Food for Thought: Feasting in God's World

Maple Grove Christian Retreat Center, Thamseford Ontario

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine-- the best of meats and the finest of wines.

Isaiah 25:5-7

Food! is there anything more central to our lives? Food provides us with nourishment, comfort, a focus for our labours and an outlet for our creativity. Jesus made food and eating central to his ministry and to the communities he founded. We will explore the various ways that food has captured our imagination, from gardening to advertising, from feasting to famine, from the family farm to genetic engineering, from the spirituality of food to eating disorders. Every hunger will be satisfied!

Main Course

Saturday Morning Keynote Address Meals: Epiphanies of Being Human
Mary Ruth Wilkinson

People don't just eat; they have meals. At meals around the table, especially with family and friends, often our souls are fed more wholly than our bodies. Meals nurture our humanity: meals make us more than animals. And as human beings, the choices we make about the food we eat and about the way we eat it determine the shape we give to our lived world. The last supper meal of our God on earth is an epiphany for all meals: there we realize that our eating of food is an emblem of our humanity, of our culture, and of our being and becoming Christian persons in body, soul and spirit.

Mary Ruth Wilkinson and her husband Loren organized and ran one of the first Christian environmental studies programs (from 1974 to 1977) on Seattle Pacific's Whidbey Island campus, and have since 1988 lived on a farm on one of the Gulf Islands in British Columbia, where they host student retreats in conjunction with their teaching at Regent. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. Saturday Afternoon Keynote Address Meals: Epiphanies of God
Loren Wilkinson

Perhaps the first thing we know about God is that he is the "Maker of heaven and earth." God ultimately sustains all that sustains us. So food reminds us that it is God who spreads the table at which we eat. More profoundly, the same bread and wine which gladdens our heart reminds us, in the Lord's Supper that God has given himself to us most profoundly in Jesus, who took the ordinary event of a meal and made it the central symbol of his grace. And the character of the self-giving God, which is shown us in this meal, is set before us as a pattern for our own action. "The motto of Hell", said Bertholt Brecht, "is: 'Eat or be Eaten'; of heaven, 'Eat and be Eaten'."

Loren Wilkinson is professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Philosophy at Regent College. He teaches, writes, and speaks widely on Christian stewardship of the environment, has edited Earth Keeping in the 90's, as well as writing Caring for Creation in Your Own Backyard with his wife Mary Ruth. He and his wife Mary Ruth take great pride in feeding most of Regent's students at one time or another at their home in the Gulf Islands in British Columbia. Monday's Track Sessions
Keeping the Tradition Alive! What does a Biblical vision look like in the nitty gritty of daily life? Come to these tracks and see! Session Leaders: Jenny Smit, ICS; Sylvia Keesmaat, ICS; Elisabeth Sterken, INFACT Canada; Tena Van t'Voort

Demystifying Tofu: Practical Tips for Eating Vegetarian
Whether you want to go totally vegetarian, or just reduce the amount of meat you consume, this workshop will provide you with ideas and suggestions for creating tasty, healthy, and economical meals using a variety of protein-rich alternatives to meat. You will be welcome to share your experiences and your recipes!

Because you Can! Canning your own food
This will be a basic introduction to the exciting process of home canning, and the tools required for successful canning. Some samples of canned items (salsa, pickles, jam, chutney) will be available with recipes (if you want to bring in a sample of your own, with the recipe, please do so!).

Sucking up to the Boss: Breastfeeding and the Politics of Health
We will explore how the obvious health benefits of breastfeeding are subverted by the profit interests, the role of governments and health care systems.

Nutrition
Information to follow in Conference Handbook.

Entrees

Bringing Home the ... Soybeans?!

How might we teach our children the personal, social, economic and spiritual consequences of food choices? How much change is possible - without causing a rebellion? Bring your ideas and be prepared to share your experience with the group.
Led by Sandra Mooibroek: parent, organizer, web designer

You Are What You Eat: Fast Food, Slow Food, No Food

How has eating changed since the industrial revolution and how does this change affect our relationships with each other, from the individual household to the global family? What is a biblical perspective on food and relationships? In this workshop we will break in small groups to discuss how social changes have affected our eating habits, as well as watch a short video on the Slow Food Movement, and, of course, eat some food.

