Four years ago, following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, some 70,000 people braved the rain to take part in a Walk for Reconciliation.

On September 24 we will have another Walk for Reconciliation. Sponsored by Reconciliation Canada and supported by an ecumenical coalition and many others, the event will be:

. . . a positive movement to build better relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. This bold vision calls on everyone of all ages, all backgrounds, all cultures and all faiths to come together as communities and as individuals. . . .

How we build relationships today affects our next generations. Through walking in the spirit of reconciliation you honour intergenerational lives taken, honour survivors and those impacted by the Indian residential school system, and show your support for the youth in all communities.

Join and support the spirit of ‘Namwayut – we are all one.

Walkers will gather at Georgia and Cambie at 9:30 am, and the walk is scheduled to begin at 9:45. They will walk two kilometres to Strathcona Park, where a Reconciliation Expo (10:30 am – 3 pm) will feature a series of Indigenous and multi-cultural performances and a keynote speech.

September 24 is a Sunday, so some churches will suspend services to allow their members to take part in the walk. Others will proceed directly from their services, as many did in 2013.

Colonialism & Indigenous-Settler Relations

A good way to prepare for the walk would be to join Douglas College history professor Gail Edwards at Christ Church Cathedral September 21 for her free talk on Colonialism & Indigenous-Settler Relations.

Here is how the event is described:

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada called upon the Government of Canada, on behalf of all Canadians to “repudiate concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous lands and peoples.”

In this talk, we will briefly trace the histories of treaty-making in the dispossession and resettlement of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and consider the role of colonialism in the creation of settler society in British Columbia.

Through an exploration of Indigenous-settler relations in the past, we will begin the conversation about how we might incorporate Indigenous history into narratives of contemporary Canadian society, and acknowledge the particular histories of the Indigenous peoples on whose traditional territory Christ Church Cathedral is located.

Our Stories Shape Us

A week after the Walk for Reconciliation (September 30), Regent College will host what looks to be an excellent day-long follow-up event: Our Stories Shape Us: History, Faith & Practice of the Indigenous Church in Canada.

Marion Van Driel wrote about the event in The Light Magazine:

Anyone who has experienced a broken relationship knows that the mending requires long-term commitment to restore trust and wholeness. A half-hearted effort or quick “I’m sorry” won’t bring back long-term health. The journey towards reconciliation is long and often arduous – but in the end, infinitely rewarding.

We see this modeled in the gospel message. We know this to be true of the relationship between Canada’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. . . .

Four notable Christian indigenous leaders will share their knowledge and experience to help us face past discrimination and its effects, better understand and embrace our commonalities and differences, and move forward in the journey of acceptance and healing.

Ray Aldred is director of Indigenous Studies at Vancouver School of Theology. Aldred has a passion for theological truth to become widespread among First Nations. A status Cree born in northern Alberta, he presently lives in Richmond with his wife, Elaine. Aldred will address the subject of Indigenous theology and its contextualization.

Cheryl Bear is a singer/songwriter and speaker who travels throughout Indigenous communities. She also visits non-Indigenous groups to raise awareness. Bear is a Nadleh Whut’en First Nation band councillor in her northern BC community. She holds a doctorate, and is an associate professor at Regent College. A founding member of NAIITS (North American Indigenous Institute of Theological Studies), Bear will speak about the indigenous church today.

Terry Leblanc, Mi’kmaq/Acadian, works as an educator in theology, cultural anthropology and community development. He holds an interdisciplinary PhD, serves as adjunct professor for three universities/seminaries and is executive director of Indigenous Pathways and director of NAIITS. Leblanc will address the topic of Canada’s history with indigenous peoples.

Shari Russell, a Salvation Army Major, from the Saulteaux First Nation in Saskatchewan, is a  faculty member of NAIITS. Russel holds an MA in Christian education. She will lead the blanket exercise and co-present with Bear. Her deep desire is for the message to be presented in a way that does not sacrifice the cultural and social identity of the Indigenous people.

The knowledge, experience and heart of these leaders provide valuable lessons for the church as a whole.

Stories of horrific treatment of Indigenous Canadians in the past has brought shame and disdain to God’s people. By God’s redemptive grace, future generations will hear stories of love and healing brought about by the Holy Spirit through a church open to change and renewal.

Go here for the full story.

Family Matters

At the end of the month (September 29 – 30), the Family Matters Conference will nourish and educate participants as they think about their closest relationships.

Host Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson of The 700 Club wrote:

Family. Is there anything that we can take for granted more, or can suddenly send us into a raving panic faster, than that beautiful nucleus God gave us in our cherished loved ones? Psalms 127:3 (NET) says, “Yes, sons (and daughters) are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” However, this reward comes at a price. . . .

My passion is my ever-growing love for family. My husband, my kids, my aging parents, my dogs and my extended family God has brought along side of me . . . recovering addicts and those with disabilities. I love them all. How can I be the best wife, mom, daughter and surrogate parent/aunt/sister to them . . . it’s an overwhelming calling. God grant us the wisdom to hear your voice as we navigate the brevity of life.

