A sermon for Pentecost Sunday 2024 -- St. Stephen Anglican Church, Summerland BC “So Ken, are you a charismatic Christian? “Not sure how to answer that question. Why do you ask?” “I used to hear about charismatic churches, especially twenty or so years ago. Don’t hear much about them now.” “What stuff?” “Speaking in tongues;... Continue Reading →
An unsolicited review of a timely book
Following a flurry of online and in-person book launches, I was delighted to receive the following review of Partnership as Mission: Essays in Memory of Ellie Johnson by the Rev. Margaret Marquardt. Such a pleasant surprise from one who knows the tough road of advocacy, long before the word "justice" even entered my own vocabulary.... Continue Reading →
The Gift Farm Garden grows, gives, and teaches
The Rev. Canon Anne Privett introduced our readers to the Gift Farm Garden last year. Here is her May 2024 update. Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15) A blessed Ascensiontide to all! We so rarely hear Mark’s version of the Ascension where Christ... Continue Reading →
Tree Talking — Learning to care for one another, just like trees in the forest
Images from Haro Woods near the University of Victoria, by the author Living in Kamloops BC from 2016 till 2022 I was often reminded of the region’s close connections to the rest of Canada, even before “Canada” existed. The word “Kamloops” is the English translation of the Shuswap word Tk’emlúps, meaning ‘where the rivers meet,’... Continue Reading →
Mocha Muck
A new lifestyle series – From those who bring you Life in our Little Town, of Summerland It burps and it drips; it spits and it squirts. It is ubiquitous in our lives, whether in cities or small villages, locally in shops, schools, and workplaces, or on the road in the wastelands and watering holes... Continue Reading →
The opportunity is before us: Lessons from Ellie Johnson
A sermon shared with the parish of St. George, Cadboro Bay, Victoria BC on Sunday, April 28, 2024 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing . . .... Continue Reading →
The Magnitude of All Things – Thoughts on grief and the climate crisis
A presentation at St. George the Martyr, Victoria BC -- Wednesday April 24, 2024 -- Kenneth Gray The late Fran Haberlin, co-director of the Sorrento Centre always began her presentations with: “Gee it’s great to be here,” and “where do we go from here?” Well it is great to be here and thanks for coming... Continue Reading →
Who is this for anyway? Thoughts on breakfast and other matters
A sermon preached at St. Stephen, Summerland on the third Sunday of Easter season, Sunday, April 14 2024 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them,... Continue Reading →
Look, up in the sky — A Labradoodle reflects on the Solar Eclipse
Juno is an increasingly popular (at least in her own mind) dog blogger who lives with the Mapaw and Papaw in beautiful Summerland in the South Okanagan region of British Columbia With thanks to Melissa Kirsch at the New York Times Finally, a different kind of news event. Time for something not tied to the... Continue Reading →
UN GLOBAL PLASTIC TREATY IS IN JEOPARDY but we can all help
A message from the Rev. Dr. Rachel MashAnglican Communion Environmental Network coordinator Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,Happy Easter! Christ is Risen! Hallelujah. We would like to ask for your urgent support to help protect the UN Global Plastic Treaty. The UN Environmental Assembly passed a resolution calling for a global legally binding plastic treaty. This is... Continue Reading →