ICS Conferences: BC 2004 Workshops

See the Corresponding
Ontario Conference

Crossing Thresholds, Blurring Boundaries
What Next for the Christian Community?

The Way of the Icon
Jeremiah 6:16 states "Thus says the Lord: Stand at the cross roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths where the good way lies." The Way of the Icon is just such a "good way". This workshop will explore the way of the Icon in its anthropological and theological significance within the context of the fascinating process of Icon "writing". Come prepared to not only look, but also to reflect, discuss, and hopefully have an enriching experience with Icons.
Matthia Langone had a life-changing experience with Icons at the Kremlin Cathedral in Moscow. She pursued her interest in Iconography through Regent College's Inter-disciplinary Masters program. At present, Matthia is "writing" icons and a book based on her thesis.

Creation, Community and Calling
Living in North America, and particularly on the west coast, we are inundated with passionate pleas, statistics and rhetoric about the environment. The response from the broader church has been varied, but historically many churches that would identify themselves as evangelical have been consistent in a lack of response. This workshop will examine the roots of this and look at ways different churches have understood their calling with regard to the earth. We will also look at the work of the A Rocha Canada group, a Christian environmental conservation organization.
David Anderson has worked as a wilderness guide and has studied Spiritual Theology at Regent College. He now spends his work hours ministering at Cates Hill Chapel, working construction, and teaching Natural History and Environmental Issues at Columbia Bible College.

Connecting with a Future in Christian Social Action
The Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) has moved forward into support for Christian and independent unions in developing countries. It hopes to engage the next generations in dynamic dialogue on Christian social action issues, while directly supporting specific projects in very needful places. This workshop will look at how this is being carried out in Guatemala and Cuba.
Frank Kooger has been a CLAC representative in Ontario and BC for 22 years. He currently also serves as International Director.

The Suburb a Desert: Ancient Spiritual Practices for an Indulgent Age
Jesus said, "When you fast...," not "if." What has happened to Christian spiritual disciplines such as fasting, silence, set times of prayer? What was their original intent? Their dangers? This workshop will consider a specific model of disciplined Christian spirituality practiced by a colourful, motley group of 3rd-5th century Christians living in the deserts of Egypt and its implications for us today.
Wilma van der Leek is studying spiritual theology at Regent College. She spends time wondering if and how the suburbs can become a desert.

Technology & Faith in the 2lst Century
Is technology just a tool we use, or can it enslave us? How does technology affect our spiritual life and community? How can and should our Christian faith shape our use of technology? In this workshop, we will look at how the biblical concepts of creation/ fall/redemption, the image of God, and Sabbath can inform our understanding of technology and our relationship with it.
Rosie Perera worked for 11 years as a software engineer at Microsoft, where she was one of the lead developers of Microsoft Word. She is now on the part-time faculty of the Pacific Association for Theological Studies in Seattle.

Metallica and the Wrath of God
Last May, heavy metal band Metallica sent a camera crew to record New Hope (Christian Reformed) Church's Sunday morning service. They were intrigued that a church would use them to communicate a Christian spiritual message, as were the 200 new head bangers that showed up that day! What played out was a serious dialogue around the topics of global injustice, family breakdown, anger, addictions, and the profound, freeing power of forgiveness. Find out how God used a 'secular' heavy metal band to get his message across that day. This workshop will look at how this new kind of "culturally connected" message aligns itself with both our Reformed traditions and the postmodern culture.
John Van Sloten is the pastor of preaching at New Hope Church in Calgary, AB. A former real estate developer, he has spent the past 8 years developing a new kind of culturally relevant Sunday morning service.

Charity and Justice: Two Steps of Christian Service
In an interactive format, participants will reflect on the Christian community's role in charity and justice. Tackling a current and relevant issue identified by the group, we will determine the possible responses our own communities could undertake. At the same time we'll reflect on Charity and Justice as two steps of Christian service.
Harry Kits has been executive director of Citizens for Public Justice and the Public Justice Resource Centre since 1988. A frequent speaker at public meetings and conferences, Harry also conducts workshops and seminars on public policy issues.

What Does the Temple Tell Us?
If our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, is God able to use them to tell us about Himself - or about ourselves? How do we allow God to reveal more of His truth, within the confines of our being? This seminar will use movement to explore scripture, seeking revelation about our call to follow Jesus.
Diane Sekuloff is an occupational therapist, who also has been involved in dance and drama ministry for over 20 years. She has recently been published by Trinity Western University as a Lamblight lecturer.

Pilgrimage to Iona
In the sixth century, the Scottish island of Iona was the staging ground for the spread of the gospel to Scotland and Europe. Over the centuries it has become a place of pilgrimage and is still considered a "thin place" where the veil between heaven and earth is tissue thin. In April 2004 six Christian Reformed pastors went on a pilgrimage to Iona to learn about the unique ministry that happens there under the direction of the Iona Community. This workshop will be a reflection on pilgrimage, Celtic Christianity and connecting social justice to worship.
Tom Bomhof is presently serving as a Minister at Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church.