Around Town: Good Friday gatherings, Earle Birney’s poem, Mission Fest recap

A unique Good Friday art exhibit at St. Catherine’s Anglican Church in North Vancouver will feature the work of Nobel Peace Prize winner Adolfo Pérez Esquivel. The 15 prints covering The Stations of the Cross, were originally created in 1992 to mark the 500th anniversary of the colonization of the Americas by Europe,

The Good Friday service will lead to the stations of the cross:

At 10 am, we will gather in the sanctuary, close to the altar for a time of worship focused on the hours between Jesus’ arrest and his tomb. The tone is solemn as we draw parallels between the suffering of Jesus and suffering in the world around us, and we ask how we might live differently.

The service will transition to a time of contemplation on Adolfo Pérez Esquivel’s Stations of the Cross.

The art exhibit of Argentinian sculptor and architect Adolfo Pérez Esquivel will guide our walk of the stations of the cross this year. The paintings incorporated the Stations of the Cross and Liberation Theology.

Liberation theology is a Christian theological approach to the Gospel emphasizing the liberation of the oppressed. It engages in socio-economic analyses, with social concern for the poor and political liberation for oppressed peoples, and addresses other forms of inequality, such as race or caste.

The prints of the original art will be on display at the church from 11 am to 5pm. Event by donation.

If you are unable to attend, go here for a pdf of a booklet featuring the art.

Fittingly, churches in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside will gather together for a Good Friday service at Artisan Church, 10:30 am, at the Japanese Hall.

Shortly after that service ends, the 38th annual Way of the Cross will begin (12:15) at First United Church, Hastings and Gore: “An informal, ecumenical pilgrimage through one of Canada’s poorest neighbourhoods; Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Commemorating the places of pain and hope in our community; Featuring brief reflection, song and prayer.”

Rev. Barry Morris, the organizer, posted a quote by George MacLeod, one of the founders of the Iona Faith Community in Scotland:

I simply argue that the cross be raised again at the centre of the market place as well as on the steeple of the church, I am recovering the claim that Jesus was not crucified in a cathedral between two candles, but on a cross between two thieves; on a town garbage heap; at a crossroad of politics so cosmopolitan that they had to write His title in Hebrew and in Latin and in Greek . . . and at the kind of place where cynics talk smut, and thieves curse and soldiers gamble. Because that is where He died, and that is what He died about. And that is where Christ’s people ought to be, and what church people ought to be about.

These are the stops on the Way of the Cross:

1. 

   ‘Seven Works’ at Regent College March 28.

   Gather at First United Church (320 Hastings & Gore)

2. the Listening Post (382 Main) & place  of Our Lady of Guadalupe Tonantzin faith community
3. process to Gore & Cordova and reflect on  Community Court  and also, Salad Bowl of alleyway
4. proceed to & pause @  St. James Anglican church
5. proceed to & pause @ St. Paul’s RC Church 
6. proceed to and pause @ Oppenheimer park near the Totem poles, with closing, shared prayer

The next day, a Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage will begin at Artisan Church, continuing to Grandview Church, St. Margaret’s Cedar Cottage Anglican Church and Trinity Grace United Church.

There seem to be fewer multi-church Good Friday gatherings this year, but here are a couple:

• Coastal, First Baptist and Westside churches will meet together at latter’s building (The Centre, 777 Homer Street) for two services.
• The Churches of Langley will gather for two services at Christian Life Assembly’s Langley Campus.

And there are several good musical events in the next few days, including:

• Seven Words, composed & performed by Jonathan Saunders, with the Mark Glanville Trio, Regent College, March 28. (Mark Glanville’s jazz book launch for his Improvising Church is April 5.)
• Oscar Peterson’s Easter Suite, Brentwood Presbyterian Church, March 30
• Bach St John Passion, with Vancouver Bach Choir & members of VSO, Orpheum Theatre, March 30
• Worship Invasion, Maple Ridge Alliance Church, March 30
• Jazz Vespers with Marcus Mosely, St. Andrew’s United Church, North Vancouver, March 31

Earle Birney: ‘El Greco, Espolio’

Art & Theology is quite a treasure. Victoria Emily Jones describes what she does on her blog:

The mission of Art & Theology is to help the church rediscover its rich heritage in the visual, literary and musical arts and to open it up to the activity of contemporary artists, whose giftings can enable us to see God in new and different ways.

Art can enhance our spiritual perception, enrich our prayer lives, stimulate renewed engagement with the Bible, make us more empathetic, challenge our beliefs in a healthy way, and bring us into more intimate contact with the world. Art testifies; it questions; it holds accountable; it stirs and reveals.

It is remarkable how she finds such a range of content. And this week she posted ‘El Greco: Espolio‘ by Earle Birney.

Birney (1904 – 1995) was born Calgary and died in Toronto, but he is particularly well remembered in British Columbia, where he taught at UBC from 1946 – 1965), founding and directing the first Canadian creative writing program. He was the author of several books of fiction, non-fiction and drama, but is probably best known for his poetry; he wrote 20 books of verse.

Following is the beginning of ‘El Greco: Espolio‘:

The carpenter is intent on the pressure of his hand
on the awl and the trick of pinpointing his strength
through the awl to the wood which is tough
He has no effort to spare for despoilings
or to worry if he’ll be cut in on the dice
His skill is vital to the scene and the safety of the state

Go to Art & Theology for the full poem.

Although Jones lives in Maryland, she does know something about BC as she has done postgraduate coursework in worship and the arts at Regent College.

I have posted one article by her about a local artist: ‘Jesus as Sun-Face: A panel carving by Don Froese.’

Mission Fest recap

The organizers of Mission Fest recently posted a recap of the February 15 – 17 event:

Jesus’ presence

Our greatest passion and hope for Mission Fest 2024 was to encounter Jesus. From day one, we said, “Times together centred on Jesus, with missionaries present, igniting an atmosphere where He becomes all.”

And Jesus was the center! Jesus was present in powerful ways: restoring hearts, rescuing youth, releasing new calls, healing the sick, and so much more. We simply wanted to say thank you for attending, loving Jesus and interacting with agencies of Jesus’ global bride!

People encountered Him

We were thrilled to partner with Westside Church; their team was amazing! One of our highlights came from one of their staff, Andrew Johnson, who ran the tech side of the conference, including slides, sound, etc. He wrote in an email to us:

I can’t fully articulate how personally impacted I was by this whole experience. I have been working through my thoughts on it all and can only really boil it all down to the fact that Jesus’ presence became fully real to me for the first time in a new way. . . .

Mission talks

The Mission Talks were another beautiful highlight! During the 90-minute lunch breaks on Friday and Saturday, 16 mission agencies signed up to briefly share how Jesus is at work worldwide and how you can partner with Him. They were all so unique and it was inspiring to glimpse what God is doing. During these talks, many young people felt called by Jesus to pursue going into all the world to preach the Gospel!

They also pointed to the ‘Jesus is’ Encounter Weekend, coming up May 17 – 18 in Chilliwack.

Events and Jobs

Scroll down (or go here) to find a wide range of events around the Christian community, and here to find links to a couple of hundred jobs.

Mar 2024

Free Documentary Screening Online: The Story of Euthanasia – March 28, 2024 - March 31, 2024 at All Day
The Craft of Spirit: BC Liturgical Textiles – March 28, 2024 - March 31, 2024 at 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Seven Words, Composed & Performed by Jonathan Saunders – March 28, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Prayer & Fasting Gathering: Loving Muslims Together Network – March 29, 2024 at All Day
Good Friday @ CLA: Churches of Langley (2 services) – March 29, 2024 at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Good Friday Art Exhibit – March 29, 2024 at 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Bridges: Christians Connecting With Muslims – March 30, 2024 at 7:00 am - 9:00 am
Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage (4 stops in Vancouver) – March 30, 2024 at 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Bach St John Passion – March 30, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Worship Invasion Loves Easter! – March 30, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Jazz Vespers with Marcus Mosely – March 31, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Apr 2024

