Around Town: Media reports, Gospel-Loving Kids, Logos Hope, Marva Dawn …

economistinsideVancouver churches are receiving more attention than usual in the media these days, for a number of reasons. Here are a couple of recent examples:

Steeples for sale

The Economist has taken note of Vancouver’s hot property market, in particular its effect on church sales. Most of the content is not new, with recent features about David Ley, Churchrealtors.com, etc in the Sun and  on CBC (and Church for Vancouver), but it’s always nice to be noticed abroad.

Steeples for sale notes, for example:

Sales of church property happen in many places, but business is especially brisk in Canada’s western metropolis. There are two main reasons: a surge in property prices, which exceeds that in almost every other Canadian city, and an influx of Asian immigrants, who bring their own religious traditions.

West-coast hedonism may be a third factor, suggests David Ley, a geographer at the University of British Columbia. Pews in churches with European roots are emptying faster than those in other parts of Canada. They are the principal sellers. All this makes Vancouver’s sacred-property market “unique”, says Leonardo Di Francesco of Churchrealtors.com, which has sold more than 100 houses of worship over the past two decades.

For some of my recent articles go here, here and here.

Christ Church renovation

christchurch1Vancouver Magazine featured Downtown Vancouver’s oldest surviving stone structure in The resurrection of Vancouver’s Christ Church Cathedral, pointing out:

When the colossal labyrinth of scaffolding comes down at Christ Church Cathedral later this year, a 20-year, $20-million-plus renovation will finally be complete. Projects have included everything from landscaping to a new pipe organ, but the most visible upgrade of all came last: the new roof. . . .

In addition to the new roof, this latest round of renovations includes a new kitchen and bell tower, which should be up by fall. The cost for all three comes in at $9 million, with $6.6 million of that having been raised as of December. The province pitched in $1 million.

St. Paul’s move

St-pauls-hospitalnew

The new site for St. Paul’s Hospital.

On a completely different front, a recent press release noted that:

Providence Health Care (PHC) has selected Perkins+Will, in association with Sterling Planning Alliance (Sterling) and Farrow, as the team to undertake a key step in the development of a business plan for the new St. Paul’s Hospital and integrated health campus on Station Street in Vancouver.
 
Providence Health Care, which runs 17 healthcare facilities in Greater Vancouver, including St. Paul’s, St Joseph’s and St. Vincent’s, points out that its “history stretches back more than a century.” Here’s the first paragraph in a brief version of that history:
 
In the 1890s the Sisters of Providence opened St. Paul’s Hospital, a 25-bed “cottage” on the path to English Bay.The Sisters had arrived several years before, having been told the stories of suffering in this burgeoning coastal city. When they arrived, they listened to the community and made a plan to meet the needs expressed. . . .

Gospel-Loving Kids

gospel-lovingkids1The Transform Conference has staked out its territory clearly: ‘Raising Up Gospel-Loving Kids in a Gospel-Hating Culture.’

Here’s their approach:

Canada is a post-Christian country. Certain cultural elements are in direct opposition to the Gospel, making it increasingly more uncomfortable to be a Christian in our culture. What are the forces arrayed against the Gospel in our society? Chris [Price, lead pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Coquitlam] will help us understand how we can help kids follow Jesus in the midst of these cultural challenges.

Some will think the language is a little strong, but to the extent it focuses on Price’s three keynote themes – The Lure of Culture, Moving Beyond Moralism and Raising Counter Culture Kids – the event should be very helpful.

Price is joined by a number of workshop leaders during the Friday evening, all day Saturday (April 15 – 16) event at Southridge Church in Langley.

Among the topics to be covered are Discipleship (Theology at Home, Godly Discipline, Discipleship on the Homefront); Children and Church (What Children Need from the Church, Children’s Ministry as Family Ministry, Mobilizing Children into Ministry); Cultural Engagement (Talking to Your Kids About LGBTQ Individuals, Preparing Your Kids for the Social Media Roller Coaster, Dealing with the Screen: Talking About Kids and Games); Family Conversations (Smart Money Smart Kids, ‘Telling’ Stories Transforming Families, The Heart of Modesty).

The conference is organized and sponsored by Northwest Baptist Seminary and MinistryLift (a capacity-building ministry of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary).

Meet Logos Hope crew members

logoshope1Members of the Operation Mobilization (OM) Logos Hope crew are in the Vancouver area from April 8 to May 2, “to recount their ship experiences: the discipleship program on board the ship, their ship job/role, and the many ‘seeing-God-at-work’ experiences in the world’s port cities.”

This is the purpose of the OM Ships Ministry:

The Ships Ministry began in 1970 as part of the global Christian training and outreach movement, OM International. Since then OM’s ships have visited over 500 different ports in 151 countries and territories and welcomed over 44 million visitors on board.

Our goal is to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world. We do this by supplying vital literature resources, encouraging cross-cultural understanding, training young people for more effective life and service, providing needed relief, and sharing a message of hope in God wherever there is opportunity.

