The notes below are drawn from a homily preached at the funeral of the late Terry Green at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Summerland by the Very Rev. Ken Gray Terry loved Christmas! Oh my gosh he loved Christmas. He would tell me stories when St. Stephen’s, the Stone Church in Summerland was lit solely... Continue Reading →
I remember my first United Nations Climate meetings in 2002 (Johannesburg) and 2005 (Montreal). New to the climate/environment file, I was overwhelmed and totally out of my league. That said, I learned, fast, so much so that these early experiences launched an entirely new ministry and justice-based activity which continues to the present day. I... Continue Reading →
We all have a story to tell – to our neighbours, family members, colleagues and friends. Usually we share our stories in aural conversation; sometimes we write journals or even books. Our talents may include painting, poetry or prose. Due to recent technological advances, many now tell stories through images, especially through photography. Whether your... Continue Reading →
A guest blog by Betty-Ann Xenis And Jesus asks: “Who is my neighbour?” (From Ken) Walking along Victoria Street in our little town during the annual Light-Up evening I noticed the NeighbourLink booth. I remember the earliest days of this marvellous community service immediately prior to our departure for the Island in late 2004. Eighteen... Continue Reading →
Tis the season . . . for toys. Throughout our small town, children (and adults) are already thinking about what toys should be under the Christmas tree this year. Now in my 65th year I rarely hear from young children, and our adult children now appreciate tools of the trade, or gifts with purpose –... Continue Reading →
https://videopress.com/v/hNz1VUTz?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true There are times when my heart aches -- I know, I know; you see me running around, sniffing, jumping, barking (much less now I should say) -- To all appearances I appear effervescently happy, and most of the time this I am. My cup is typically ninety percent full. I do however miss my... Continue Reading →
As the days grow shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, and the darkness falls earlier in the interior of British Columbia, Canada’s most western province, the lovely hymn by the former Dean of Canterbury Cathedral (and the host of The Garden Congregation for almost two years) Dr. Robert Willis, the text and music of Let us... Continue Reading →
A book-to-put-on-your-2022-Christmas-list special feature Names are important. As a parish priest I have always tried to learn and remember the names of congregants and community partners. As I age, with more names to remember along with a slightly wobbly memory, the work becomes increasingly difficult. I still try however. Names connect with people and personalities.... Continue Reading →
A very uplifting sermon from Washington’s National Cathedral by the late Michael Gerson, on his experience living with depression Few words from me today, but a strong encouragement to take twelve minutes of your time to hear an amazing story, so beautifully told by the late Michael Gerson, a centrist Republican and chief speechwriter for... Continue Reading →
And we walked . . . different folks in different places; some folks in more than one place; some for the very first time in the way of a pilgrim, while others walked for the umpteenth time. We walked for all sorts of reasons – some for spiritual refreshment, others for recreation. Some walked as... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 