What to do with leftover stubs from altar candles? While some churches have abandoned beeswax or other real wax candles, some parishes continue to use them in worship. They look and smell lovely; better than any battery or oil fueled substitute for my money. The only problem is what to do with the stubs, a... Continue Reading →
Primate of Canadian Anglican Church writes to presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church (USA)
Published on February 6, 2026 The Most Reverend Sean RowePresiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church Dear Bishop Sean and friends in Christ in The Episcopal Church, It has been heartbreaking for us, your northern neighbours, to watch the growing unrest that has arisen and persists in so many of your communities in the United States.... Continue Reading →
Prepare . . . Welcome . . . Greet: Discoveries, at the Vatican
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour, Penticton, Sunday Feb 8, 2026 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray Writing in Vatican News Tiziana Campisi describes a most unusual Papal event: “An unusual Sunday Audience took place on 1 February 2026 in the Apostolic Palace, which was reserved for Gentlemen of the Papal Household, Antechamber... Continue Reading →
No place for Residential School Denialism in our Church or our Community
February 2026 To the People of the Diocese of New Westminster (and elsewhere in the Province of British Columbia) Grace and peace to you. In the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the 60th call states this: We call upon leaders of the church parties to the Settlement Agreement and all other faiths,... Continue Reading →
What Costco, Ikea, and Walmart can teach the church
No questions asked This is what I hear when I return something to my local big box stores. For whatever reason the item I purchased does not work out for my needs or wants. I would like my money back please. Almost always, the money is immediately refunded, with a smile. No questions asked. I... Continue Reading →
The deafening bells of justice
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour Anglican Church, Penticton BC Sunday, February 1st, 2026 - Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany - The Very Rev. Ken Gray Based on MATTHEW 5:1-12 I have never seen the streets of Minneapolis so full of people, and on such a cold, wintry day; temperatures of 12O F... Continue Reading →
The man behind the music — A hymn reflection
A few days late, but a great history from Matthew Larkin, with thanks And today, I’m thinking of this guy, who died 150 years ago this date (January 22). John Bacchus Dykes: priest, organist, composer, tractarian: a composer of well over 250 hymn tunes, and an avid and determined ritualist who stood tall against his... Continue Reading →
I need to join this vigil – Every Friday – Until the horror ends?
VIGIL IN A SMALL TOWN, by Betty-Ann Xenis, Summerland, BC The second time we met, it was windy and our candles kept blowing out. It seemed symbolic somehow. Candles, a light in the darkness, being blown out by a force beyond our control. We finally stopped trying to relight them but just stood in the... Continue Reading →
Success, learning opportunities, and Teflon-coated pans — A scouting leadership story
[Ken Gray] The Rev. Chris Parsons (Executive Archdeacon of the Anglican Diocese of Kootenay) and I have been clergy colleagues for many years, now in the Diocese of Kootenay, and previously in the Diocese of Islands and Inlets (BC). We each know the peaks and troughs of working in ordained leadership, especially within the Anglican... Continue Reading →
When thoughts and prayers are not enough — Canadians can help also
From Craig Loya, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota Fellow Americans, Things are impossibly hard in Minnesota right now. We are a state that feels under siege, and the people of this place are doing everything possible to resist. The campaign of reckless brutality being waged by the federal government has been well documented,... Continue Reading →