Saint Joan in Chemainus

George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan, the story which promoters describe as what happens when “the small town girl changes the world,” is now on stage daily at Chemainus Theatre, until May 17; it reopens June 27 to July 26. Amber Lewis (pictured) plays the starring role of king’s warrior, alleged witch and still-controversial Christian visionary Joan of Arc. Info at 1.800.565.7738 or chemainustheatrefestival.ca.

Anglican orthodox fundraiser

Zak’s Café is holding a fundraiser this month at St. Mary of the Incarnation, 4125 Metchosin Road, to help subsidize the cost associated with sending bishops, clergy and lay leaders to the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) (www.gafcon.org). St. Mary’s is part of the Anglican orthodox ‘alternative’ communion currently in dispute with the Anglican Church of Canada over the blessing of gay marriage. GAFCON will take place June 15 – 22 in Jerusalem. Anne Elliott, spokesperson for St. Mary’s, says the conclave will enable the Anglican orthodox to “think, discuss and pray about the future of the Anglican communion.” For the date and time of the fundraiser, contact Elliott at Anne.elliott@telus.net; or call 250.474.1857.

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‘Zoomers’ & friends

A March 19 meeting brought together senior adult leaders from eight Victoria churches and ministries. The stated purpose was “to support and encourage ministries to senior adults through sharing of experiences and knowledge – and to help the churches overcome emotional barriers to such ministries.” Held at Church of our Lord, the meeting was chaired by Roy Adams, a seniors leader at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Surrey, who is a catalyst to the movement in various parts of British Columbia. Adams says there are three categories of seniors: ‘zoomers,’ who want an active lifestyle in retirement; ‘seniors,’ with less energy but still desirous of participation; and ‘elderly,’ who may have restricted mobility. The plan is for the new group to meet three times a year, at least, to support and expand senior adult ministries so area churches can be prepared for the wave of baby boomers due to retire in the next few years.

Hockey chaplain opening doors

The hockey seasonmay be over, but ministering to the spiritual needs of the players continues. For Don Richmond (below), chaplaincy programs are not about athletes asking God to fix it so they win. “I’m not so sure God is interested in the score, so much as in the lives,” he says. Richmond travels all over B.C., visiting coaches and managers to set up or assist chaplaincy programs. On Vancouver Island, the Victoria Grizzlies, the Nanaimo Clippers, the Port Alberni Bulldogs and the Cowichan Valley Capitals all have programs. Richmond will soon be presenting the concept to the board of governors of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. It could be a big open door, because there are 18 teams from Victoria to Campbell River. – LM

May 2008