Abigail Favale: Examining the Sources of Gender – Why Sexual Difference Matters – April 3, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Jazz Evensong @ Brentwood: Linda Szentes & Jazzlinks – April 3, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
The Inklings Institute of Canada hosts a table-reading event of Dorothy L. Sayers’ Easter play, 'The King Comes to His Own' – April 4, 2024 at 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Canadian Regional Evangelical Missiological Society (EMS) gatherings – April 5, 2024 at 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Art Installation and Artist Talks at Tapestry Mundy Park – April 5, 2024 at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Pacific Life Bible College Annual Fundraising Dinner – April 5, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Brian Doerksen: The 'Come, Now is the Time to Worship' Tour – April 5, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Mercy Me: Always Only Jesus Tour 2024 – April 5, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Book Launch: Improvising Church, by Mark Glanville – April 5, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
O Let Me Rise and Sing: TWU Choral Concert 2024 – April 5, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
TWU Chamber Choir and Masterworks Chorus Concert – April 5, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Kym Gouchie Trio – April 5, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Emotions Education 101 – April 6, 2024 at 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Columbia Bible College Presidential Installation Service – April 6, 2024 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
PCMA Spring Fundraiser Concert – April 6, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
TWU Chamber Choir and Masterworks Chorus Concert – April 6, 2024 at 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Help. Thanks. Wow: A Benefit Night for Pacific Theatre – April 6, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sweet Sounds on Sussex with Michael Friedman & Kerry Galloway – April 6, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Vespers in the Valley with the Inlet Jazz Band – April 7, 2024 at 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
With Them | A Ukraine Documentary Showing – April 7, 2024 at 6:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Exodus & Beyond: A celebration and symposium in honour of Larry Perkins – April 8, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Book Launch: Incarnational Humanism (2nd Edition) by Jens Zimmerman – April 9, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Awakening to my Neighbourhood: an evening of sharing stories and practices – April 9, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
5th Annual Charity Scotch Tasting Reception – April 10, 2024 at 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Jazz + Renaissance Night – April 10, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Jazz Evensong @ Brentwood: Gabriel Hasselbach & Friends – April 10, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Trip to Bountiful – April 11, 2024 - April 14, 2024 at All Day
Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me, But Banjos Saved My Life – April 11, 2024 - April 13, 2024 at All Day
Kentro Webinar: Elephant Hunting – April 11, 2024 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Speed Dating: Christian Singles (Ages 27-44) – April 11, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Mental Health First Aid: Supporting Youth – April 12, 2024 - April 13, 2024 at 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Created for Connection: Hold Me Tight® for Christian Couples (2 Saturdays) – April 13, 2024 - April 20, 2024 at 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Service of Lamentation for the Victims of the Opioid Crisis – April 14, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Bruce Hindmarsh: Holy Club 2.0 – Early Methodism in the Young George Whitefield’s Diary, 1735–36 – April 15, 2024 at 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm
Loaves and Fishes: Vancouver's Hidden Helpers – Presentation / Reception – April 17, 2024 at 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Jazz Evensong @ Brentwood: Nancy Newman & Friends – April 17, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Big Picture – April 18, 2024 - April 20, 2024 at 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Paul Stevens: Book Launch & Lecture – What I Have Learned About the Faith & Work Connection – April 18, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The Brentwood Katz, with Rhian Walker – April 19, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
1Life Foundations Conference: Called to Lead – stewardship, leadership & the generosity of God – April 20, 2024 at 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Together for Good Marriage Workshop – April 20, 2024 at 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Bible Saturday: Rikk Watts: Exploring Jesus' Identity & Understanding of His Death in Isaiah 40 & 53 – April 20, 2024 at 9:30 am - 11:45 am
Earth Day Event – April 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Requiem Mozart: Life, Love & Loss – April 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dawn Pemberton in Concert with Michael Creber – April 20, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Steve Dawson & The Hooded Mergansers – April 20, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Partnership as Mission: Essays in Memory of Ellie Johnson – April 21, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Fundraising Concert with The Soda Crackers – April 21, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Jazz Vespers in the Valley with The Trevor Whitridge Quartet – April 21, 2024 at 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Jazz AWE – April 21, 2024 at 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Grieving Faithfully: A Night with Tim Challies – April 21, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Earth Day Neighbourhood Clean Up – April 22, 2024 at 12:45 pm - 3:00 pm
Acts Once Again: Reaching Canadian Cities for Christ – April 22, 2024 - April 24, 2024 at 1:30 pm - 12:00 pm
2024 Human Resources & Employment Seminar – April 24, 2024 at 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Jazz Evensong @ Brentwood: Michelle Carlisle & Friends – April 24, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
One Conference – April 25, 2024 - April 26, 2024 at All Day
Peace Portal Alliance Church Tax Clinic – April 25, 2024 - April 30, 2024 at All Day
Tax Clinic – April 25, 2024 - April 30, 2024 at All Day
Tax Program – April 25, 2024 - April 30, 2024 at All Day
Tenth Tax Help – April 25, 2024 - April 30, 2024 at All Day
Public Meeting about the Online Harms Act – April 25, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Prayer & Fasting Gathering: Loving Muslims Together Network (last Friday of each month) – April 26, 2024 at All Day
Intercultural Development Workshop: Expand Your Intercultural Horizons – April 26, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Suicide Intervention Training with Dr Laura Bulk and Michael Lee – April 27, 2024 - April 28, 2024 at All Day
Spring Craft Fair – April 27, 2024 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Fraser Valley Festival of Praise (2 events) – April 28, 2024 at All Day
Woven In: The Story of Job – April 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Jazz Vespers with Leora Cashe – April 28, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jacob Moon – April 28, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Alpha Canada: Come & See – April 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm