Around Town: Fringe Festival, Leaving Sanctuary, TWU Law School . . .

A number of Pacific Theatre artists will be producing and acting in Vancouver Fringe Festival shows, from September 10 – 20.

Andrea Loewen, director of marketing and publicity at Pacific Theatre, says on Soul Food Vancouver:

We have a ton of PT artists producing shows in the Fringe Festival this year! . . . The Fighting Season [is] a new play by Sean Harris Oliver with Evan Frayne (Freud’s Last Session) directing, Julie McIsaac (Measure for Measure) and Tom Pickett (The Whipping Man) performing, and Shelby Bushell (It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show) stage managing and designing . . .

Shake the Sheets! [is] a new play by Mack Gordon (The Foreigner), starring Mack and Kaitlin Williams (The Foreigner), featuring Peter Carlone (The Foreigner) and others, with an original score by Jordan Klassen (Christmas Presence). . . .

 Hunger Games: The Musical comes to you from our administrative staff – a team who not only run the theatre, but are artists and producers as well. Co-general manager Frank Nickel is directing and producing, co-general manager Alison Chisholm performs, director of marketing and publicity Andrea Loewen has done the choreography, and you may recognize Jennifer Pielak from Sideshow this past year – she’ll be playing Katniss! . . .

Eurydice is directed by Eleanor Felton – recent apprentice and director of this year’s Artistic Director’s Series A Good Mother. PT’s technical director Kougar Basi is designing lights, and past apprentice Ryan Scramstad is on sound design! The cast features Julie Casselman, who will be playing Nurse Susie in this years production of Wit, as well as Brandon Bate, a recent PT apprentice who is producing the show alongside Eleanor.

Check out the Soul Food site for full write-ups (and maybe more to come). Pacific Theatre will also be used as a venue for several Fringe shows.

The Vancouver Fringe describes itself as “a celebration of every kind of theatre imaginable”:

[It] employs an “everyone is welcome” selection technique – the Mainstage shows are literally drawn out of a hat, giving all artists, from novice to veteran, a chance to participate. The Fringe strives to break down traditional boundaries and encourage open dialogue between audiences and artists by presenting live un-juried, uncensored theatre in an accessible and informal environment.

Lennikov returned to Russia

Former KGB agent Mikhail Lennikov has returned to Russia after failing to be granted asylum in Canada. He sought sanctuary in First Lutheran Church in Vancouver six years ago, and lived there until mid-August.

Lennikov surrendered to the authorities following negotiations with the Canadian border services, according to his lawyer, Hadayt Nazami. They escorted him to Toronto, where he boarded a flight to Moscow August 15.

An open letter from pastor Lori-Anne Boutin-Crawford and Lanny Harris of First Lutheran Church last fall said this about Lennikov’s time at their church:

Over five years ago, Mikhail Lennikov was granted sanctuary at First Lutheran Church in Vancouver. This was a desperate act to remain united with his family and to avoid serious risk to his safety upon removal to Russia. This was an act of last resort to remain within Canada, in hope that his order of deportation be reversed.

Historically, seeking sanctuary in Canada occurs when immigration applicants or refugee claimants are trying to avoid serious harm to themselves and to their families due to the Department of Immigration’s failure to regard and treat them in a fair and just manner, sometimes because of an error. . . .

In 2006, the Immigration and Refugee Board decided that, as a former employee of the KGB, the Soviet Security Service, Mikhail Lennikov was inadmissible to Canada. Although Citizenship and Immigration had approved in principle that Mikhail’s wife Irina and his son Dmitri could stay in Canada as permanent residents, Mikhail’s application was refused and he was issued a deportation order after living in Canada for 12 years. Unfortunately, Mikhail’s efforts to prove this decision wrong and his plea at various levels of the judiciary and government to stay in Canada with his family have been unsuccessful.

For the full statement go here.

TWU law school in court

Trinity Western University was in BC Supreme Court during the week of August 24. The court was conducting a judicial review of the Law Society of British Columbia’s decision not to approve the university’s proposed law school.

The law society is one of three (along with those in Nova Scotia and Ontario) that refused TWU accreditation. They objected to its community covenant, which affirms that marriage is the union of one man and one woman – and that sexual intimacy should only be expressed within marriage. Cases have already taken place in Nova Scotia and Ontario; the court in Nova Scotia ruling for TWU and the one in Ontario against. Both decisions are being appealed. (Law societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have approved the law school.)

Earl Phillips, executive director of TWU’s law school, spoke about the issues on CBC Radio’s Early Edition (at 1:20:36 on the podcast) August 24, just before the hearing opened. He said, in part:

I think what you will hear is that a lot of this has been previously decided by the Supreme Court of Canada back in 2001 when the issue was whether Trinity Western could have an accredited teacher training program, and ultimately Trinity Western was successful in that.

