Cultivating Hope: Food, Farming, and the Life of Faith

Join us for an inspiring and transformative weekend with Dr. Norman Wirzba (Duke Divinity School), whose Alberta roots run deep. Raised on a farm just outside Lethbridge, AB, Dr. Wirzba brings a personal and profound perspective to the connections between faith, food, and hope. Through a thought-provoking public lecture, hands-on workshop, and engaging panel discussion, you’ll gain fresh insights and practical ways to integrate faith and food into daily life. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of Alberta’s own as he shares his wisdom and experience!

🎟️ Details:

📅 Date: April 25–27, 2025

📍Location: Grace Presbyterian Church,

🚗 Parking: FREE – in our Indigo parking lots on 9 St SW and 15 Ave SW, or on the street.

🚪 Entry: Use the West Chapel Doors (accessible) or Bell Tower Doors – (see map).

🍴Lunch: a hot meal, sourced from local suppliers, with gluten-free and vegan options.

Weekend Highlights:

📖 Public Lecture: Forget Optimism – Choose Hope (Friday, April 25) – FREE
🍞 Food & Faith Workshop (Saturday, April 26)
🌍 Panel Discussion on Food Security & Justice (Saturday, April 26)
🙏 Church Service with Dr. Wirzba (Sunday, April 27) – FREE

Conference Agenda

Public Lecture

Friday, April 25th, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Forget Optimism – Choose Hope: Choosing a Life Worth Living

In partnership with the University of Calgary Chair of Christian Thought, this presentation describes what a hopeful life looks like and why it matters. Dr. Wirzba shows that forms of optimism actually impede hope and so need to be resisted. He also shows that hope is inextricably tied to the practices of love and forgiveness. When hope is active, people repair and heal the world.

Food & Faith Workshop

Saturday, April 26, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Join us for a meaningful and interactive discussion on the deep connections between food and faith. The morning will begin with opening remarks on why this connection matters, followed by an engaging group conversation where participants will share biblical passages that shape their understanding of food’s role in faith and community.

Come ready to listen, share, and explore how faith and food intersect daily.

Panel Discussion on Food Security & Justice

Saturday, April 26, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join us for an engaging and informative panel discussion on the realities of food systems, their challenges, and how communities of faith can take action. Before opening the conversation to audience questions, panelists will first discuss among themselves, offering diverse insights on food security and justice.
This interactive session will leave you with a deeper understanding of how food systems function, the barriers to equitable access, and the opportunities for citizen and congregation engagement. Come ready to listen, learn, and be inspired to make a difference!

Church Service with Dr. Wirzba

Sunday, April 27, 10:30 – 11:30 am

Join us for a meaningful and reflective Sunday worship service as Dr. Norman Wirzba shares a special message on food and faith. Drawing from his deep theological insights and Alberta roots, Dr. Wirzba will explore how faith and food are woven into God’s vision for a flourishing world.