Around Town: Pursuit Kitchen, Indictment, John Stackhouse . . .

Three Christian groups are working together with a creative community initiative.

Pursuit Kitchen is designed “to empower youths and young adults by teaching them practical skills, and nourish vulnerable individuals with nutritious meals,” in collaboration with the CityReach Care Society, The Neighbourhood Church and Maple Ridge Community Church.

A November 17 post on CityReach’s Facebook page stated:

Week one of our new collaboration Pursuit Kitchen was amazing! Through the CityReach ‘Adopt-A-School’ initiative, we have just launched the first Vancouver location of @pursuit.projects youth culinary classes.

How does it work?

• • ‘Pursuit Projects’ provides a professional chef, training, supplies, volunteer leaders and logistics.
  • CityReach ‘Food For Families’ provides the rescued food, the kitchen space and community members to serve the meals to.
  • CityReach ‘Adopt-A-School’ recruits the students to participate in the program and staff to oversee the operations.

It’s a beautiful thing to have our organizations working together to:

• • Rescue more food
  • Nourish more community members
  • Mentor more youth

Pursuit Kitchen, which is part of Pursuit Projects, says it “has three main talking points“:

• • One, culinary classes for youths and young adults ages 15 – 25. We empower our participants with essential cooking skills.
  • Second point: salvaging rescue food by using it as ingredients in the culinary classes. By incorporating these rescued ingredients into the culinary creations, the participants not only learn how to cook delicious and nutritious meals but also contribute to feeding the community.
  • And the third objective: serving fresh and healthy meals to our community from our Pursuit Kitchen. The prepared meals are distributed to those in need, such as single mothers, homeless individuals and seniors, with the help of our partnering organizations.

CityReach, a Canadian charity closely linked to Broadway Church, operates in Vancouver, the Tri-Cities and Surrey. They are currently in the midst of their Boxes of Love campaign, raising $150,000 “to make a huge impact by touching the lives of 700 families and over 2,000 children!” They have been doing that for the past 25 years.

Other projects throughout the year:

• Food for Families is a free, nutritious foodbank for low-income households in the Greater Vancouver Area. We serve wholesome and healthy food including fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, proteins and grains.
• Every week, Club Freedom offers a Christ-centred worship service with a nourishing hot meal for community guests in need. We provide a safe and accepting environment with opportunities for guests to receive mentorship, prayer, as well as referrals to affordable housing and recovery programs.
• Our Outreach teams seek out those who are experiencing homelessness or are in need, provide food items such as sandwiches or groceries, and invite them to connect with our Club Freedom community on Sundays. Our Prayer Walk teams also attend to their spiritual and emotional needs by offering prayers and building relationships.
• Local schools are deeply connected to families and their specific needs, and so, we love being able to partner together to make an impact in our community and its future. We are pleased to support over 40 schools in the Greater Vancouver Area [through] Adopt-A-School initiatives.
• CityReach Bees: there is a roof-top honeybee apiary at CityReach!
• Our Out of School Care Program offers licensed before and after school care for Laura Secord Elementary School. Spring Break Camp registrations open January 8, 2024.

Go here if you would like to donate to CityReach.

Indictment

UBC law professor Benjamin Perrin has been speaking to audiences across Canada about his new book, Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial. Today (November 30, 3:30 pm) he will cap the tour off with a Zoom webinar.

Last month I wrote about his sermon at Gracepoint Community Church in Surrey. Perrin encapsulated the talk in writing under the title Jesus and Justice: A Christian Perspective. I posted that comment here; you can watch the video of his sermon here.

Here is a portion of what he wrote:

Our society is facing a multitude of challenges. Crime is rising, homelessness is up, unregulated drug deaths are unabated and the vast majority of victims of crime don’t go to the authorities – they’ve given up on the system. 

Trauma, substance abuse, mental health issues, poverty, homelessness and unemployment are often intertwined issues. Indigenous people are disproportionately impacted, in part because of the ongoing legacy of residential schools. 

This was poignantly brought home to me in a handwritten letter that I received from an Indigenous man being incarcerated in BC. He wrote: “If you want to turn a man into an animal, put him in a cage without the resources to build himself back up.” 

In my book Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial, I share harrowing stories of people whose lives have been devastatingly impacted by the system as well as policy ideas for compassionate, evidence-based approaches that would significantly help alleviate these challenges. 

A big part of the process of writing the book for me was my faith journey. I wanted to share a bit here about how being a follower of Jesus Christ has changed the way I approach these issues.

Go here for the full comment.

John Stackhouse

It’s not a local story, but he’s very well known here, and Regent College has been drawn into the sad situation. As well, I have posted a good number of comments by and about John Stackhouse over the years on this site, quoting him appreciatively, noting new books and linking to his work.

A November 27 article in Christianity Today describes what has happened thus far:

Canadian evangelical scholar and commentator John G. Stackhouse lost his job as a religious studies professor following a six-month investigation into accusations of inappropriate behavior toward students, spurred by an online campaign.