Led by by Peter Schuurman: chaplain, hiker, guitarist

Frankenfoods: Should we fear genetic engineering in food production?

Genetic engineering (GE) increases food production by creating organisms that grow more efficiently. However, the negative side effects of GE are just becoming apparent suggesting that the benefits of this technology ought to be reevaluated. This workshop describes what is GE, how it increases food production, and whether or not it poses any real danger to the environment.

Led by Gary Chiang: biologist, researcher, Presbyterian

Food for the Body, Food for the Soul

Mealtimes for Christians are occasions to affirm and celebrate the inextricable union of body and soul. We will look at ways to make our meals times to remind ourselves of our spiritual heritage (the Seder Supper, for example); times to work together, and thus to know each other more wholly; times for sharing with each other the joy--and pain--of life; and times to bring grace and beauty into the everyday busy-ness of life. Such mealtimes can bring healing and grace in an increasingly frenetic world.

Led by Mary Ruth Wilkinson: gardener, author, grandmother

Implications of Eating in a Global Economy

Increasingly, the food we eat comes from all over the world. This planet-sized cornucopia is unquestionably appealing to those of us on the receiving end, however, it has had a disastrous effect on local agriculture, so that the people and places that produce our food are increasing distant from us, and local agricultural communities wither as "economies of scale" and market forces force small farmers out of business. We will both consider the problems, and some of the ways of responding to them, in the light of the Biblical vision of shalom for both people and land.

Led by Loren Wilkinson: philosopher, environmentalist, author

Wholistic Gardening

Have you always dreamed of being able to walk into the back garden and pick fresh veggies for dinner, or eating summer canned salsa in January? This workshop will explore the dynamics of growing and processing organic food in the midst of a busy life.

Led by Thea and Art de Groot: educator, gardeners, entrepreneur

Eating Habits that can kill . . .

Eating problems are intimately linked to family dynamics. When there are huge deficits in emotional nourishment, we may easily become preoccupied with bodies and control of appetite. When life feels out of control, food-intake is one area in which a person can wield absolute control. We may self-feed as a substitute for human love, or we may be addicted to slenderness in an effort of will power over the needs of the body. This workshop will explore these complex dynamics.

Led by Jim Olthuis: ICS - theologian, counselor, roller-blade enthusiast

Just Des(s)erts, or The Wisdom of Egypt: The Notion of Gluttony as Original Sin

The desert Fathers of the Egyptian and Syrian desert developed an understanding of Genesis 3 that identified gluttony as the Original Sin. This seems quite odd today. So what could they have meant? How could gluttony be thought to comprehend the events and meaning of the Fall? Come explore one of the more exotic corners of historic Christianity. More fun than reading in a grocery checkout line! And who knows there may be a faith tip too.

Led by Robert Sweetman: ICS - offbeat historian, fence-sitter, cyclist

Subversive Meals: How Jesus and Paul Offended

We will explore the way in which Jesus' eating with sinners and Pharisees, and the early Christian practice of eating together subverted the social norms of both Judaism and the Roman empire, and how they subvert our cultural practices today.

Led by Sylvia Keesmaat: ICS - biblical scholar, gardener, mother

The Farm Crisis: Can We Fix it with More Money and New Technology?

Canadian farmers are asking for the same level of subsidization as received by American and European farmers. Transgenic modification, life sciences, science-based mass culling and production subsidies are the pillars of the conventional response to farm crises. If farmers chose alternative and long-term solutions will you be their patrons?

Led byElbert van Donkersgoed: strategic policy advisor, agri-expert, commentator

Food for All Ages

Youth Challenges

The conferences's concerts, dramatic perfomances, and workshops are sure to be interesting to the 13 -18 year old crowd. Activities are being planned specifically for the youth. Bring favourite music CD's to listen to in the Youth Space. There's lots of sports and arts opportunities too, in a laid-back environment. Relax and enjoy meeting new people!

Camp ICS

Camp ICS offers a full program of fun and games for kids ages 5 - 12. In a day-camp setting, activities including horseback riding (included in conference fee), crafts, games, swimming, campfires, and more are being planned. A full staff of leaders free parents for their day-time conference activities.

Child Care

Child care is available during all major conference program times. Maple Grove has an indoor and outdoor children's play area for ages 4 and under. Please bring toys and diaper supplies for your young children.

Feeding the Spirit

Sunday Morning Worship

This service of praise and worship will employ the rich gift of the arts to lead us closer to God. ICS is pleased to have Brian Walsh give a sermon entitled: Eating in the shadow of the Empire. Walsh is a chaplain at the University of Toronto. This service is open to visitors to the conference, who are encouraged to register and stay for the full day of activities (see schedule). Dress is informal. A free will offering, in support of ICS is taken during the service (donation envelopes will be available).

Singing

Praise and worship music will use the talents given by God to make the weekend one of fellowship and communion. Send us the titles of your favourite songs, or fax us the music, and we will aim to add them to the song list!

Dessert

Friday Night Friday Night: A Taste of Terpstra

John Terpstra has written six books of poetry, the most recent being "The Church Not Made with Hands", and "Devil's Punch Bowl". He also recently released a CD, "Nod Me In, Shake Me Out", which consists of readings of his own work to the accompaniment of music composed, arranged and performed by his long-time cohort, Bart Nameth, together with a number of other musicians. He has a non-fiction work due to be published in Spring 2002. It's called "Falling into Place". John lives in Hamilton and is self-employed as a cabinetmaker and carpenter. Saturday Night Imago Presents: Feasting at the Table

Table fellowship is a key component of life together. Feasting in community affords a wonderful opportunity to indulge the senses and celebrate the good gifts of God. The table is a place of joy and gratitude, somewhere to cease from the busyness of life, and find heart to heart encounters that will foster friendship, understanding and reconciliation. It is a place to be nurtured in body and spirit. The feast being planned for Saturday dinner is intended to celebrate the pleasures of good food and good fellowship and good faith. Please indicate on the registration form whether you will partake in this FEAST!! Vegetarian dishes available!

Ins Choi - Singer, Storyteller

Ins was born in Seoul, Korea and immigrated to Toronto, Canada when he was a year old. He received a BFA in Acting from the theatre arts department of York University and since then, has been in many productions including Brookstone Performing Arts production of "2000 Candles". Currently, he is in his second year in the MTS program at Wycliffe College of the Toronto School of Theology. He loves the craft of song writing and brings to his singing performance the discipline of an actor. He has performed his songs with many different musicians at a variety of venues: St. George the Martyr Church, The Horseshoe Tavern, The Royal York Hotel. His recent demo CD was mixed, recorded and produced by Doug Romanow.

Judy Savoi - Christian Comedian

Judy has spent her working life as an actor, D.J., reporter, radio and television host, singer, speaker, writer and lay preacher, sometimes for a pay cheque. Trained as an actor at the Ryerson Theatre School, Judy also studied Improvisational Comedy with the creator of Saturday Night Live … Lorne Michaels. For Judy, comedy is a light in a dark place. As someone once said, "comedy is very serious business."

Other Goodies

Art Exhibition

This year we will display a collection of children's art, as well as a small selection of Canadian Christian artists. Chris Cuthill, ICS Ph. D. Candidate in Aesthetics, will again be curating the show.

Book Sale

This sale of publications for adults and children includes materials focused on conference themes (many suggested by workshop leaders), as well as books published by writers (academic or otherwise) associated with ICS.

Horsback Riding

Maple Grove is associated with a nearby stable which offers horses for corral or trail rides. The Camp ICS kids have horseback riding included in their conference fee.

Sports Facilities

Opportunities will be available throughout the weekend to take advantage of the sports facilities: swimming pool, baseball diamond, beach volleyball court, horseshoe pitch, tennis and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields (don't forget your own ball gloves or tennis rackets).

Conference Site: Maple Grove Christian Retreat Center
Maple Grove is a combination camping, cabin and trailer park, well suited to hosting large groups. Its main hall seats up to 800 people and has a number of indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for workshops. Maple Grove's many beautiful mature trees provide shade protection for most of the common areas. In addition to its excellent sports facilities, it has children's playground equipment, an enclosed outdoor toddler play area, horseback riding, and is located along the Thames river (you can canoe or fish if you bring your own equipment).

Take note:

The main hall has wooden pews. If you need a softer seat, please remember to bring a cushion!

Maple Grove has a smoking and alcohol free policy.

Pets are welcome on the grounds, but must be on a leash.

Please bring your own travel mugs for refreshment breaks (to save our environment from disposable cups!)

Watch the weather forecast and come prepared .

Ontario Conference Keeps the Feast

by Bob Vandervennen

ICS exists to shine God's Word on all of creation, so it's not surprising that at some point we would have a conference giving a Christian perspective on eating. The 43rd annual Ontario conference showed the astonishing range of ways that food and eating connect us to God.

Keynote speakers Mary Ruth and Loren Wilkinson of British Columbia led the way. Mary Ruth said that mealtimes are unique to humans and that in meals we express our thankfulness to God, with mealtime prayer showing that a meal is "more than" eating. Loren centred his remarks on feeding, feasting and fasting, pointing out that our eating is costly, requiring the death of an organism, whether plant or animal.

The conference theme was elaborated in no fewer than 14 different workshops, each with opportunity for discussion. Sylvia Keesmaat showed how Jesus worked to subvert society through meals, and she led another workshop on canning fresh food; Loren Wilkinson drew out implications of our being able to eat food grown all over the world; Peter Schuurman worked on social justice in the food industry; Thea and Art de Groot gave ideas on gardening; Elbert van Donkersgoed identified various farm crises; Jenny Smit discussed protein in our diet and vegetarian eating; Sandra Mooibroek gave ideas on food choices for healthy living; Gary Chiang discussed genetically modified foods; Mary Ruth Wilkinson helped us think about how mealtimes can be part of richer living; Robert Sweetman told how the desert monks addressed gluttony; Elisabeth Sterken gave advice on breastfeeding, Tena van't Foort presented ideas on good nutrition; and Jim Olthuis related health and emotional wellbeing. The Sunday morning worship service, which drew people from nearby communities, was a highlight as always. Brian Walsh delivered the sermon relating Isaiah 55 and Mark 6:30-44 to our eating and food choices in our lives in today's world, which was followed by a celebration of the Lord's Supper.

The conference offered a wide variety of activities and exhibits. Art works were exhibited by professional artists and school children. The bookstore had a wide range of titles relating to the conference theme, and there were programs for young people, children and toddlers. Sports included swimming and horseback riding. John Franklin co-ordinated a celebratory "feast" which included foods from many lands.

John Terpstra read from his poetry, accompanied on the piano by Bart Nameth. Judy Savoy wowed us with her presentation as a Christian stand-up comic, and Ins Choi was a hit with his singing accompanied by his band of Korean musicians. Judy and Ins came as members of the Christian arts ministry called Imago, which is headed by John Franklin. Communal singing was a favourite of many, ably led by Charleen Jongejan and supported by a strong backup band.

Aside from the Ontario edition of the annual business meeting of the ICS, there was also a good discussion of the dynamics of the annual Ontario conference, including comments on conference themes, the suitability of the Maple Grove Christian Retreat Centre, conference costs, and concern about the slow decrease in attendance at these annual conferences.

The conference was also a time to meet warm friends and celebrate God's blessings to a Christian community whose people live in diverse and sometimes difficult circumstances. We gave special thanks to conference co-ordinator Yvonne Barber and those who worked with her. We left blessed by knowing more fully what the Bible means when it charges us with the words "whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."