Other presenters are Mike and Karen Woodard (Family Life Canada), pastor Darin Latham (Broadway Church), Dr. David Jamieson (Church in the Valley), Judi the Manners Lady, pastor Walter Rogers, Russell and Gerrie Chadwick and the John Maxwell YouthMax team of Siam Chen and Ali Feizi, along with other guests, ministry team and live band. The conference takes place at Church in the Valley in Langley.

All Reformation all fall

There will be a number of events reflecting on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation this fall. First up is an interesting one, hosted by the Roman Catholic Newman Association of Vancouver at the evangelical Regent College:

• Uniting Heaven and Earth: The Reformation After 500 Years (Regent College, September 9)

Here is their description of the event:

After 500 years, can we re-evaluate – perhaps even put behind us – the disunity that the Reformation caused? Regent College professor Hans Boersma is convinced that it’s worth our while to take a fresh look at the events of the Reformation.

Rather than discussing the specific theological differences between Catholics and Protestants, this lecture takes a look ‘behind the scenes’ and argues that a sacramental approach to reality can unite Catholics and Protestants in their struggle against the secularity of modernity.

The ecclesial disunity of the Reformation can be healed if together we open our eyes to the secular, non-sacramental disunity between heaven and earth bequeathed by modernity.

Other upcoming events to check out:

• Evan Kreider: Reformation (Regent College, October 5)
• Together in Christ (Gloria Dei Lutheran Church / Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, September 9, 16, 23)
• Luther Movie and Soup (St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, September 30)
• Written on the Heart (Holy Trinity Anglican Church, October 29)
• Hope on the Edge of a Precipice: The Reformation at 500 (Cloverdale Baptist, October 31 – November 2)
• Iain Provan: 500 Years of the Reformation (Regent College, October 31)
• Gloria!: A Concert Celebrating the Reformation 500th Anniversary (November 10, Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church)

September 7, 2017

When Prayer Shows Up: Exploring Prayer in Healthcare – September 7, 2017 at 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

September 8, 2017

JD Miner – September 8, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel UBC – September 8, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Times of Refreshing in the Presence of the Lord – September 8, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

September 9, 2017

Uniting Heaven and Earth: The Reformation After 500 Years – September 9, 2017 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
For the Beauty of the Earth: Christian Prayer and Eucharist Service to Bless Burnaby Mountain – September 9, 2017 at 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

September 10, 2017

Praise in the Park – September 10, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Dylan Cramer – September 10, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

September 11, 2017

Luke 15 House: Healing Seminar – September 11, 2017 at 6:45 pm - 8:45 pm
Howard Jolly – September 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

September 12, 2017

AOK Charity Golf Classic – September 12, 2017 at 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

September 13, 2017

James Nesbitt: Faith & Shadows in the Land of Promise - Opening Reception – September 13, 2017 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Making Sense of Anxiety (Wednesday evenings, four-part series) – September 13, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Laura Crema & Friends – September 13, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

September 14, 2017

Catholic Health Association of BC 2017 AGM & Conference – September 14, 2017 at 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

September 15, 2017

Freedom Session: Live Training Intensive – September 15, 2017 - September 16, 2017 at All Day
The Smith Fraser Duo – September 15, 2017 at 8:00 am - 11:00 am
MCC Festival for World Relief – September 15, 2017 - September 16, 2017 at 5:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Marriage Course – September 15, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

September 16, 2017

Spartan Summer Slam – September 16, 2017 - September 17, 2017 at All Day
Beth Moore Living Proof Simulcast – September 16, 2017 at 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Beth Moore Living Proof Simulcast – September 16, 2017 at 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Compassionate Care for the Sick and Dying: A Catholic Response to Assisted Suicide – September 16, 2017 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Gibson & Gretsch – September 16, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Notes of Interest: A Choral Concert – September 16, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

September 17, 2017

Jazz Vespers: JV 25th Anniversary Celebration – September 17, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

September 18, 2017

Transhumanism? – September 18, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

September 19, 2017

Presentation on Recent Restoration of Christ Church Cathedral – September 19, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

September 20, 2017

Tandgible (with Hugh Halter) – September 20, 2017 at 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Book Launch: Matthew Etherington - What Teachers Need to Know: Topics in Diversity & Inclusion – September 20, 2017 at 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Sharon Minemoto & Friends – September 20, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

September 21, 2017

Alister McGrath & Michael Shermer / TWU Faculty Panel: Is God a Figment of Our Imagination? – September 21, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Colonialism & Indigenous-Settler Relations – September 21, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Dr. William Willimon: Continual Conversion in a Collapsed Christendom – September 21, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

September 22, 2017

Embracing a Culture of Encounter with the Poor – September 22, 2017 at 9:00 am - 1:15 pm

September 23, 2017

Stephen Muir: Why Do They Stay?: Lay Church Leaders and the Demands of Institutional Change – September 23, 2017 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
The Gift of Disappointment – September 23, 2017 at 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Vancouver Urban Ministries Walk for the Children – September 23, 2017 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Walk the Wall 2017 – September 23, 2017 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Light Up the Choirs – September 23, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Blind Boys of Alabama with Ben Heppner – September 23, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

September 24, 2017

Walk for Reconciliation – September 24, 2017 at 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Light Up the Choirs – September 24, 2017 at 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Anita Eccleston – September 24, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Kristian Braaten Quartet with Laura Crema – September 24, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Movie: Is Genesis History?, presented by Dr. Del Tackett – September 24, 2017 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Light Up the Choirs – September 24, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Elevation Project 10th Anniversary – September 24, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

September 25, 2017

Building Leaders Who Build Churches – September 25, 2017 - September 27, 2017 at All Day
Roy Henry Vickers: Reconciliation & the Four Directions of Stewardship – September 25, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

September 26, 2017

Book Launch: Ross Hastings - Echoes of Coinherence – September 26, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm

September 27, 2017

Angel Gospel Music Competition: Audition – September 27, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cultivating Caring Children: The Roots of Social Responsibility by Deborah McNamara – September 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evenson: Glenda Rae & Brett Wade – September 27, 2017 at 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

September 28, 2017

Reformation! Change Your Mind, Transform Your Life – September 28, 2017 - October 1, 2017 at All Day
Verge Conference – September 28, 2017 - September 29, 2017 at All Day
Gender Cafe: Mama Rwanda & Panel Discussion – September 28, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

September 29, 2017

Drive Out Addiction Golf Tourney – September 29, 2017 at All Day
Talks with Tom: Facing and Transcending Retirement – September 29, 2017 at 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Family Matters Conference – September 29, 2017 - September 30, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 5:30 pm
St. James' Music Series presents Donald Hunt, Organ – September 29, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

September 30, 2017

Ride for Refuge – September 30, 2017 at All Day
Prepared to Answer: Where Faith & Culture Collide (Simulcast) – September 30, 2017 at 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Our Stories Shape Us: History, Faith & Practice of the Indigenous Church in Canada – September 30, 2017 at 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Technology & My Child: iPads, Laptops and the School Year – Parenting in a Digital World – September 30, 2017 at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Missions Fest: Sponsoring Church Representative Orientation – September 30, 2017 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Luther Movie and Soup – September 30, 2017 at 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Documentary Screening: 19 Days – September 30, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
BT & Worship Invasion 20 Year Reunion 1997 - 2017 – September 30, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

October 1, 2017

LEGACY Hymn Sing – October 1, 2017 at 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Ecumenical Prayer Service for Unity – October 1, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Vancouver Life Chain – October 1, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Soultrax – October 1, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

October 3, 2017

Intelligent Love Course: Ending Sex Trafficking By Addressing Root Causes (Tuesdays) – October 3, 2017 at All Day

October 4, 2017

Mully: Theatre Opening – October 4, 2017 at All Day
Vancouver Pastors Prayer Fellowship – October 4, 2017 at 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Business By the Book: Tara Teng – October 4, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

October 5, 2017

James Nesbitt: Faith & Shadows in the Land of Promise – October 5, 2017 - October 12, 2017 at All Day
The Christians by Lucas Hnath – October 5, 2017 - October 7, 2017 at All Day
Evan Kreider: Reformation – October 5, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

October 7, 2017

Brian Doerksen CD Release Event – October 7, 2017 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am
A Rocha: Harvest Celebration – October 7, 2017 at 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

October 8, 2017

Jazz Vespers: Laura Crema – October 8, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Thanksgiving – October 8, 2017 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

October 10, 2017

Surrey Aglow Luncheon: Celebrating Aglow 50th Anniversary – October 10, 2017 at 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

October 11, 2017

Evening of Worship & Justice – October 11, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ARPA Canada Fall Tour: Who is Sovereign? – October 11, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

October 12, 2017

Mully: Theatre Opening – October 12, 2017 at All Day
Barth Netterfield: Back to the Very Beginning – Probing Cosmic Origins – October 12, 2017 at 9:25 am - 10:40 am
An Evening with Kelley Nikondeha – October 12, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
April Yamasaki: Stories of Life – October 12, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Kairos Course (Thursday evenings) – October 12, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Barth Netterfield: Back to the Very Beginning – Probing Cosmic Origins – October 12, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

October 13, 2017

The Annual Health & Wellness Fair: Lifelong Learning – October 13, 2017 at 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Spark – October 13, 2017 - October 14, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Tim & the Glory Boys: The Hootenanny Tour! – October 13, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Spike Psarris: What You Aren't Being Told About Astronomy – Distant Starlight – October 13, 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

October 14, 2017

AWANA NextGen Conference – October 14, 2017 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Peer Support Facilitator Training (Living Room & Family Room) – October 14, 2017 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Book Launch: "Under Siberian Skies" by David Funk – October 14, 2017 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm