Vancouver will host the annual Juno Award ceremonies next March, but for a few days it looked as though Christian/gospel music would no longer be part of the show. Juno organizers have now backtracked, in the face of considerable pushback.
A September 9 article on CBC News noted:
The Juno Awards are pulling four categories from next year’s ceremony as part of a wider review of Canada’s biggest music awards show.
In a letter obtained by The Canadian Press, organizers told committee members last week of plans to put on “hiatus” reggae recording, children’s album, Christian/gospel album and international album of the year.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences says the decision is part of a “broader set of updates” yet to be announced.
However, Allan Reid, President and CEO of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), which oversees the Junos, posted a message on Instagram September 17 stating that they are reversing course.
Three of the categories – children, reggae and Christian/gospel – will be retained. He said, “given the feedback from the community, CARAS will not put these three categories on hiatus this year.”
Some of that feedback came from the west coast. Stephen Quinn interviewed three artists from the affected categories September 11 on The Early Edition: Brian Doerksen (Christian/gospel), Jessaii (reggae) and Sharon Hampson, of Sharon, Lois and Bram (children).
Quinn noted that Doerksen, who lives in Abbotsford, won the Juno Award for Contemporary Christian and Gospel Album of the Year in 2008. That album was Holy God; some of his best known songs are ‘Come Now is the Time to Worship’, ‘Refiner’s Fire’, ‘Hope of the Nations’ and ‘The River.’
Asked what he thought when he heard about the decision, Doerksen said:
I was sad, disappointed. But I think the main thing that disappoints me is that it’s a move towards reducing diversity. I’m thinking about what Jessaii [described by Quinn as “an up and coming Canadian artist”] was just saying about all the next generation of artists.
This is the most significant aspirational goal they hold as a musical artist in our nation. So to remove that takes away that diversity in all four categories that you mentioned, in a time where I think we need to be moving towards more diversity, more inclusion.
All of us as musicians, our goal, ultimately, is to serve and support the population that surrounds us, telling stories, writing and singing songs that convey the universal human emotions in different ways, in different styles, in different genres.
Doerksen also pointed out that the 2021 census said Christians make up more than 50 percent of Canada’s population’ Go here for the full 14-minute interview.
Reid said on Instagram: “An official notice outlining all of the changes for the 2025 JUNO Awards categories will be released on Monday, September 23rd providing further clarity on our direction and vision for the Awards now and into the future.”
Saint John’s Bible
Regent College is encouraging us to come out to their campus for a unique book viewing next Monday (September 23):
The Allison Library invites you to an informal presentation of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition.
This event will feature a short introduction and display all seven volumes, which highlight the beautiful, large-scale illuminations and calligraphy ranging from Genesis to Revelation. Please join us for an opportunity to view and learn about this piece of art and history.
The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition is a seven volume fine art reproduction of The Saint John’s Bible, the first handwritten, illuminated Bible in the modern era. Donated to Regent College, the Bible is housed in The John Richard Allison Library as part of our Rare Book Collection.
Colton Whelpton, Library Services Manager, will present the works between noon and 1 pm.
The seven volumes focus on various books of the Bible:
- Volume I: Pentateuch
- Volume II: Historical books
- Volume III: Wisdom books
- Volume IV: Psalms
- Volume V: Prophets
- Volume VI: Gospels and Acts
- Volume VII: Letters and Revelation
If you do stop by Regent College, check out two other art exhibits in the building:
- also in the Allison Library: Art in the Stacks, currently featuring ‘Rice Lake’ by Geoffrey Feng and ‘Recollections’ by Chantelle Cook
- upstairs at the Dal Schindell Gallery: Shirley Wiebe: Wandering in the Shades of Night
ArtWay
Over in England, another development in the arts world has a connection to Regent College. A September 19 Zoom event (9:30 am PDT) will recognize a new partnership between ArtWay and the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge.
The KLC notice states:
ArtWay.eu has been hailed as “a jewel in the crown of work in Christianity and the arts,” and having come under the custodianship of the Kirby Laing Centre, the much-loved publication is entering an exciting new chapter in its story with the launch of a new website on the 19th of September.
Since its founding in 2013, ArtWay has published a rich library of materials and resources for scholars, artists, art enthusiasts and congregations concerned about linking art and faith. Founded by Marleen Hengelaar-Rookmaaker in 2013, ArtWay’s significance is reflected in its designation as UNESCO digital heritage material in the Netherlands.
Join us online as we hear from the ArtWay team, who will explore the history of this much-loved resource (reaching back well beyond its founding in 2013), look ahead to an exciting future, and discuss pertinent questions relating to Christianity and the arts with longstanding ArtWay contributors.
The Regent connection? ArtWay Editorial Advisor, Laurel Gasque will “unpack the multifaceted history and legacy of ArtWay” during the online event.
The Allison Library (which will host the Saint John’s Bible event) has several ‘special collections,’ one of which is the Laurel Gasque Collection. Following is their brief description of her work and legacy:
As a cultural historian and writer, Laurel Gasque has taught courses on art history at Trinity Western University and on Christianity and the visual arts at Regent College.
Gasque is the biographer of the art historian Hans Rookmaaker and was instrumental (along with husband Ward Gasque and colleague Thena Ayres) in bringing Rookmaaker to teach at several Regent summer schools during the 1970s.
Gasque is associate editor of ArtWay, contributing editor of Radix and serves on the board of Image and that of New College Berkeley. She served for many years on the board of Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA) and as a consulting editor of Christian History and Biography. She also led the Faculty and Graduate Students Ministry of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of Canada for more than a decade.
Laurel Gasque’s interest in Christianity and the visual arts is reflected in her collection of over 1,800 published titles, which she donated to the Allison Library. Her collection includes books on gallery collections, icons and religious art, manuscript illuminations, landscape painting, art history, the Passover meal in the Christian home and much more.
The other ArtWay Editorial Advisor is Victoria Emily Jones, host of the Art & Theology blog, which is focused on “Revitalizing the Christian imagination through painting, poetry, music and more.” She has has done some postgraduate coursework in worship and the arts at Regent College.
Events are listed below, but there is also an Events page and a Jobs page on the Church for Vancouver site.
Sep 2024
Ignite Prayer Canada Grand Opening – September 19, 2024 at 9:00 am - 10:00 amCalled to the Bar: Religious Lawyering in the Secular Practice of Law – September 19, 2024 at 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cultural Commentator Max Wyman (OC) to Present at 2024 Chancellor’s Dinner – September 19, 2024 at 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
City Dream Centre: The Gathering – September 19, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Joint Church Kitsilano Prayer Meeting – September 19, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Cara Luft in Concert with Special Guests – September 20, 2024 at 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Global Children's Network Partner Dinner – September 20, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dr. Margaret Cottle: Courage to Care in a Culture of Death – September 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Hope in Motion 2024: New Hope Fundraiser – September 21, 2024 at All Day
SOAR: Living Unafraid – September 21, 2024 at 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
March for Jesus – September 21, 2024 at 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Shadowlands: Featuring S. Carey & John Raymond – September 21, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Alpha Team Training – September 22, 2024 at 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Make a Joyful Noise! Old Time Hymn Sing – September 22, 2024 at 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Taize Contemplative Service – September 22, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Worship Night – September 22, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Open Pages: Seven Volumes of the Saint John's Bible (Heritage Edition) – September 23, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
William T. Cavanaugh: Secularization and Idolatry in Amazon’s World A Theological Analysis of the Consumer Economy – September 24, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
A Rocha Oasis Series – September 25, 2024 at 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Business by the Book – September 25, 2024 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Contemporary Faith Formation: Insights from Down Under – September 25, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Elevation Worship & Steve Furtick – September 25, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
CLF Academic Symposium – September 26, 2024 at 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
CLF 2024 National Conference – September 27, 2024 - September 29, 2024 at All Day
Magnificat Vespers Concert – September 27, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Hokus Pick – September 27, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Together for Good Marriage Workshop – September 28, 2024 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Convergence: A Season of Creation Gathering – September 28, 2024 at 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Fall Sale - Fundraiser – September 28, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:30 pm
Community Living Convention – September 28, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Magnificat Vespers Concert – September 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Celebrate the Canadian Council of Churches’ 80th birthday – September 28, 2024 at 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sweet Sounds on Sussex – September 28, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Vespers with Gergana Velinova – September 29, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event For Christian Singles – September 29, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ARPA Youth Conference 2024 – September 30, 2024 at 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Oct 2024
Theology and Artificial Intelligence: Systematic and Denominational Perspectives – October 1, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pmCanadian Churches and Criminal Justice: Renewing the Prophetic Voice – October 1, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Gilbert Meilaender: Equal Dignity – a Commitment in Search of a Rationale – October 1, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The Study of Religion in Canada – October 2, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Hope for Ukraine: Dr. Lucy Romanankova – October 2, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Use it or Lose it: An Exploration of Freedom of Expression – October 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Middletown – October 3, 2024 - October 6, 2024 at All Day
Wandering in the Shades of Night – October 3, 2024 - October 30, 2024 at All Day
Leading for Sustainability: Environmental, Economic & Theological Perspectives – October 3, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Meet & Greet CSCA & ASA Leadership – October 3, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Sustainability & Biblical Creation Care – October 3, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Health & Wellness Fair – October 4, 2024 at 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Reaching Gen Alpha: Launch of the New Alpha Youth Series – October 4, 2024 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Music Night with Scott McTaggart & Friends: A Fundraiser for Jacob’s Well – October 4, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
The 1916 Project – October 4, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Imagination Retreat: Shake it Out – Finding new rhythms for gathering and worship – October 5, 2024 at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Public Lecture by the Archbishop of York – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Ride for Refuge: Inner Hope Youth Ministries – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ride for Refuge: Journey Home Community – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ride for Refuge: Kinbrace – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ride for Refuge: Raphael House – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ride for Refuge: Willingdon Church (Journey Home Community) – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
A Rocha: Harvest Celebration 2024 – October 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Art and Grief: Speaking Beyond Words – October 5, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Celebration of Life: The Reverend Canon Dr. Herbert O'Driscoll – October 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
OM Partner Event: Transforming Lives Through Christ in the North Caucasus! – October 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Real Worship 2024 – October 5, 2024 at 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Blessings of the Animals – October 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Vancouver Life Chain – October 6, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Jazz Vespers in the Valley: Ben MacRae & Friends – October 6, 2024 at 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Phil Wickham / Canada Worship Nights with Josh Baldwin – October 6, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Barnabas Landing Executive Leadership Retreat – October 7, 2024 - October 10, 2024 at All Day
Vancouver Zion Mission Choir: Sing Hallelujah! - Healed by Love – October 8, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Launch of 'evangelical 360°' – October 9, 2024 at All Day
Wandering in the Shades of Night: Artist's Talk – October 9, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Speed Dating: Christian Singles (Ages 31-42) – October 10, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Terra Lightfoot – October 11, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Alpha Canada: Chinese Context – Envisioning In-Person Event – October 12, 2024 at 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Broadway and Beyond (Concert) – October 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Protecting Kids & Youth Online: 4-part webinar series – October 15, 2024 - November 26, 2024 at All Day
Prayer Pivot: A New Awakening – October 15, 2024 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am
The Holy Spirit & the Atonement – October 16, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Global Leadership Summit 2024 – October 17, 2024 - October 18, 2024 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
The Global Leadership Summit 2024 – October 17, 2024 - October 18, 2024 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
TWU CREATE Conference – October 17, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
James J.O. O'Donnell: What was Christianity? – October 17, 2024 at 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
An Invitation to Stretch: Reconstructing Our Theological Assumptions – October 17, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
TiM Day: Four Workshops – October 19, 2024 at 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Cross Cultural Ministry Training – October 19, 2024 at 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Headlong Hearts & the Uppatones – October 19, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Understanding & Loving Sikhs – October 20, 2024 at 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Taizé Contemplative Service – October 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Julian Taylor – October 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Preaching Old Testament History: Exodus – October 23, 2024 - October 25, 2024 at All Day
What Canadian Church Leaders Should Know about Mental Health & Illness in their Congregation – October 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
An Evening With NightShift – October 25, 2024 at 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Pumpkin Carving Party – October 25, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
South Surrey White Rock Prayer Breakfast with Carson Pue – October 25, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
11th Hallelujah Night presented by Blue Ocean Movement – October 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Dessert Cafe with 70s Soul Duo – October 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MCBC Indigenous Relations Coffee House Fundraiser: Live Music from J.D. Miner & John Williams – October 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Jesus Stories – October 26, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Worship Invasion LOVES October! – October 26, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Get Back: Unplugged – October 26, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 9:45 pm