Around Town: Multiply, Alpha in New West, Evening of Lament, Alfred Wong

“Church leaders intuitively know that ‘business as usual’ will not result in the awakening we long for. Multiply will stoke the fires of church renewal and multiplication that many are dreaming of. Come expectant. Come prayerfully.”

That is the invitation from Multiply, for their speaker-rich conference February 7 – 8 at Westside Church in downtown Vancouver. The bulk of the 27 speakers are local, including Mark Clark (Village Church}, Jeff Bucknam (Northview Church), Shaila Visser (Alpha Canada) and Norm Funk (Westside).

A couple of visitors are particularly worth looking out for. Jeff Vanderstelt will be up from Seattle. He is a favourite with the C2C Network, which hosts the Multiply Conference; I have benefited from his teaching at several of their events over the years, including Multiply last year (and just yesterday at The Advance down in Seattle).

Here is how the Multiply organizers describe him:

As the visionary leader of the Soma Family of Churches and Saturate and the lead teaching pastor at Doxa Church in Bellevue, Washington, Jeff Vanderstelt gets to spend his days doing what he loves – training disciples of Jesus to make more disciples of Jesus and equipping the church in the gospel and missional living. Jeff is the author of Saturate, Saturate Field Guide and Gospel Fluency.

Another sure bet is Ed Stetzer:

Ed Stetzer, PhD, holds the Billy Graham Distinguished Chair for Church, Mission and Evangelism at Wheaton College, and serves as executive director of the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism at Wheaton. He has planted, revitalized and pastored churches, and trained pastors and church planters on six continents.

Stetzer is a prolific author and is particularly influential as a contributing editor for Christianity Today.

Stetzer will be a keynote speaker during the conference, but will also deliver a free evening lecture the first evening on The Future for Canadian Evangelism, Renewal & Church Planting.

Alpha now has New West HQ

Alpha Canada moved from its base in Richmond to New Westminster January 17. Here is part of a report from The B.C. Catholic:

Evangelism has a new look but the same message for Alpha Canada this year.

The national Christian organization has just moved its headquarters to a central location in New Westminster, amid wedding shops, cafes and historic buildings in BC’s oldest city.

Moving “into the birthplace of BC and into a building that is 130 years old” was “part of God’s will,” said director Shaila Visser.

Alpha, founded in the 1970s, runs programs about Christianity for people who don’t know God or go to church. Their many video series encourage people to ask deep questions and invite the Holy Spirit into their lives.

Go here for the full story. The new office is at 26 – 4th Street, just up the hill from Columbia Street.

Evening of Lament

An Evening of Lament for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women will be hosted by Streams of Justice at Grandview Calvary Baptist Church in east Vancouver February 5:

On this evening, we hold and grieve the reality of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, gathering in prayer, liturgy and lament to acknowledge the heaviness of their loss and the ongoing violence facing Indigenous women and their communities.

We mourn the failure of our government and society, the forces and structures that perpetuate this violence (colonialism, patriarchy, capitalism, poverty) and our own complicity as people of the Christian faith and settlers on unceded land.

As we draw nearer to the season of Lent, you are invited to enter this space as you are, whether or not you consider yourself embedded in the Christian faith tradition, on its fringes or outside. All are welcome.

Entering into lamentation binds us to those we have lost, and so plays a crucial role in deepening compassion, enlarging understanding and reaffirming commitment to doing justice.

Come and join us for this journey into grief.

Alfred Wong remembered

Several media outlets did a good job of covering the funeral for Alfred Wong January 27. Here is a portion of the CTV News report:

Samson Wong wept Saturday as he apologized to his teenage son, saying he wishes he could have protected the young man from the stray bullet that took his life.

Alfred Wong was heading home to Coquitlam with his parents on January 13 when a bullet pierced their vehicle on a Vancouver street, striking the 15-year-old. He died in hospital two days later.

Vancouver police have said they believe the shooting was gang related.

“Alfred, forgive Mom and Dad. We tried to protect you,” Samson Wong said at his son’s memorial service on Saturday. “Mom and Dad have been talking. We wish the bullet went for our heart, not yours.”

Sobs could be heard throughout the Coquitlam Alliance Church as Wong spoke to the crowd of about 700 mourners, saying he still can’t accept or believe what has happened. . . .

Outside the memorial, Sam Chan, a youth leader with the Wongs’ church [Coquitlam Christ Church of China], said it’s been difficult for the community to come to grips with the sudden death.

“There’s no real way to explain this. I think at this time, the important thing is to cry with those who want to cry, talk to those who want to talk, just sit there with those who just need some time,” he said.

Performing a funeral for a 15-year-old is completely different from other memorials, [pastor Caleb] Choi said before the service.

“We have no words to comfort the family, no matter what we say,” he added. “What we can do is just pray for them.”

Go here for the full report.

Feb 2018

New Generations – February 1, 2018 - February 3, 2018 at All Day
Unity of Spirits Art Exhibition – February 1, 2018 - February 2, 2018 at All Day
Talks with Tom: Amidst the Busyness – February 2, 2018 at 7:00 am - 8:30 am
G. Peter Kaye Lecture: Janet Soskice – February 2, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Janet Soskice: Inclusivity and Christology Revisited – February 3, 2018 at 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Mental Health, Faith & Youth: A Sanctuary Workshop – February 3, 2018 at 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Stayed on Freedom: A Musical Celebration of Black History Month – February 3, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Perspectives Course (Sunday evenings) – February 4, 2018 at 6:15 pm - 9:15 pm
Evening of Lament for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women – February 5, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Perspective Course (Monday evenings) – February 5, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Kairos Course (Tuesday evenings) – February 6, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Multiply 2018 – February 7, 2018 - February 8, 2018 at All Day
Dr. Mary McCampbell: "We are Changed Souls": Prophetic Critique & Post-Secular Hope in the Fiction of Douglas Coupland – February 7, 2018 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Art Exhibition: Opening Reception of Adrift by Jenny Hawkinson – February 7, 2018 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
An Evening with Ed Stetzer: The Future for Canadian Evangelism, Renewal & Church Planting – February 7, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Evensong: The Kristian Braathen Trio – February 7, 2018 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
RockRidge Canyon Unplugged Weekend – February 9, 2018 - February 12, 2018 at All Day
Re-Enchanting Discipleship: Christian Life in a Secular Age – February 9, 2018 at 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
James K.A. Smith: Re-Enchanting Culture – February 9, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Don Stewart, Mike Henry, Kenny Wayne – February 11, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Maria Ho & Friends – February 14, 2018 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hfour Studio – February 15, 2018 at 12:00 am
Book Launch: Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh – The Spirit of Early Evangelicalism (with Mark Noll) – February 15, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Ruined by Lynn Nottage – February 15, 2018 - February 17, 2018 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Samson Movie in Canadian Theatres – February 16, 2018 at 12:00 am
Worship Central Conference – February 16, 2018 - February 17, 2018 at All Day
Voices for TRAC (Trinity Refugee Awareness Campaign) – February 16, 2018 at 7:30 am - 9:30 am
Date Night Comedy Tour – February 16, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Renovaré: The Listening Life – February 17, 2018 at 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
You are My Beloved: A Lenten Retreat – February 17, 2018 at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Prophecy Speaking Today Workshop – February 17, 2018 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Alio Modo featuring Vancouver Viols – February 18, 2018 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: The Hot Mammas – February 18, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Gospel Music Workshop – February 19, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
FaithTech YVR Coffee Shop Takeover – February 20, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Water from Stone: Opening Reception – February 21, 2018 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Jazz Evensong: The Doe Bender Group – February 21, 2018 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Let's Talk Marijuana (indoubt:live) – February 22, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rise (Worship Leader Training) Conference 2018 – February 23, 2018 - February 24, 2018 at 6:30 pm - 2:30 pm
One Game = One Giant Step of Youth – February 23, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
The Bible: Why We Can Trust It – February 24, 2018 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Workshop: Songs of Justice, Songs of Freedom, Songs of Hope – February 24, 2018 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Flavours of Hope: Pop-Up Community Dinner – February 24, 2018 at 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Vancouver Cantata Singers: Cantus Missae - Rheinberger and the Romantics – February 24, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Spirit(us): An Evening with Kiya Tabassian – February 24, 2018 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Concert: Songs of Justice, Songs of Freedom, Songs of Hope – February 25, 2018 at 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Jazz Vespers – February 25, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jazz Vespers with Roma Swing Trio – February 25, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Olaf DeShield – February 25, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Income Tax Ministry (Tuesdays & Saturdays) – February 27, 2018 - April 24, 2018 at 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
David S. Robinson: Protestantism without Reformation – Bonhoeffer's View of the North American Churches – February 28, 2018 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Chaplains Connect – February 28, 2018 at 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Is Christianity or Secular Humanism a Better Foundation for Human Rights? – February 28, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Evensong: The Miles Black Trio – February 28, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Jazz Evensong: Heather Soles & Friends – February 28, 2018 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Mar 2018

