For years, Pacific Theatre has offered the always-sold-out Christmas Presence, in which a rotating series of musical guests celebrate the birth of Christ with songs, readings and other merriment.This year, they have introduced Testament, which will no doubt become a new tradition, for the Easter season – but it only runs until Saturday (April 15).
Here’s how they present it:
Like Christmas Presence, but without Christmas! Fact is, Jesus grew up – and during Passion Week, we’re going to dig into those songs and stories. With different guest musicians each night and songs by artists like Woody Guthrie, Patty Griffin, Sam Cooke, Tom Waits and the Bruces (Springsteen and Cockburn).
Artistic director Ron Reed points out, “There aren’t a lot of professional theatres who are devoting their stage to Jesus for the week leading up to Easter.”
Among the musicians taking part: Lee Aaron, The Kwerks, Tom Pickett, Kathleen Nisbett (of Viper Central), Peter La Grand, Spencer Capier and Nelson Boschman. Also Christmas Presence standbys like Allen Desnoyers, Michael Hart and Garth Bowen.
Go to Soul Food Vancouver for a full rundown on many of the artists.
There will be the same kind of wide-ranging readings as in Christmas Presence – from This American Life to Catcher in the Rye, Dorothy L. Sayers and Frederick Buechner, excerpts from The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and Cotton Patch Gospel, and writing about Jesus by Leonard Cohen, Shusaku Endo and Bono.
Way of the Cross Walk
The 30th annual Way of the Cross Walk will take place on Good Friday:
An ecumenical pilgrimage through one of Canada’s poorest neighbourhoods, Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, commemorating the places of pain and hope in our community; featuring reflection, song and prayer.
The Way of the Cross is an ancient form of meditation, using sight and movement. Early Christians used to walk the Via Dolorosa of Jesus in Jerusalem, following in the footsteps of our Lord.
All that is required to ‘make the stations’ is a prayerful pondering of the mystery of Jesus’ suffering, moving from one scene or site to the next – and being open to making the connections.
Stations:
1. The Listening Post, 382 Main Street
2. Carnegie Centre, Main & Hastings
3. Walk 1/2 block west, across from INsite/Onsite
4. Process to St. James Anglican Church
5. Process to St. Paul’s Catholic Church
6. Oppenheimer Park near the totem poles
Ecological Stations of the Cross
Earthkeepers and their friends from Salal and Cedar invite others to join them for a time of walking, prayer and contemplation April 15, during Ecological Stations of the Cross. Here is the plan:
We’ll draw connections between the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection with the destruction of creation we see around us.
Some of us will walk on the trails in the park, stopping at three to five stations to focus on different climate justice issues. Those who opt not to walk the trails can walk along Centennial Way and the open fields to meet the trail group at the top of Pandora Trail.
We hope to reflect with you upon the beauty of the gospel and creation this Easter season.
Meet at Burnaby Mountain’s Centennial Way parking lot closest to the Trans Canada Trail, where the 2014/2015 encampment protesting Kinder Morgan was.
Stations
A Stations temporary art exhibit from St. Peter’s Fireside will feature 14 mixed media artists, accompanied by 14 writers’ reflections, from Thursday (April 13) to Saturday at GAM Gallery (110 E Hastings Street). The first night will include a Maundy Thursday service at 7 pm.
Apr 2017
Stations – April 13, 2017 - April 15, 2017 at All DayJourney 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
Testament – April 13, 2017 - April 15, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Meet Me at the Cross & March for Jesus – April 14, 2017 at 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Way of the Cross Walk – April 14, 2017 at 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
Good Friday Contemplative Evening of Sung Prayers – April 14, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
United Voices and Chamber Orchestra presents Mozart’s Requiem – April 14, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Vancouver Chamber Choir: Aeterna – April 14, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Easter Bash – April 15, 2017 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Easter Egg Hunt – April 15, 2017 at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
United Voices and Chamber Orchestra presents Mozart’s Requiem – April 15, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Ecological Stations of the Cross – April 15, 2017 at 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
PeaceMeal: Songs and Story to Feed a Troubled World – April 15, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Doe Bender & Friends – April 19, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Stone's Throw Productions: The Wolves – April 20, 2017 - April 22, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Open House at the Gardens of Gethsemani – April 21, 2017 - April 22, 2017 at 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
St. Andrew's Celebrates Earth Day – April 22, 2017 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Stronger Together: Bridging the Gaps – April 22, 2017 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Way of Light: A Journey Through the Story of Easter, with Catherine M. Kelly – April 22, 2017 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Ratanak International Emerald Gala – April 22, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
First Nations Cultural Awareness Dinner – April 22, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Good Seed Sunday, delivered by A Rocha – April 23, 2017 at All Day
Godspeed: The Sun Run Service – April 23, 2017 at 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Jazz Vespers: Hot Mammas (Arntzens) – April 23, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Salvation Army Harbour Light Open House – April 25, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Milleraires Concert for PWRDF – April 25, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Juhli Conlinn & Friends – April 26, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Violet Behzadian: Song of My Salvation – April 28, 2017 - April 30, 2017 at All Day
Brian Thiessen CD Release Concert – April 28, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Graham & Aaron Ord – April 28, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Next Gen Vision Night – April 28, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Mirror Year End Dance Show – April 28, 2017 - April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Stone's Throw Productions: The Shape of a Girl – April 28, 2017 - April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Marriage Mentoring: Building Healthy Marriages Through Friendship and Community with Randy Hamm – April 29, 2017 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Habitat Restoration for Families – April 29, 2017 at 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
People's Climate March: Jobs. Justice. Climate – April 29, 2017 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mental Health Recovery in Relationships – April 29, 2017 at 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Over 18: A Documentary About Porn – April 29, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Sundays at 3: David Poon – April 30, 2017 at 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Refuge: Music to Celebrate Vancouver's Refugee Heritage – April 30, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Together: City Church Worship & Prayer Gathering – April 30, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
May 2017
Mark DeVries: Sustainable Ministry Beyond the Offering Plate? – May 1, 2017 at 9:30 am - 3:00 pmKevin Burns: In the Memory Palace of Thomas Merton – May 1, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Carr Lecture: Faith and Society with Dr. Angus Reid – May 2, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Business By the Book: Tina Konkin – May 3, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Maya Rae & Friends – May 3, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Karina Svalya: Encountering Darkness, Painting Light – May 4, 2017 at All Day
Muslim Ministry Weekend – May 5, 2017 - May 6, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Vocation, Work, Career: Navigating the Transitions and Asking the Right Questions – May 6, 2017 at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Faith and Science in the Franciscan Tradition – May 6, 2017 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
CityFEST 2017 – May 6, 2017 at 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Blackwood Brothers Quartet – May 6, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Phoenix Chamber Choir: Coming Home – May 6, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: Jennifer Scott & Rene Worst – May 7, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Vancouver Oratorio Sociecty: Behold, the Glorious Lamb – May 7, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
John Pentland: What If . . . We Had Good Religion? – May 9, 2017 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Surrey Aglow Luncheon – May 9, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Pastors & Leaders Conference 2017: Seek the Peace of the City - Exegeting Your Neighbourhood – May 10, 2017 at All Day
Transitional Ministry Training – May 10, 2017 at All Day
Screening: Over 18, a Documentary About Porn – May 10, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ray Bakke: The Glorious History of the Syrian Church – From the Time of the Apostles Until Now – May 10, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Paris Favilla & Friends – May 10, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
March for Life: Centennial Square to the BC Legislature – May 11, 2017 at 1:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Godspeed Film Screening – May 11, 2017 at 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
The Wellspring Gala – May 11, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Mercy Me – May 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ray Bakke Bus Tour: Missiological Landscapes in a City of Villages – City Tour of Historic Downtown Vancouver – May 12, 2017 at 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Co:Here Topping Off Party – May 12, 2017 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Life on the Margins: Weekend Workshop – May 12, 2017 - May 13, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 5:00 pm
We Make Fraser Valley – May 12, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The Eisenhauers – May 12, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
International Concert Organist Hans Uwe Hielscher – May 12, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Lifted High: Encountering God in Spiritual Formation and Worship with Herbert Tsang – May 13, 2017 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Save the Mothers Walk – May 13, 2017 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Together for Good Marriage Conference – May 13, 2017 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
A Rocha: Volunteer Day – May 13, 2017 at 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
HOPE International Development Agency 2017 Film Premiere & Dinner – May 13, 2017 at 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
FaithTech Vancouver Conversation Night – May 13, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Welcome the Stranger: Refugees Becoming Neighbours – May 13, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Marcus Mosely Chorale: Labour of Love – May 13, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Michelle Herrewynen & Friends: Exultate - A Voice Recital – May 13, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: Nancy Newman – May 14, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Transforming Discipleship: Making Disicples a Few at a Time, with Dr. Greg Ogden – May 15, 2017 - May 17, 2017 at 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Focus on Life Gala Dinner – May 15, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The Eisenhauers – May 15, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Abbotsford Prayer Breakfast: Faith for Future Generations – May 17, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Rod Wilson: Money, Sex and Power – Are Freud and Jesus in Sync? – May 17, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Maria Ho Quartet with Campbell Riga – May 17, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
From Dust to Glory – May 18, 2017 - May 21, 2017 at All Day
Vancouver Remembers and Honours – May 18, 2017 at 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Journey 101 Course (Thursdays) – May 18, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Historymaker Conference 2017 – May 19, 2017 - May 21, 2017 at All Day
Called to Dialogue: Tools for Handling Crucial Conversations – May 19, 2017 - May 20, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Spreading the Gospel Through Music, featuring Ron Kenoly – May 19, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Tom Wuest: An Appalachian Home – Free Concert & Album Launch – May 19, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Handel Society presents G.F. Handel's Chandos Anthems #9 & #11, F.J. Handel's Eine Kleine Ogelmess – May 19, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Organ Concerti: Barry Waterlow – May 20, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Handel Society presents G.F. Handel's Chandos Anthems #9 & #11, F.J. Handel's Eine Kleine Ogelmess – May 20, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Joe Zambon 'Love Is' Tour – May 21, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm