Nelson is Here to Help You Grow.

As a practitioner of contemplative living within the Christian tradition, Nelson seeks to embody and usher people into meaningful connection with, and deeper receptivity to, the Divine.

ABOUT the AUTHOR

Nelson Boschman is a writer, spiritual director, retreat facilitator, jazz musician, wine enthusiast, husband, and father of one.

He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the pastor of spiritual formation at Artisan Church, and a partner of SoulStream.

THE BOOK

The Growing Season explores the intersection between vineyard, cellar, tasting room, and soul.

It's a closer look at the transformation that occurs from grape to glass, and what that process can teach us about what it means to flourish as human beings.

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"Through the imagery and process of grape becoming wine, Boschman invites us to see our spiritual journeys as rooted in the cycles of life and the rhythms of the earth. Found in the humble and accessible day-to-day moments of our lives, our handiwork, our interactions with others, and the experience of our senses, he invites us to see that there is nowhere else we need to be to encounter ourselves, each other, and our Creator."

Hillary L. McBride, PhD, Psychologist, Author, Podcaster
"As a foot-crushed grape still in spiritual fermentation, I find that Boschman's/Jesus's wine-soul imagery resonates deeply. Nelson is a wise friend and experienced vintner who creatively guides faith shifts like mine. He clarified my own long process as a Welch'sTM grape Baptist into the deep dessert reds of the Orthodox chalice, all with a smile on stained and satisfied lips. A delightful read!"

Bradley Jersak, Dean of Theology & Culture, St. Stephen's University, author of A More Christlike God
"Thought provoking, sincere and approachable. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to delve deeper into the possible reason why humans have been obsessed with wine for thousands of years. Nelson takes the reader on a journey through the parallels of wine and the human soul. He creates a safe space around two complex topics and guides the reader into deeply thinking about how appreciating wines could lead us to live a more worldly spiritual life, like Jesus did. Great read!"

Jaclyn Misch, DipWSET Candidate, Masters in Wine Management, research team, Karen MacNeil's "The Wine Bible", wine educator, Napa Valley Wine Academy
"The Growing Season arrests you—"Pay attention! Attend!"—for there is a world of magic all around us. It is always there, but you have to get your feet dirty to see it, find it, taste it. This is Nelson's journey, one we take with him into a deeper love of wine and of Jesus. This book cultivates this deeper, more attentive love."

Christopher Mark, founder and President of Vintality, a viticulture company that uses technology to uncover and reveal terroir in all its forms
"This book is not just information. It’s a study. It’s not only about interest. It’s personal stories of vulnerability, blended with history and viticulture. This is a book about taking time to reflect, to linger, to marinade until one is changed. It’s about hope and healing. It’s about intimacy—with each and every little moment and thing—and the sparkle this brings to all of life. This book is about prose. Its cadence waltzes the reader into the rhythm of Nelson’s life and heart. The Growing Season is a deep look within, an outward glance, and a movement into all that matters most."

Lorie Martin, Anglican priest (Diocese of New Westminster, BC, Canada), associate director of the Centre for Spiritual Renewal (Fraser Valley, BC, Canada), board member of The Contemplative Society (Cynthia Bourgeault)

NO. 1

Writing

Nelson’s first book, The Growing Season: Contemplations on Wine and the Soul is available here. He’s currently working on his second book, which is about wonder. Click here for a sneak peek! Sign up for his newsletter for updates. To support him on Patreon for as little as $3 a month, go here.

Ways To Work With Nelson

NO. 2

Speaking

Nelson is available for limited speaking engagements, especially if they have to do with his book content. For example, in Fall 2022, Acts for Water reached out to him with an idea for a fundraising event involving wine tasting and stories of transformation. Nelson collaborated with CEO Jeff Golby and the Acts team to create four unique, one-time events in BC and Alberta.

To get a sense of what Nelson is like as a speaker, check out his sermon podcasts at Artisan Church (Vancouver BC Canada), where he teaches regularly.
Do you have a creative and/or collaborative idea for a speaking event? Contact Nelson here to inquire.

NO. 3

Spiritual Direction

A certified Spiritual Director through SoulStream, Nelson has been offering spiritual direction since 2016, and increasingly feels as though this is some of his most important work. Nelson currently has a few spots open for new directees. Contact him below to inquire or learn more.

Contact

no.4

Retreat Facilitation

Nelson is passionate about the spiritual practice of retreat, which Emilie Griffin defines as “a generous commitment to friendship with God.” In his role as pastor of spiritual formation, Nelson has facilitated several themed retreats:

Alone Together: A Guided Silent Retreat
Artists Retreat
Backpacking with the Saints
Becoming Urban Mystics
God With Us: Advent Retreat
God For Us: Lent Retreat
Praying the Psalms
Praying with the Celts

hosting a retreat

Contact Nelson to inquire about having
him facilitate a retreat.

Let's Chat

no.5

Music

Nelson has been playing jazz, folk, and pop piano throughout Greater Vancouver for over twenty years. His group, the Nelson Boschman Trio, was formed while in the Jazz Studies Program at Capilano College in North Vancouver, BC (Canada) and has enjoyed playing at various coffeehouses, restaurants, weddings, benefits, corporate functions, and Jazz Vespers services. The group's creative, interactive style is influenced by the piano trios led by Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau, and appeals to a wide audience.

Boschman has recorded two albums as a composer / arranger / bandleader. KEEPING TIME, Vol. 01 was released in 2004. KEEPING TIME Vol. 02 was released in August 2007.

In addition to leading his own trio, Boschman is also part of the quintet known as Mennonite Jazz Committee. The group has two recordings to date, including a 2007 Christmas album, DAWN OF GRACE. Available to stream or purchase here.