The court in 2001 recognized the Community Covenant – it was similar to the covenant as it is written today – and they recognized that Trinity Western is an evangelical Christian community; that it is a group of people who come together and seek to live, work and study together in a certain way, in an authentic Christian community, and that it’s not for everyone. . . .

The Supreme Court of Canada has been very clear about how they would deal with competing rights and in the decision about Trinity Western’s teaching program back in 2001, they actually said we don’t even see competing rights here. What we see is there are different rights, but they can be reconciled within the Charter.

So the court has always said no equality right will trump one over another; we try to resolve these things within the Charter. There may be issues when there is an actual competing right and you make that decision.

Trinity Western prevailed in Nova Scotia. I wouldn’t say it was a decision that said one right trumps another. What they said was, in a truly diverse and pluralistic society, we can have different ideas. They can live together, carefully, respectfully. We can get along, we can even disagree peaceably and respectfully. And that is the essence of a free, pluralistic, diverse and democratic society.

The BC Supreme Court’s decision has not yet been released.

Positive signs from Abbotsford and Chilliwack

Tim MacIntosh, senior pastor Heritage Alliance Church and chair of the Abbotsford Christian Leaders Network (ACLN), just sent out a note which suggests Abbotsford churches are on the right track in terms of connecting with the city and uniting local churches.

He invited fellow church leaders to the next ACLN luncheon, which will host Mayor Henry Braun as speaker, and then asked them to join in a special project:

Would you be willing to lend your church sign and website to the cause of city-wide church unity this Thanksgiving? We are encouraging all of the churches of Abbotsford to put the same message on our church signs and websites for a two-week period . . . How encouraging to surprise the community with such visible signs (pun intended) of unity!

And further up the valley, Barrie McMaster reported on this example of generosity in the Mennonite Brethren Herald:

Members of Chilliwack’s Main Street Church know what it means to give.

At press time, not only have they pledged or given $630,000 toward a million-dollar expansion to the church building in downtown Chilliwack, they also contributed “over the top” to provide playground equipment for two elementary schools in their neighbourhood. . . .

Main Street’s “Irrational Generosity” campaign raised almost $28,000: $19,755 for Central [Elementary Community School] and $8,000 for McCammon Traditional Elementary, another school in the catchment area with similar finances challenges.

Sep 2015

Perogy Night in Vancouver – September 4, 2015 at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Adult Retreat at The Firs – September 8, 2015 at All Day
YWAM Discipleship Training School – September 8, 2015 at 12:00 am
The Joy Ride Tour: Tim and the Glory Boys – September 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: The Daniel Reynolds Trio – September 9, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Ignite 2015 featuring Kings Kaleidoscope – September 10, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Have Religious Schools Outlived Their Purpose? – September 11, 2015 at 7:00 am - 8:30 am
Mike Edel – September 11, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Prayer Canada Breakfast – September 12, 2015 at 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Read the Word Over SFU – September 12, 2015 at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Hudson Taylor Legacy Series: Communicating the Good News Across Cultures – September 12, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The Color – September 12, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Praise in the Park Autumn Festival – September 13, 2015 at 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Celtic Worship – September 13, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Hymn Reflections – September 13, 2015 at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Feast of Trumpets with Merv & Merla Watson – September 13, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
P.O.D. in concert, with Islander – September 13, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Public Lecture Series: Competing Paradigms: Christianity and Naturalism (Tuesday evenings) – September 15, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Public Lecture Series: Competing Paradigms: Christianity and Naturalism – The Triumph of Scientific Naturalism in Western Culture – September 15, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Citizens for Public Justice: Dignity for All Workshop – September 16, 2015 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Discipleship Explored (Wednesday evenings) – September 16, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Dalannah Gail Bowen – September 16, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Plumbline Conference 2015 – September 17, 2015 - September 20, 2015 at All Day
Vancouver Fringe Festival: Eurydice – September 17, 2015 - September 20, 2015 at All Day
Vancouver Fringe Festival: Hunger Games: The Musical – September 17, 2015 - September 20, 2015 at All Day
Vancouver Fringe Festival: Shake the Sheets! – September 17, 2015 - September 19, 2015 at All Day
Vancouver Fringe Festival: The Fighting Game – September 17, 2015 - September 20, 2015 at All Day
Understanding the Moral, Ethical and Practical Complexities of Assisted Suicide – September 17, 2015 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Prophetic Significance of the Festivals – September 17, 2015 at 9:30 am - 12:45 pm
Opening Reception: Christopher Kasongo / Sadao Watanabe - Through the Eyes of the Beholder – September 17, 2015 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
2015 Somerville Lecture: Douglas Christie - The Blue Sapphire of the Mind – September 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Red Light/Green Light Film Screening – September 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Understanding Jewish Roots – September 17, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm
Catholic Charismatic Healing Conference 2015 – September 18, 2015 - September 19, 2015 at All Day
Life in the Margins Weekend Workshop – September 18, 2015 - September 19, 2015 at All Day
War Room – September 18, 2015 at All Day
Pause for Perspective – September 18, 2015 at 9:15 am - 3:30 pm
MCC Festival for World Relief – September 18, 2015 - September 19, 2015 at 5:00 pm - 2:00 pm
HI5: Elvis Impersonator Ronnie Scott – September 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Integrate: Mental Illness and the Church – September 18, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Pacific Baroque Orchestra: Brandenburg Concertos – September 18, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
The Wellington Folk – September 18, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
MCC Pedaling for Hope Cyclathon – September 19, 2015 at All Day
A Day Together: Marriage Workshop – September 19, 2015 at 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Northwood United Church Fall Fair – September 19, 2015 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Springboard – September 19, 2015 at 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
56th Annual Country Fair – September 19, 2015 at 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Spirituality of Gardening Seminar – September 19, 2015 at 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Journey Home Community 10 Year Anniversary Celebration – September 19, 2015 at 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Taste of the Feast of Tabernacles / Booths – September 19, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Matthew Moore in Concert to support Syrian Refugee Project – September 19, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sentimental Journey Big Band Concert & Fundraiser – September 20, 2015 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Taizé Contemplative Service – September 20, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Word Guild: Stillpoint Writers' Retreat – September 21, 2015 - September 23, 2015 at All Day
Webinar: Leading Worship Through the Seasons of Life with Andy Park – September 22, 2015 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Public Lecture Series: Competing Paradigms: Christianity and Naturalism – Metaphysics of Orthodox Christian Faith – September 22, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Istoria Conference: Tell Your Story! – September 23, 2015 - September 25, 2015 at All Day
EFC Critical Issues Webinar: Election – September 23, 2015 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Book Launch: Darrell Johnson - The Beatitudes – September 23, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Phil Cooke: Where Stories Start - Discovering What You Were Born To Do (Istoria Conference) – September 23, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: The Maria Ho Quartet, with Campbell Ryga – September 23, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Shine Vancouver 2015 – September 24, 2015 at 12:00 am
Shine Vancouver 2015 – September 24, 2015 - September 27, 2015 at All Day
At the Movies: The Necessity of Heroism (Istoria Conference) – September 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Q Commons – September 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Igniting Spiritual Gifts with Russ Kline – September 25, 2015 - September 27, 2015 at All Day
Servants Training Weekend Vancouver – September 25, 2015 - September 27, 2015 at All Day
Young Life Women's Camp – September 25, 2015 - September 27, 2015 at All Day
Apologetics Seminar – September 25, 2015 - September 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sam Tudor / Noah Derksen – September 25, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Willie George: Using Story to Reach This Generation (Istoria Conference) – September 25, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Vancouver Chamber Choir: From Byrd to Bard - the Glorious English Tradition – September 25, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Cross-Cultural Temple Tour – September 26, 2015 at 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Daniel Plan – September 26, 2015 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Walk the Wall – September 26, 2015 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Dr. Donald Chittick: The Puzzle of Ancient Man – September 26, 2015 at 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Dr. Donald Chittick: Submerged Megaliths and the Ice Age – September 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Gibson & Gretsch Combo – September 26, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Gratitude Live: In Honour of UGM's 75th Anniversary – September 26, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Dr. Donald Chittick: The Bible and Time – September 27, 2015 at 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Diane Lines – September 27, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Organ Recital at the Memorial Pipe Organ – September 27, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Book Launch: Donald Grayston: Thomas Merton and the Noonday Demon – The Camaldoli Correspondence – September 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Speaking My Mind Toastmasters Club – September 28, 2015 - December 14, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Public Lecture Series: Competing Paradigms: Christianity and Naturalism – God – September 29, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Why the Inklings Matter Today – September 29, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Yonghua Ge Theology Lecture: Aquinus on Creation – September 30, 2015 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Adele's Wish: filmmaker Terrence Turner on his controversial documentary – September 30, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Ethics Panel on Physician Assisted Death – September 30, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Metro Vancouver Alliance: Federal Election Assembly – September 30, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Evensong: Gabriel Mark Hasselbach – September 30, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Oct 2015

Life of Significance Golf Classic – October 1, 2015 at All Day
Rend the Heavens World Summit – October 1, 2015 - October 4, 2015 at All Day
The Beautiful Gospel Conference – October 1, 2015 - October 3, 2015 at All Day
Verge Conference 2015: Arts + Environment – October 1, 2015 - October 2, 2015 at All Day
National Day of Prayer for Canada – October 2, 2015 at All Day
Perogy Night in Vancouver – October 2, 2015 at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Heroic Truth Conference with Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell – October 2, 2015 - October 3, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 12:30 pm
Prayer For Canada – October 2, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Bible Conference: It's All About Life for the Church & the World – October 2, 2015 - October 3, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 2:30 pm