Encountered by the Holy

The VST O'Driscoll Forum on Preaching and the Arts & the Anglican Foundation of Canada jointly present Encountered by the Holy

June 14 – 15, 2026

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What does it mean to be encountered by the holy—not as an abstract idea, but as an event of personal encounter that shapes how we speak, listen, and respond?

Encountered by the Holy is a gathering within the O’Driscoll Forum on Preaching and the Arts that brings together worship, music, and public reflection in a shared exploration of how holiness reveals itself in our world. Across preaching, artistic expression, and communal attention, participants are invited to consider how encounters with the holy can interrupt, reorient, and inspire our ways of being in the world.

Featuring Craig Barnes and Julian Davis Reid, Encountered by the Holy is open to all.

Clergy, artists, students, and community members are invited to these days of refreshment and renewal.

Craig Barnes, is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary with a Ph.D. in the History of Christianity from The University of Chicago. He has served as pastor of churches in Madison, Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, and as president of Princeton Theological Seminary (2012–2023). He is now president emeritus and director of a project on “Theologies of Pastoral Ministry” with the Association of Theological Schools. He is the author of nine books, including When God Interrupts and Diary of a Pastor’s Soul.

Julian Davis Reid, (M.Div., Candler School of Theology) is a Black artist-theologian from Chicago, as well as a pianist, composer, producer, speaker, and writer. He is the founder of Notes of Rest®, a contemplative-musical experience that invites the weary to practice God’s transforming rest, and serves as Artistic Director for Testify! at Christian Theological Seminary. An Emory University 40 under 40 honoree, he releases and performs new music, has performed internationally at festivals including Montreal Jazz Fest and Lollapalooza, and has collaborated with artists such as Jennifer Hudson and Chance the Rapper. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and Billboard.

Please note:

• The public lecture will be available to watch online via livestream. You will be emailed a Zoom link in the days leading to the lecture. 

• There is limited parking at Epiphany Chapel (on Chancellor Mews), as well as paid parking on UBC campus. The North Parkade and Rose Garden Parkade are within a six minute walk. Public transportation to UBC is readily available. Epiphany Chapel is a 10 minute walk northwest of the UBC bus loop.