Terry’s Picks for January 2020
West Michigan Christian News writer Terry DeBoer surveys the landscape for the area’s faith-inspired arts/entertainment/enrichment events over the coming month. Here are three highlights for January: *The January Series – Calvin University’s annual lecture series (Jan. 8-28) features engaging and challenging presentations on a wide-variety of topics: from an evolution/creation dialogue (Jan. 9) to religious freedom in China (Jan. 17). There’s also a musical performance by The 5 Browns (Jan. 16). Each presentation is at 12:30pm in the Calvin Covenant Fine Arts Center and is free of charge. There are also streaming and remote location viewing options, including Celebration Cinema at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids and select churches in Grandville, Grand Haven and Holland. For a full schedule and information about the speakers visit https://calvin.edu/january-series/2020-speakers/.
*Sharon Garlough Brown – The Christian author hosts a book release event at 7pm Thur. Jan. 9 at Baker Book House, 2768 E. Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. Her new book is “Remember Me: A Novella About Finding Our Way to the Cross.” A Princeton Theological Seminary graduate, Brown is a spiritual director, retreat leader and co-founder of Abiding Way Ministries. She is author of the popular “Sensible Shoes” book series. A general admission ticket secures a seat at the event; $5 online at https://www.facebook.com/events/1437090229774628/.
*Gallery Opening – An exhibit of text-based works by area artist Matt Plescher opens at 7pm Mon. Jan 13 at Church of the Servant, 3835 Burton St, SE in Grand Rapids. The “Codex” series features the ancient scriptures in the original languages, mixing abstract color paints and lettering for a layered appearance. The textured effect combines the ancient and the contemporary, with the various pieces interacting with each other like pages within a book. Plescher is the featured artist for January. There is no admission charge; a $5 donation is suggested. RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/1970429449769957/ or visit https://www.churchoftheservantcrc.org/gallery-opening-matt-plescher/ for more information.
