A method for operating a controller having a number of timers to thereby control a plurality of events greater than the number of timers, includes, between clock ticks, receiving one or more signals from sensors, switches, executing programs, or a combination therefore that initiate one or more timed events. After a clock tick immediately following the receiving of the one or more signals, the method further includes updating entries in an event control block in accordance with the received signal or signals. The entries include a time remaining for pending events, a time past due for active events, and a priority of each event. The method further includes determining whether any pending event or events have timed out, activating any timed out events, and sending a signal notifying an executing program of the activated event having the highest priority.