Willow branches are our palms this year - could be hard to make into crosses? A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland, on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray I begin with an extract from a 2024 sermon preached at St. Paulโs Cathedral, London, UK, by then, recently... Continue Reading →
Such a great story out of Kamloops
By Matt Henderson, Kamloops Food Policy Council - Posted on CFJC Today Kamloopsโ latest Food System Assessment shows a community and sector that is not only adapting to change but steadily building a more connected and resilient local food landscape. Releasing later this year, the 2025 report highlights strong progress across several areas of the... Continue Reading →
Well this doesn’t happen every day – It’s time
From the Anglican Communion News Service - First posted on Posted on: March 20, 2026 241 PM - Photo Credit: Neil Turner for Lambeth Palace / The Anglican Communion Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally Prays for Healing and Hope for the World Ahead of Historic Installation More than two thousand people from across the country... Continue Reading →
Virginia Theological Seminary awards Stephen Colbert, Evelyn McGee-Colbert Deanโs Cross for Servant Leadership
Virginia Theological Seminary awarded the Deanโs Cross for Servant Leadership to comedian Stephen Colbert and his wife, film producer Evelyn McGee-Colbert, on Feb. 6 at General Theological Seminary in New York. Left to right: Evelyn McGee-Colbert, David Charlton, the Very Rev. Ian Markham and Stephen Colbert. Photo: Virginia Theological Seminary Episcopal News Service staff [Episcopal... 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 →
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 →
Consent
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour, Penticton on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 11, 2026 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray Letโs start with three questions. Last week we had the Three Kings; this week, Three Questions: 1) Since the new year, how many times have you written... Continue Reading →
The Little Towns of Bethlehem
My favourite poetic Christmas tradition it to read this very Canadian piece written by John Terpstra, the Little Towns of Bethlehem. If God arrived in Christ in Bethlehem Christ arrives in the places and spaces of our nation, places familiar and unknown to us, though I am privileged to have lived in, or passed through... Continue Reading →
Essential “night before” listening for all ages
It is indeed ages since I have read or heard this poem. A marvellous presentation by Louis Armstrong (Sachmo). Not sure of the piano accompanist but might have been Marian McPartland. Brilliant and sensitive playing. Other great seasonal links in the Youtube comments and description. Happy Christmas to all. https://youtu.be/cmt2TZWGoO8
No cats under my Christmas Tree this year โ Seasonal gift suggestions, by Juno
Internationally known dog-blogger, Juno, a six year-old Labradoodle, lives with her humans in Summerland in the BC interior. Meet Sesame (pictured above), a cherished former member of the Gray family household who left them years before my arrival. I am told that in those days, one returned home to two dogs and two cats, a... Continue Reading →