Students said Stackhouse made sexist remarks and unacceptable jokes in the classroom, according to an independent investigator commissioned by Crandall University, the Baptist college in New Brunswick where Stackhouse had taught since 2015. The investigator also said the professor’s email exchanges with a female student amounted to sexual harassment.

A statement from Stackhouse’s legal counsel to CT said he “categorically disagrees” with the report’s findings and disputes the university’s decision to publish them online, “turning a private matter into a public spectacle.”

The summary of findings, released last Wednesday, also noted unanswered questions about sexual harassment complaints against Stackhouse from before he worked at Crandall. Regent College in Vancouver, where Stackhouse was on faculty for 17 years, declined to comment, citing privacy law; a CBC news program reported Sunday that Regent and Stackhouse agreed to a settlement following a 2014 investigation. . . .

Stackhouse has been a voice calling for accountability at evangelical institutions and women’s inclusion in leadership, and he was among the earliest critics of the late Ravi Zacharias. He wrote books about ethics, apologetics, evangelicalism and gender roles, including Finally Feminist: A Pragmatic Christian Understanding of Gender and Partners in Christ: A Conservative Case for Egalitarianism.

Go here for the full article.

Stackhouse made “an initial statement” November 28:

Fair-minded and informed people will recognize that my freedom to respond publicly at this time is strictly governed by legal considerations, so for the present I can offer you just this statement by one of our legal teams:

Dr. John G. Stackhouse, Jr. is deeply concerned about the recent actions taken by Crandall University (“Crandall”) to publish the details of a private investigative report (the “Report”) on their official website.

While Dr. Stackhouse acknowledges and respects the importance of addressing any misconduct allegations thoroughly and fairly, including by way of a workplace investigation that complies with best practices, the manner in which Crandall has chosen to handle this matter is profoundly concerning to him.

Dr. Stackhouse respectfully disagrees with Crandall’s decision to publicly disseminate the details of the Report, a document concerning a sensitive internal matter, because it exceeds the bounds of appropriateness and necessity. It is also imperative to note that Dr. Stackhouse categorically disagrees with, among other things, the findings of the Report. This disagreement makes Crandall’s decision to publicly disseminate these contested findings all the more indefensible.

The university’s actions in making these disputed details public are disproportionate and seemingly aimed at turning a private matter into a public spectacle. This approach is unnecessary and damaging, impacting not just Dr. Stackhouse but the very fabric of privacy and due process within private academic institutions.

At this juncture, Dr. Stackhouse has instructed his legal counsel to explore all legal avenues to address Crandall’s conduct in this publication, as the actions taken by the university in publicizing these matters have caused significant harm to Dr. Stackhouse’s reputation and career.

Regent College posted a brief statement November 23:

Regent College is disturbed and saddened by the allegations against Professor John Stackhouse recently published by the CBC. Regent cannot comment further on this situation because privacy law prevents us from disclosing information about any employee, past or present. 

Regent College affirms that the safety of our students, faculty and staff is, and has always been, paramount. The College operates consistently with our policies related to bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment.

December 1 note: John Stackhouse posted some thoughts on Psalm 46 on his Think Better site. After referring to C.S. Lewis’s Reflections on the Psalms, he said: “Psalm 46 opens memorably: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

December 4 note: The Regent College statement was updated December 4.

December 5 note: Regent College grad April Yamasaki posted a good comment.

December 11 note: Only now have I read this cogent analysis of the situation by Randal Rauser, another former Regent College student.

December 11 note: John Stackhouse and his wife Sarah-Jane posted a second statement.

Nov 2023

Dawn for the Poor: God's Work in the Philippines (four events) – November 26, 2023 - December 3, 2023 at All Day
Theatre Show: Blue Stockings – November 30, 2023 - December 2, 2023 at All Day
Road to COP Webinar: Climate Anxiety with Konnie Vissers and Pam McCarroll – November 30, 2023 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Allison Library Rare Book Talk: Bruce Hindmarsh on the Life & Writings of John Newton – November 30, 2023 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial – November 30, 2023 at 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
An Evening with the Honourable Preston Manning: Canada’s Political Future and Human Flourishing – November 30, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Crucial Conversations (final one) – November 30, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Christian Reflection on the Israel-Hamas War – November 30, 2023 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Prayer for UN Climate Change Conference – November 30, 2023 - December 12, 2023 at 9:00 pm - 9:15 pm

Dec 2023

HER Christmas Celebration – December 1, 2023 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas – December 1, 2023 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Chris Ronald & John Wort Hannam – December 1, 2023 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sample and Savour – December 2, 2023 - December 3, 2023 at 12:00 am
Becoming Neighbours Workshop: Prayer – December 2, 2023 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Christmas Fair – December 2, 2023 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Christmas Sale – December 2, 2023 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
St. George's ACW Bazaar – December 2, 2023 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Christmas Bazaar – December 2, 2023 at 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Christmas Market – December 2, 2023 at 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
St. Philip's Christmas Fair – December 2, 2023 at 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
WomanCare Christmas Blessing – December 2, 2023 at 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
A Rocha Christmas Open House – December 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Handel's Messiah by United Voices Choir – December 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Vancouver Children's Choir Christmas Concert – December 2, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Christmas Carol Sing-along – December 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Home for Christmas: A Night with Brian Doerksen & Friends – December 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:15 pm
Christmas at the Chan – December 3, 2023 at 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Jazz Vespers in the Valley with Sue Malcolm & the Soda Crackers – December 3, 2023 at 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Advent Lessons and Carols – December 3, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Advent Lessons and Carols – December 3, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Advent Lessons and Carols – December 3, 2023 at 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
12th Annual Christmas Jazz Concert – December 3, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Handel's Messiah by United Voices Choir – December 3, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Advent in the Neighbourhood: A Webinar – December 4, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
For King + Country: Drummer Boy Christmas – December 4, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Road to COP Webinar: Revive 1.5 and Laudate Deum – December 5, 2023 at 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Hope in the City Breakfast – December 6, 2023 at 7:30 am - 9:00 am
We Know the 'Thou Shall Nots,’ but What 'Shall We Do'? – December 6, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Evensong @ Brentwood: The Mennonite Jazz Committee – December 6, 2023 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
A Christmas Carol (5 shows) – December 7, 2023 - December 10, 2023 at All Day
Exploring Social Justice in Health Care – December 7, 2023 at 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Book Launch with Loren Wilkinson: At the Centre of All Mysteries – an introduction to Circles and the Cross – December 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Glow, with the Amabilis Singers and guests – December 8, 2023 - December 9, 2023 at All Day
Presents and Presence: Daniel Whitehead – December 8, 2023 - December 10, 2023 at All Day
The Christmas Express: Singing Christmas Tree (10 shows) – December 8, 2023 - December 10, 2023 at All Day
First Christmas Experience – December 8, 2023 - December 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Journey Home Community: Once Upon a Starry Night – December 8, 2023 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Songs for the Season – December 8, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
West Coast Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Magic – December 8, 2023 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Good News (3 concerts) – December 9, 2023 - December 10, 2023 at All Day
2023 Lighthouse Advent Luncheon – December 9, 2023 at 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Dundarave Christmas Fair: Nativity & Paddle Songs – December 9, 2023 at 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Carols and Bells – December 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Christmas Sing-along Concert – December 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Messiah in the Valley, Georg Friedrich Händel – December 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Missions Under Discussion – December 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sing-Along Messiah with United Voices Choir – December 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Vancouver Welsh Men's Choir – December 9, 2023 at 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Christmas Lullaby: Maddalena's Descant Women's Choir – December 9, 2023 at 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Holy Night Christmas Ballet (2 shows) – December 9, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Christmas Grand Services – December 9, 2023 - December 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Songs of Winter – December 9, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
A Festival of Carols – December 9, 2023 at 7:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Chantez Noël – December 10, 2023 at 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Taizé Contemplative Service – December 10, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Blue Christmas – December 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Abendmusik Vesper Choir: Advent 2023 Vespers – December 10, 2023 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Evensong @ Brentwood: We Three Queens – December 13, 2023 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Regent College Bookstore Sale – December 14, 2023 - December 16, 2023 at All Day
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – December 14, 2023 - December 23, 2023 at All Day
BEZ Open Mic, with Russ Rosen (Thursday evenings) – December 14, 2023 - December 21, 2023 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Christmas With Chor Leoni (six shows) – December 15, 2023 - December 18, 2023 at All Day
Good Tidings! A Good Noise Gospel Christmas (3 concerts) – December 15, 2023 - December 16, 2023 at All Day
Christmas Tales: Fireside Edition – December 15, 2023 at 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria with classical Christmas favourites – December 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Christmas With We Are Messengers – December 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Christmas Jazz - Quintessential Jazz – December 15, 2023 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
North Shore Community Christmas Dinner (volunteer opportunities) – December 16, 2023 at All Day
Dundarave Christmas Fair: World Christmas – December 16, 2023 at 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Hope Alight – December 16, 2023 at 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Christmas at RPC – December 16, 2023 - December 17, 2023 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria with classical Christmas favourites – December 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Gloria Dei Chorale Christmas Concert – December 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Messiah in the Valley at Good Shepherd – December 16, 2023 at 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Christmas Presence (four shows) – December 17, 2023 - December 19, 2023 at All Day
Home Alone on the Big Screen – December 17, 2023 at 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Nine Lessons and Carols – December 17, 2023 at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Poems and Carols – December 17, 2023 at 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – December 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Gloria Dei Chorale Christmas Concert – December 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Multicultural Festival of Carols – December 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
In The Longest Night – December 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
FAITHx Vancouver 2023: A Night of Hope & Encouragement – December 20, 2023 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Lessons and Carols at the Mission – December 20, 2023 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Blue Christmas – December 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Jazz Evensong @ Brentwood: Ilhan Saferali plays a Charlie Brown Christmas – December 20, 2023 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Community Christmas Dinner – December 21, 2023 at 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Longest Night of the Year – December 21, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Candlelight: Holiday Special (2 concerts) – December 22, 2023 at 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Vancouver Cantata Singers: The 20th Christmas Reprise – December 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm