Into the Fray: A Call to Be Repairers of the Breach

Presented by the O'Driscoll Forum on Preaching and the Arts & the Anglican Foundation of Canada:

Join VST’s very own Rev. Dr. Joni Sancken and celebrated textile artist Thomas Roach for an evening of exploration into how rips and tears—physical and metaphorical—can be opportunities for newness and beauty born of the Holy Spirit. 

In a time of polarization and fear, conflict transformation is an essential tool for any leader’s toolbox. It offers a way to take differences, even deep splits, and turn them into constructive solutions that reduce trauma. As in preaching, conflict transformation gives us the chance to turn towards God while grappling with difficult topics. Drawing on their respective expertise, Joni and Thomas will offer insights into how conflict transformation prioritizes people over polemics, imagination over inflexibility, and compassion over competition.

The evening will include hands-on artmaking and time to view some of Thomas’ textile pieces, as well as questions following Joni’s lecture.

Joni Sancken is an educator, author, and ordained Mennonite pastor. She earned her PhD at Emmanuel College, Toronto School of Theology, and was previously Professor of Homiletics at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH and Assistant Professor of Preaching and Practical Theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, VA. She is the author of several books, including Words that Heal: Preaching Hope to Wounded Souls (Abingdon, 2019), All Our Griefs to Bear: Responding with Resilience After Collective Trauma (Herald Press, 2022), and Getting to God: Preaching Good News in a Troubled World (co-authored, Cascade, 2023).

Joni is committed to non-violence and conflict resolution. She has completed two levels of training in Strategies for Trauma and Resilience (STAR) at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University. Much of Joni’s recent work has concerned the intersections of preaching and trauma studies. Her current research is focused on how preaching can be vehicle for conflict transformation in congregations.

The inspirations of Thomas Roach’s heart, tuned through his eye and nourished by his soul, are brought to new life by the work of his hand.

Based in Vancouver’s West End for more than 25 years, textile artist Thomas has been inspired by the power of cloth, particularly when it connects personal, communal, and sacred stories. Drawing on his background in earth sciences, he is inspired by place – seeking to capture the essence of a place with natural dyes on cotton, linen, silk and wool.

Thomas is a proud graduate (with distinction) of the textile arts program at Capilano College (now University). His art practice includes art making, teaching on stitch as meditation, speaking to guilds and groups on the power of textiles, leading community art projects and making liturgical vestments and hangings. He has been recognized locally and nationally by the Anglican Church for his outstanding contributions to the liturgical life of the Church.

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.