: Together All-City Worship Event – October 29, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Journey 101 (Sunday evenings) – October 29, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Understanding People, Mental Health & Trauma – October 30, 2017 - November 3, 2017 at 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
David Shenk: Muslims & Christians Creating Friendships – October 30, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Hey Neighbourhood! – October 31, 2017 at All Day
Hope on the Edge of a Precipice: The Reformation at 500 – October 31, 2017 - November 2, 2017 at All Day
Barnyard Bash – October 31, 2017 at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Barnyard Bash – October 31, 2017 at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Pit Stop – October 31, 2017 at 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Halloween Candy Stop – October 31, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Halloween Festival – October 31, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Book Launch for Iain Provan: The Reformation & the Right Reading of Scripture – October 31, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Hallelujah Night – October 31, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Nov 2017

Equip Study Conference 2017: Transforming Discipleship – November 1, 2017 - November 3, 2017 at All Day
Missions Fest: Pastors' Appreciation Breakfast – November 1, 2017 at 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Business By the Book: Daniel C. Loney – November 1, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Creating a Plan for the St. Andrew’s-Wesley Restoration  – November 1, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Martin Luther: Renegade, Book Study and Panel – November 1, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MEDA Convention 2017: Business as a Calling – November 2, 2017 - November 5, 2017 at All Day
The Compassion Experience – November 3, 2017 - November 6, 2017 at All Day
Audible: Poems, Stories, Songs – November 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dr. Iain Provan: The Reformation and the Right Reading of Scripture – November 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Graham Ord in Concert – November 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Kairos Blanket Exercise – November 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Luke Vandevert/The Arctic The Great Atlas & We are Mystic in Concert – November 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Web Wise Internet Safety Seminar – November 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Y2Y Night – November 3, 2017 at 7:15 pm - 9:30 pm
Iain Provan: 500 Years of the Reformation – November 4, 2017 at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Gerald Hobbs: Luther - Let God be God – November 4, 2017 at 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Heart for Asia Conference – November 4, 2017 at 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Mental Health Ministry Workshop – November 4, 2017 at 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Neighbourhood Stories at Granville Chapel – November 4, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Hymn Festival: A Mighty Fortress is Our God – November 4, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: 3 Generations of Arntzens – November 5, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Book Launch: Mike Mason - Jesus: His Story in Stone – November 5, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Throne, the Lamb and the Dragon: A Seminar on the Book of Revelation – November 5, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
National Liturgy Conference: Temple Built of Living Stones – November 6, 2017 - November 7, 2017 at 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
Stephen Snobelen: Science, Religion and the New Atheism – November 6, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
My Father, Maker of the Trees: How I Survived the Rwandan Genocide – November 8, 2017 at 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
JustWork: A Taste of Dignity – November 8, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Lonesome West by Martin McDonagh – November 9, 2017 - November 11, 2017 at All Day
In Theatres: The Star – November 10, 2017 at All Day
The Remusicking Series: Dr. Dan Brunner – November 10, 2017 - November 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Duty Calls: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge – November 10, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Gloria! A Concert Celebrating the Reformation 500th Anniversary – November 10, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Fr. Rob Galea in Concert – November 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Vancouver Cares About Refugees: Free Screening of 'Nowhere to Hide' – November 11, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Brian Doerksen Album Release Concert – November 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fr. Rob Galea: No Greater Lovev – November 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church – November 12, 2017 at All Day
Verdi Requiem – November 12, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
A Legacy: Alternate Responses to the Call to Arms – November 12, 2017 at 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: L.J. Mounteney & Van D'Jango – November 12, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Russell Stendal: Religious Freedom in Colombia, Cuba and Venezuela – November 15, 2017 at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
A Rocha: Intro to Creation Care Workshop – November 16, 2017 - November 18, 2017 at All Day
Pastoral Mentorship Training – November 16, 2017 - November 17, 2017 at All Day
The Cover of Life – November 16, 2017 at All Day
The Kingdom of What Is: Book Reading by Karl Petersen – November 16, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Book Launch: Christmas with Hot Apple Cider – November 16, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
FaithTech: Vancouver Hackathon – November 17, 2017 - November 19, 2017 at All Day
Living Free Conference – November 17, 2017 - November 19, 2017 at All Day