“The face in the Shroud conveys a great peace; this tortured body expresses a sovereign majesty. It is as if it let a restrained but powerful energy within it shine through, as if to say: have faith, do not lose hope; the power of the love of God, the power of the Risen One overcomes all things.”
So said Pope Francis in a statement about the Shroud of Turin during the Easter season in 2013.
Those of us in Metro Vancouver will have the opportunity to see for ourselves this week (April 8 – 13) at the Man of the Shroud Exhibition and Lectures at Rosemary Heights Retreat Centre in Surrey.
Organizers – a group of clergy and lay people in the Vancouver area – say this of the exhibition:
It consists of a series of professionally-prepared documentary museum panels; a collection of recreated artifacts of Christ’s passion; and an actual-size photographic reproduction of the Turin Shroud. The exhibit will be complemented with a lecture series given by Shroud scholar, Phillip Wiebe, PhD; Father Andrew Dalton, LC, Rome; and Father John Horgan, pastor of St. Pius X Parish, North Vancouver.
The Shroud of Turin is a 14-foot long linen cloth which bears the mysterious image of a man who has been scourged and crucified. Since at least medieval times, it has been venerated as the cloth in which Jesus’ body was wrapped in the tomb . . . Each new study and discipline has uncovered data that had not been previously imagined, resulting in new interest not only in the cloth itself but also in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
The exhibit will be of special interest to those asking questions about Christian faith, as it focuses on bringing participants to ask the question, “Who is the Man of the Shroud?” Confronting us with the evidence of Jesus’ sufferings and death – as well as his resurrection – the Shroud causes us to ask the further question, “And what does he mean to me?”
Phillip Wiebe, who teaches philosophy at Trinity Western University, says: “The Shroud of Turin is often considered as nothing more than a curiosity, especially by Protestants. However, its significance for the claim that Jesus was resurrected is arguably quite important.”
A recent report from the Catholic News Agency says that Pope Francis “will venerate the Shroud in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist shortly after his arrival in Turin” during a June 21 – 22 visit.
The pope said in 2013 that “our gaze is not a mere ‘observing.’ but rather a veneration. It is a prayerful gaze.” In reporting his comments, The Economist pointed out:
[H]e issued a statement that urged people, in rather passionate terms, to contemplate the object with awe; but he also stopped firmly short of asserting its authenticity. In a carefully worded message, he asked and answered a rhetorical question: “How is it that the faithful, like you, pause before this icon of a man scourged and crucified? It is because the Man of the Shroud invites us to contemplate Jesus of Nazareth.”
Wise words, whatever the exact nature of the Shroud.
Christina Crook: The Joy of Missing Out
In its own way, The Joy of Missing Out is our age’s sequel to The Joy of Cooking and The Joy of Sex. Who knew you could gain so much by selectively giving up so little?
So, what is The Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) about? The publishers subtitled the book ‘Finding Balance in a Wired World’ and describe it this way:
There’s no doubt that technology has overrun our lives. Over the past few decades, the world has embraced ‘progress’ and we’re living with the resultant clicking, beeping, anxiety-inducing frenzy. But a creative backlash is gathering steam, helping us cope with the avalanche of data that threatens to overwhelm us daily through our computers, tablets and smartphones. . . .
Most of us can’t throw away our smartphone or cut ourselves off from the internet. But we can all rethink our relationship with the digital world, discovering new ways of introducing balance and discipline to the role of technology in our lives. This book is a must-read for anyone wishing to rediscover quietness of mind and seeking a sense of peace amidst the cacophony of the modern world.
I’m cheating a bit by including JOMO in an ‘Around Town’ column on Church for Vancouver because Christina (and her husband and three children) “recently traded the seaside views of Bowen Island, British Columbia for the banks of Toronto’s Humber River where they attend Grace Toronto Church.”
But a glance at her blog will show the depth of her connections to Metro Vancouver. She grew up here and her blog is rife with appreciation for friends and family in the area. On top of that, I am pleased to note that she used to write for Christian Info Society (when I was publisher) along with other publications, from Vancouver Magazine to Faith Today, Geez, CBC.ca and many others.
Chris Tomlin will be leading worship this Sunday (April 12) at Abbotsford Centre.
Chris Tomlin: Love Ran Red
It came as a surprise when CNN hailed worship leader Chris Tomlin as the world’s most-sung artist.
It’s a hard claim to quantify, but Christian Copyright Licensing International [CCLI] estimates Tomlin’s songs were played in churches well over 3.1 million times in 2012. CCLI extrapolates that data to figure at least 20 million people are singing Chris Tomlin songs on any given Sunday. For comparison, CNN says Katy Perry’s songs were played on the radio about 1.4 million times in 2012.
Of course, Perry and her ilk have album sales that dwarf Tomlin’s, but their songs aren’t used in global weekly sing-alongs. In all likelihood, several worship artists would top any honest list of “the world’s most-sung artists.”
CPJ Justice Tour
Income tax returns at Surrey AllianceAccording to the church website, “Those eligible for this service will be low income, and may include Aboriginal peoples, social assistance recipients, newcomers to Canada, seniors and students.”
The volunteers invite clients to join them for coffee when they come in; the service runs until April 28.
Apr 2015
Jazz Evensong: Voices in Praise Quartet – April 8, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pmFestival of the Arts, Media & Culture – April 9, 2015 - April 13, 2015 at All Day
Man of the Shroud Exhibition & Lectures – April 9, 2015 - April 13, 2015 at All Day
Special Needs Adoptions – April 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Trinity Western University Concert Band & Orchestra – April 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Sam Rocha: Three Sets – April 9, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Christian Singles Adventure Weekend – April 10, 2015 - April 12, 2015 at All Day
Elevate Conference 2015 – April 10, 2015 - April 11, 2015 at All Day
Easter Celebration: Japanese and Korean Churches – April 10, 2015 at 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Life in the Neighbourhood – April 11, 2015 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wellspring: Moving Forward on Climate Change – April 11, 2015 at 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
We Live Here Concert – April 11, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Examine the Influence of Musicians from the Billy Graham Crusade – April 12, 2015 at 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: Mighty Fraser Big Band and Christian Findlay – April 12, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Peace for Jerusalem: A Biblical Zionist View – April 12, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Chris Tomlin: Love Ran Red Tour – April 12, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Nightshift: Unmasking the Truth – April 13, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
CPJ Justice Tour 2015 – April 13, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Cinergy Film Festival – April 13, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Rod Wilson's Retirement Celebration – April 14, 2015 at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Doe Bender Trio – April 15, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Church of God Vancouver Spring Conference – April 16, 2015 at 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Greater Vancouver Chinese Missions Conference – April 17, 2015 - April 18, 2015 at 2:00 pm - 5:15 pm
ACTS Open House – April 17, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Andrae Crouch Tribute Concert – April 17, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Laila Biali & The Radiance Project Album Release Concert – April 17, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Phoenix Chamber Choir: Glow – April 17, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Indian Residential Schools Panel Conversation – April 18, 2015 at 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Drum Making Workshop – April 18, 2015 at 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
LeFevre Quartet, Fraser Valley Quartet – April 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
OMF International: 150 Years Birthday Celebration – April 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Coquitlam Chorale: SING! – April 18, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Armenian Genocide Centennial Events – April 19, 2015 - April 25, 2015 at All Day
Armenian Genocide Centennial Events: Vancouver Sun Run – April 19, 2015 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Coquitlam Chorale: SING! – April 19, 2015 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Examine the Influence of Musicians from the Billy Graham Crusade – April 19, 2015 at 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Yom Hashoah Commemorative Afternoon – April 19, 2015 at 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Fostering 101 – April 19, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Deadline for Submissions for Christian Seasons Calendar – April 20, 2015 at All Day
Pastoral Approaches: The Church and Same-Sex Attraction – April 22, 2015 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Dr. Josh Kruse: Personal Baggage, Part I - Reducing Stress and Anxiety – April 22, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Earth Day Film Event – April 22, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Noah Franche-Nolan Trio – April 22, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Seeking the Peace of Jerusalem: Overcoming Christian Zionism in the Quest for Justice – April 23, 2015 - April 25, 2015 at All Day
Transpose: Trinity Western University 2015 Graduate Art Exhibition – April 23, 2015 - April 25, 2015 at All Day
Armenian Genocide Centennial Events: Ringing of the Bells – April 23, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Christian Zionism and the Palestinians – April 23, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
John Piper: Look at the Book Conference – April 24, 2015 - April 25, 2015 at All Day
Armenian Genocide Centennial Events: Gather at Art Gallery, Walk to Armenian Genocide Monument – April 24, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
L'Arche Vancouver: The Art Together Project – April 24, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel North Shore – April 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Tri-Cities – April 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Vancouver – April 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Keepers of the Faith Concert (with Freedom Singers & Father's Daughters) – April 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
A Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue – April 24, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Dave Faber from Faber Drive headlines Hope For Women’s Dessert Concert Fundraiser – April 24, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Fraser Valley Bible Conference: Creation and the Gospel – April 24, 2015 - April 25, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Armenian Genocide Centennial Events: Ceremony at the Armenian Genocide Monument – April 24, 2015 at 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
re:Create Art Show – April 25, 2015 at All Day
Stronger Together: Effective Training for Missionary Care – April 25, 2015 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Timberline Ranch Family Festival 2015 – April 25, 2015 at 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Keepers of the Faith Concert – April 25, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Worship Invasion – April 25, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Stanislav Yovanovitch plays Chopin Showpieces – April 25, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Good Seed Sunday: Delivered by A Rocha – April 26, 2015 at All Day
Jazz Vespers: Karin Plato – April 26, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Keepers of the Faith Concert – April 26, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Spring Social: Russ Rosen Band – April 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Bursting Your Bubble Training (Monday evenings) – April 27, 2015 at 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Faith and Justice Roundtable #4: Reading the World – Migrant Justice – April 27, 2015 at 6:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Bethel Music Worship Night – April 27, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
LeaderImpact Forum with Garth Jestley: Taking Risk on Purpose – April 28, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Pornography: Harmful or Useful? – April 29, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Evensong: Ben Henriques & Jennifer Hedges – April 29, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Eyes & Wings Prophetic Conference 2015 – April 30, 2015 - May 2, 2015 at All Day
I Am . . . Women's Conference – April 30, 2015 - May 2, 2015 at All Day
Ian Sheh: Love Your Face One Hundred – April 30, 2015 - May 3, 2015 at All Day
The Whole Enchilada Art Show – April 30, 2015 at All Day