I can vouch for the value of OM’s work first-hand, having put in a brief (two week) stint with the original Logos ship between Dar Es Salaam and Mombasa on the east coast of Africa way back in 1977. What I remember most were the hordes of people wanting to buy books and Christian literature. After Logos ran aground in Tierra del Fuego in 1988, it was replaced by Logos II, Doulos and, in 2009, Logos Hope.

The crew is hoping to share their experiences with churches, schools, ministries, etc. Contact local OM representative Siang Chiang at 604.726.2010 or [email protected] for more information or to schedule a presentation.

On April 29, 7 pm, Logos Hope crew members will be at Willingdon Church to tell stories of how God is working through OM’s Ship Ministry.

Marva Dawn: Worship at Carey

Growing-in-Faith-Marva-Dawn 1Dr. Marva Dawn will lead the third in a series of seminars on Growing in Faith Through Worship, April 23 at Carey Centre. Her presentation will focus on:

the development of worship as inter-generational communities of faith through difficult times. Our day-to-day lives are filled with worries and pressures that can weigh upon us, even in our Sunday worship. In this seminar, Dr. Marva Dawn will explore the faith journey, rooted in family and community, in the face of opposition.
 
An internationally renowned theologian, author and educator, Marva Dawn recently retired as teaching fellow in spiritual theology at Regent College.
 
Dawn offers Morning by Morning devotional texts on her website. Her text for Friday, April 15 is Isaiah 40:16: “Lebanon would not provide fuel enough, nor are its animals enough for a burnt offering.”
 
Following is a portion of what she wrote, which offers one good way to approach her April 23 topic:
 
This is such a tangible picture of the insufficiency of any sacrifices. Consider the ancient country of Lebanon. . . . all the wood of that entire nation in antiquity . . . would not suffice for fuel for the offering God deserves. . . . Furthermore, all the living creatures inhabiting those vast forests are utterly paltry as a burnt offering, altogether unfit to honour YHWH. . . .
 
What is the true worship of God? Does God ask us to make sacrifices? Certainly we know that our feeble oblations cannot earn his favour – yet how often do we deceive ourselves, subconsciously assuming that we gain God’s grace with our pious efforts| . . .
 
How hard it is for us to truly receive God’s grace as freely as it is given! It hurts our egos to admit that all we are and all we do is made possible by God’s action within us and that we can never do anything out of our own abilities to please him. . . .
 
How and when will we learn this truth that instead of burnt offerings God looks for contrite and diligent hearts? . . . .

