Todd Kenneth says employment with JustWork has helped restore his self-worth. (Still from video with Vancouver Sun article.)
JustWork received some positive coverage in The Vancouver Sun March 3, when Bethany Lindsay and Lori Culbert wrote Thousands of former homeless want to work, and could bolster BC’s booming economy: Advocates.
The article began:
Todd Kenneth, believe it or not, gets excited when his alarm goes off before work. Loves his daily commute on transit. Relishes paying taxes.
His job, at a pottery studio, is the first steady employment the 49-year-old has ever had. And he’s downright giddy.
“When I get out of bed in the morning, I think, ‘I have a purpose today,’” Kenneth says.
After 33 years of addictions and a harsh life on the streets, he’s grateful for the subsidized housing and drug treatment that allowed him to battle the demons stalking him since his tumultuous childhood.
“But employment is the big one, it brings your self-worth back, it makes you feel like you are contributing to society,” he said from inside the Grandview Calvary Baptist Church, which offers emergency shelter to the homeless upstairs and has a pottery studio in the basement. “I used to sleep here and now I’m working here.”
For two years, Kenneth has recycled clay and performed other tasks to support the artists at JustPotters, a successful social enterprise run by the non-profit JustWork Economic Initiative, which has found jobs for 40 formerly homeless people.
For the full article go here. JustWork oversees JustPotters, JustRenos and JustCatering; go here for descriptions of the three initiatives.
Martin Luther: Evangelical Mystic?
Martin Luther was deeply rooted in mystical traditions.
A leading Reformation scholar, Dr. Ron Rittgers will be delivering two public lectures at Regent College March 16, “exploring the impact of Reformation doctrine and practice on the fabric of Early Modern European culture and tracing the influence of these events into our current day.”
The first, Secularization through Solace: Reflections on the Reformation and Modern Identity, will take place in the morning, from 11 am to 12:30 pm.
The second, Martin Luther: Evangelical Mystic?, will take place that evening, from 7 – 8:30 pm.
Rittgers (PhD, Harvard University) taught at Yale University for seven years before arriving at his current position as Erich Markel Chair in German Reformation Studies at Valparaiso University. He has written several books on the Reformation and was recently elected president of the American Society of Church History.
An article in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion (which refers to one of Rittgers’ books for further reading) helps to set the stage:
Martin Luther’s spiritual and theological development was deeply rooted in mystical traditions. During his early years as an Augustinian friar, he experienced mystical visions following the paths of Dionysian mysticism, while a few years later he was inspired by Ps-Bonaventure, Bernard of Clairvaux and John Tauler.
His early theology of penitence, as expressed in the Ninety-five Theses, derived from these sources, as did his description of justification in the image of bride and bridegroom in his tract On the Liberty of a Christian.
Even more so, central elements in his theology were shaped by mystical influences, including his distinction between Law and Gospel, the doctrine of justification and the concept of the priesthood of all believers. Thus, Luther’s theology should be seen as a reception and development deriving from the mystical discourse of the later Middle Ages.
Rittgers’ two lectures are part of Regent College’s 500 Years of the Reformation, a yearlong commemoration, featuring panels, courses and public lectures on the theme of the Reformation.
Earthkeepers: Before the Flood
Earthkeepers is hosting a free screening of Before the Flood this Saturday (March 11) at Grandview Calvary Baptist Church in east Vancouver.
Co-produced by, and starring, Leonardo DiCaprio, “this film takes us on a journey around the world to witness the far-reaching impacts of climate change. Meeting with scientists, politicians and activists, DiCaprio asks: Can we act collectively before it may be too late?”
Earthkeepers: Christians for Climate Justice is “an ecumenical group in Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories, working out biblical teachings in regards to ecology, love of neighbour and climate justice.”
Briefly noted
Engelbert Humperdinck likes to go to church wherever he performs.
The ageless Engelbert Humperdinck will be playing the River Rock Casino this weekend (March 10, 11), but according to an article in The Vancouver Sun, he might also turn up at your church: “Humperdinck makes a point of visiting local churches to offer up a prayer of thanks for his enduring career good fortunes.”
The Grenz Lectures
Carey Theological College hosts the annual Grenz Lectures, in which a leading Christian thinker reflects theologically on some aspect of life as the community of God. The theme this year (First Baptist Church, March 12) is The Crisis of Meaning in Canadian Culture: The Myths of Private Faith, featuring Dr. Anna Robbins, Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Ethics and Academic Dean of Acadia Divinity College.
Eruvin: invisible boundaries
The Vancouver Sun recently ran an interesting article about eruvin, which are “intricately maintained boundaries demarcated for the explicit purpose of giving observant Jews an easier time on the Sabbath.”
Mar 2017
Capernwray Harbor Bible School Worship Night – March 10, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmHope for the Sold: Over 18 - A Documentary About Pornography – March 10, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Michael W. Higgins: Thomas Merton and John Moriarty: Epic Visionaries of Human Unity – March 10, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Norm Strauss – March 10, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
How to Become a Saint: a Lenten Retreat – March 11, 2017 at 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Film Screening: Before the Flood – March 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Norm Strauss Concert – March 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Resist Sin – March 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Abendmusik: Lenten Vespers – March 11, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: Linda Szentes and Friends – March 12, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Hope for the Sold: Over 18 - A Documentary About Pornography – March 12, 2017 at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Grenz Lectures 2017: The Crisis of Meaning in Canadian Culture – The Myths of Private Faith – March 12, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Abendmusik: Lenten Vespers – March 12, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
One Pass Ahead: Spring Break Basketball Camp – March 13, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Surrey Aglow Luncheon – March 14, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Addressing Grief & Loss In Community Meals & Other Supportive Programs – March 14, 2017 at 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
God and Reason: A Free Public Lecture Series (Wednesdays) – March 15, 2017 at 12:30 pm - 1:20 pm
Jason Lepojarvi: How Many Loves? A Friendly Critique of C.S. Lewis's The Four Loves – March 15, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Jazz Evensong: Kristian Alexandrov / Shannon Gaye Trio – March 15, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Dr. Ron Rittgers: Secularization Through Solace - Reflections on the Reformation and Modern Identity – March 16, 2017 at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Martin Scorsese's 'Silence' – March 16, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Dr. Ron Rittgers: Martin Luther – Evangelical Mystic? – March 16, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Why Do People Stop Believing? – March 16, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Graduate Art Exhibition: Passages – March 17, 2017 at All Day
Martyn Joseph – March 17, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Together in Christ: Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue – March 18, 2017 at 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Theo's Rock n Roll Feast – March 18, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Ember Vancouver – March 18, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Gungor: One Wild Life Acoustic Tour – March 19, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Theology Symposium: Philosophy, Language & the Possibility of Theology - Dr. Archie Spencer – March 22, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: LJ Mountenay Quintet – March 22, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Art + Design Alumni Exhibition: Bayit / Lament – March 23, 2017 - March 27, 2017 at All Day
Made in God's Image – March 23, 2017 at 12:00 am
Violet Behzadian: Song of Salvation – March 23, 2017 at All Day
Provincial Leadership Dinner – March 23, 2017 at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Dr. Sam Reimer: Why Canadians aren’t Going to Church and What that Means for Evangelical Churches in Canada – March 23, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Why Do People Stop Believing? – March 23, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
BC Leadership Prayer Breakfast – March 24, 2017 at 7:30 am - 9:00 am
Dr. Sam Reimer: Is Canada Becoming More Religiously Polarized? – March 24, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Rhythm & Cello – March 24, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Connect Conference – March 25, 2017 at 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Together in Christ: Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue – March 25, 2017 at 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Brian Doerksen Concert – March 25, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Gibson and Gretsch Jazz Band – March 25, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Brentwood Concert Series: The Gleusteen Duo – March 25, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
The Choir of King's College Cambridge – March 26, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Darlene Ketchum Quartet – March 26, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Diane Lines – March 26, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Unmasking the Truth – March 27, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Canadian Gospel Music Celebration Spring Concert Tour, with Legacy Five – March 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Hope for the Sold: Over 18 - A Documentary About Pornography – March 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Life Compass Society Launch Event – March 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:15 pm
Vancouver Faith Alliance Luncheon – March 28, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Cory Weeds Trio – March 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Jane Eyre: The Musical – March 30, 2017 - April 1, 2017 at All Day
Karina Svalya: Encountering Darkness, Painting Light – Opening Reception – March 30, 2017 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Give it Up for the Earth! Lenten Prayer Evening – March 30, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Premiere of 'Facing Darkness' – March 30, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
(go) Deeper Conference with Gord & Jan Whyte – March 31, 2017 - April 2, 2017 at All Day
Journal of Missional Practice Webinar: Around the Table – March 31, 2017 at 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Evangelical Missiological Society: Engaging Theology from the Majority World – March 31, 2017 at 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
Elevate Conference 2017 – March 31, 2017 - April 1, 2017 at 5:00 pm
Chapel North Shore – March 31, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Richmond-Delta – March 31, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Surrey – March 31, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Tri-Cities – March 31, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Vancouver – March 31, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Road to Ayin: An Exploration in Music and Mythopoeia by Corey Janz – March 31, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Langley – March 31, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Ambrose Akinmusire with "A" Band & NiteCap – March 31, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Apr 2017
Peace of Mind: Mental Wellness & the Church with Sandra Wong, Doug Johnston & Paul Pearce – April 1, 2017 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pmThree Biologos 2017 Highlight Lectures – April 1, 2017 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Way of the Cross for Migrant Workers – April 1, 2017 at 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Celebrate the Festival – April 1, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Story of MRI with Dr. Raymond Damadian – April 1, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Douglas Todd: Vancouver – Discerning the Spirit of the City – April 1, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Choir Concert: For God So Loved the World – April 2, 2017 at 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Re-Sounding Harmony – April 2, 2017 at 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
MVA Provincial Election Accountability Assembly – April 4, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Business By the Book: Rosemary Siemens – April 5, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Bryn Kinders & Solescape Sound – April 5, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Lenten Soup n' Bun Series (Thursdays) – April 6, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Book Launch for 'Keeping Faith in Fundraising' by Rod Wilson and Peter Harris – April 6, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Valley Song by Athol Fugard – April 6, 2017 - April 8, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Our Land Our Rights Our Peace: Philippine Leaders Visit Canada – April 7, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Cheryl Bear – April 7, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Time After Time: TWU Concert Band & Orchestra – April 7, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Equipping Conference – April 8, 2017 at 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
The Beauty and Complexity of Marriage, with Randy and Hannah Hamm – April 8, 2017 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Make Time for Life – April 8, 2017 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Book launch: The Honour Drum Book, featuring Cheryl Bear & Tim Huff – April 8, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Celebrating the Chan Centre at 20: A Song of Joys – April 8, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Silence – April 9, 2017 - April 12, 2017 at All Day
Jazz Vespers: Jennifer Hodge – April 9, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Poetry for Holy Week and Easter – April 10, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
DVD on Reinhold Niebuhr – April 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Dan Reynolds & Friends – April 12, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Stations – April 13, 2017 - April 15, 2017 at All Day
Journey 101 (Thursdays) – April 13, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
PeaceMeal: Songs and Story to Feed a Troubled World – April 13, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm