Terry’s Picks for October 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. As you likely anticipated, several events which I might have listed in this month's column were cancelled. Among them was the Cory Asbury evening of worship Oct. 29 at Cornerstone University.
Just think of all the events which would have been planned and staged this month, if only there hadn't been all of this uncertainty amidst COVID-19 restrictions. National concert tours just aren't up and running yet.
The good news is that several "in-person" events near the end of September were able to take place: an outdoor concert by Matt Moore Sept. 23 at First Reformed Church in Ravenna, a drive-in concert by Jordan Feliz and J.J. Weeks Sept. 25 at Frontline Church on Plainfield Ave. NE in Grand Rapids, and an outdoor performance of "The Last Words of Jesus" Sept 26 on the grounds of Master Arts Theatre. Let's hope that these success stories will lead to others as we await the time when restrictions are eased and larger-scale indoor events can return.
And so, various music artists and non-profit Christian ministries have taken to staging virtual events. Here are a few during October:
Urban Experience – This conference with a focus on urban ministry is from 8:30am to 5pm Sat. Oct. 10 at The Edge Urban Fellowship, 735 Ritzema Ct. SW in the Roosevelt Park area of Grand Rapids. Workshops include "Listening to the Community," "Church Meets the Streets," "Wholistic Impact" and "Cultural Identity." Cost is $70 per person, breakfast and lunch included. All registrants will be sent link for virtual attendance, if preferred or due to limited building capacity. For in-person attendees a temperature check and masks are required. For more information. To register
Family Changes Everything – A national, online event benefitting children and families is set for 7pm Tuesday Oct. 20, produced by Bethany Christian Services. Keynote speaker is author/pastor Francis Chan, worship led by David Crowder ("How He Loves") and musical performances from Lecrae and Tasha Cobbs-Leonard. The inspirational evening will be raising money for the vulnerable children in our communities via Bethany. The event is free, but registration is required. Online donations will be accepted. For an introductory video and other information visit online.
Master Arts Theatre– The stage arts organization is producing an online "Showcase Gala" at 7pm Fri. Oct 23. Specific performance line-up is yet to be announced. Tickets are free. Visit online.