Apr 2016

Pastoral Approaches: The Church and Same-Sex Attraction – April 14, 2016 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Dr. Paul Rowe: Ataturk in my Pocket – a journey in religion and politics – April 14, 2016 at 1:10 pm - 2:50 pm
Dr. Paul Brown: Why I Accept Design (and Why It Is a Good Idea) – April 14, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Gruesome Playground Injuries by Rajiv Joseph – April 14, 2016 - April 16, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Carson Pue: Transitions - Exploring Life Changes as Maturing Adults – April 15, 2016 - April 17, 2016 at All Day
Inhabit Conference – April 15, 2016 - April 16, 2016 at All Day
Transform Conference: Raising Up Gospel-Loving Kids in a Gospel-Hating Culture – April 15, 2016 - April 16, 2016 at All Day
Relationship Seminar with Tina Konkin – April 15, 2016 - April 16, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 12:00 pm
Dr. Don Bartlette: What Does Reconciliation Look Like? – April 15, 2016 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Phillipe Herreweghe & Collegium Vocale Gent: Lagrime di San Pietro – April 15, 2016 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Training for the Thinking Series – April 16, 2016 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Way of Light Morning Retreat, Part 2 – April 16, 2016 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Church of God Vancouver Spring Conference – April 16, 2016 at 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Volcano Spring Fundraiser – April 16, 2016 at 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Canadian MK Network: A Dessert Evening & Benefit Concert Featuring Carolyn Arends with Spencer Capier – April 16, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dr. Don Bartlette: What Does Reconciliation Look Like? – April 16, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Stronger Together: MK Benefit Concert with Carolyn Arends & Spencer Capier – April 16, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Pipe Organ - Pan Flute Concert, with Children's Choir – April 16, 2016 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: Goby Katt & Jen Lewin – April 17, 2016 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jonathan Byrd & Corin Raymond (and the story of Mercy Ships) – April 17, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Alpha 'Invite Canada' – April 20, 2016 at All Day
EFC Webinar: Brian Stiller – Evangelicals Around the World – April 20, 2016 at 9:00 am - 9:45 am
Alpha 'Invite Canada' – April 20, 2016 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Quintessential Jazz – April 20, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner (for the annual BC Leadership Prayer Breakfast) – April 21, 2016 at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
A Good Mother by Kathy Parsons – April 21, 2016 - April 23, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Erin-Faye Frans: Nurturing Intimacy for a Healthier, Happier Marriage – April 22, 2016 at All Day
50th Annual BC Leadership Prayer Breakfast – April 22, 2016 at 7:30 am - 9:00 am
L'Arche Vancouver: The Art Together Show – April 22, 2016 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dr. Don Bartlette: What Does Reconciliation Look Like? – April 22, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Steve Bell in concert – April 22, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Glorious Music for Trumpet & Organ – April 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Join the Reconciliation Movement – April 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Vancouver Chamber Choir and the Iseler Singers: Two Great Choirs – April 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Eastside Story Guild: Old Pine – The Trial of Jesus – April 23, 2016 - April 24, 2016 at All Day
Growing In Faith Through Worship: Facing Challenges as a Family of Faith (Part III, with Marva Dawn) – April 23, 2016 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Timberline Ranch Family Festival 2016 – April 23, 2016 at 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lighthouse Harbour Ministries Spring Luncheon – April 23, 2016 at 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Where is the Pro-life Movement Headed? – April 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Erin-Faye Frans: How to Talk to Your Kids About . . . – April 23, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
A Rocha Canada: Good Seed Sunday – April 24, 2016 at All Day
Jazz Vespers: Capilano Jazz Faculty Sextet – April 24, 2016 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Together: City Church Worship & Prayer Gathering – April 24, 2016 at 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Steve Bell in concert – April 24, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Together: City Church Worship & Prayer Gathering – April 24, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Faith & Justice Roundtable: Extraction or Sustenance – Rethinking our Relationship to Land – April 25, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Intelligent Love Course (Tuesday evenings) – April 26, 2016 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Poetry Reading: Sheila Rosen, Diane Tucker & Rian Lloyd – April 26, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Alpha 'Invite Canada' – April 27, 2016 at 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Preaching Workshop: Jesus Has a Word for Your Church, with Dr. Darrell Johnson – April 27, 2016 at 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Alpha 'Invite Canada' – April 27, 2016 at 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
God, Art and the Way of Beauty – April 27, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel Discussion – April 27, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Sharon Minemoto – April 27, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Jordan Klassen – April 27, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Meet Operation Mobilization's 'Logos Hope' Crew – April 28, 2016 - May 2, 2016 at All Day
SAMC Graduate Art Exhibition: Retracing Social Practice – April 28, 2016 - April 30, 2016 at All Day
Erica Grimm: Salt Water Skin Boats – April 28, 2016 - April 30, 2016 at 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Alpha 'Invite Canada' – April 28, 2016 at 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Alpha 'Invite Canada' – April 28, 2016 at 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Andy Mineo: Uncomfortable Tour – April 28, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
First Nations Voices Speaker's Series (Thursday evenings) – April 28, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Spirituality of Wine – April 28, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Hope for Today: Prophecy Conference – April 29, 2016 - April 30, 2016 at All Day
Bargain Sale – April 29, 2016 at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Sam Allberry: Is God Anti-Gay? – April 29, 2016 - April 30, 2016 at 6:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Heartcry for Change: Charismatic Anglicans – April 29, 2016 - April 30, 2016 at 6:30 pm - 12:30 pm
Chapel Langley – April 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel North Shore – April 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Richmond-Delta – April 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Tri-Cities – April 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Vancouver – April 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ignite Maple Ridge – April 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Logos Hope Crew Visit – April 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The Lion the Bear the Fox – April 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Wellspring Gala – April 29, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fraser Valley Bible Conference: Rev. Darrell Kingswood – The Call to Holiness & God's Work of Redemption – April 29, 2016 - April 30, 2016 at 7:30 pm - 12:30 pm
Sideshow – April 29, 2016 - April 30, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Home Based Marriage Mentoring with Randy Hamm – April 30, 2016 at 8:45 am - 4:00 pm
No One Should Be Alone: Mental Health and the Church – April 30, 2016 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Spiritually Rooted Direct Access Training for Climate Movement Rallying – April 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Coffeehouse Concert Series: Darlene Ketchum and Quartet – April 30, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

May 2016

Welcoming Light: Forum – May 1, 2016 at 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
Laura-Lynn and Friends: Live Show Taping – May 1, 2016 at 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Gabriel Hasselbach – May 1, 2016 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Greater Vancouver Festival of Hope Involvement Seminar – May 2, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Greater Vancouver Festival of Hope Involvement Seminar – May 3, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola in Daily Life (Tuesday evenings) – May 3, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Paul Stevens: Loving Later Life – Why Aging Matters for Life and Spirituality – May 3, 2016 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Pastors and Leaders Conference 2016: Beyond the Monday Blues - Equipping People for Vocations in the Workplace – May 4, 2016 - May 6, 2016 at All Day
Vancouver Pastors Prayer Fellowship – May 4, 2016 at 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Business By the Book: Alphil Guilaran – May 4, 2016 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Greater Vancouver Festival of Hope Involvement Seminar – May 4, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Greater Vancouver Festival of Hope Involvement Seminar – May 4, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Ben Henriques – May 4, 2016 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Greater Vancouver Festival of Hope Involvement Seminars – May 5, 2016 - May 10, 2016 at All Day
Maria Gaudin: Life Among the Deadwood – May 5, 2016 - May 6, 2016 at All Day
OM Ships Partner Dinner – May 5, 2016 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide Bill C-14: What Do I Need to Know? – May 5, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Greater Vancouver Festival of Hope Involvement Seminar – May 5, 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
 
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