An Almost Holy Picture by Heather McDonald – March 1, 2018 - March 3, 2018 at All Day
Art Exhibition: Adrift by Jenny Hawkinson – March 1, 2018 - March 2, 2018 at 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The Crucifixion by John Stainer: A call for choir members (Saturday rehearsals) – March 2, 2018 at All Day
Apologetics Canada Conference 2018 – March 2, 2018 - March 3, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Circle Conference – March 2, 2018 - March 3, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 4:00 pm
A Lenten Retreat with the Soul of Christ Prayer – March 3, 2018 at 9:15 am - 3:15 pm
"The Way": a Lenten Journey Retreat – March 3, 2018 at 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
An Evening with Trace Bundy – March 3, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Geneva Lectures: Dr. Derek Schuurman: Responsible Automation – Faith & Work in an Age of Intelligent Machines – March 3, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Mental Health First Aid (Tuesdays) – March 6, 2018 at 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Excellence in Board Leadership for Businesses and NPOs – March 7, 2018 at 7:30 am - 9:30 am
The View From Here: A We Carry Kevan Film – March 7, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Jazz Evensong: Juhli Conlinn & Friends – March 7, 2018 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Magnify Conference 2018 – March 9, 2018 - March 10, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Mirror Arts Hangout – March 9, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Christian and the Public Square: Truth and the Messy Business of Citizenship (19th annual Mel Smith Lecture, featuring Andrew Bennett) – March 9, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Raising Hope: REED Fundraiser – March 9, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Reframing Retirement with Dr. Paul Pearce & Dr. Carson Pue – March 10, 2018 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mental Health & Addiction: A Sanctuary Workshop – March 10, 2018 at 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Evening at the Well: JJ Heller & Mandy Arioto – March 10, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Greta Matassa – March 11, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Together: City Church Worship & Prayer Gathering – March 11, 2018 at 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Being Clear About the Gospel Conference – March 13, 2018 - March 14, 2018 at All Day
Developing Missional Disciples (Round Table Discussion) – March 14, 2018 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
MALTS Informational Webinar – March 14, 2018 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Lunchtime Lecture and Discussion on Stanley Hauerwas – March 14, 2018 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Expert Medical Panel Discussion on Mitigating the Addiction Crisis – March 14, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Dennis Venema: Adam & the Genome – March 14, 2018 at 6:30 pm - 9:20 pm
Ashley Moyse: Biotechnology and Theology – March 14, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Jazz Evensong: Jonny Tobin & Friends – March 14, 2018 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Grand Embrace II – March 15, 2018 at All Day
Spiritual Trauma with Hillary McBride – March 15, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Steve Bell in Concert – March 15, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chronic Disease Prevention Nutrition Workshop (in Cantonese) – March 17, 2018 at 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm