I created this blog TAKE NOTE as a presentation space for a wide variety of topics: politics, culture, biography, future church, dogs (and their blogs), music, and photography amongst other interests. The latter has received short shrift, until today that is. Now returned from two weeks in Nova Scotia, with camera firmly in hand I... Continue Reading →
What I did on my summer vacation — AKA There’s no place like home
A sermon for the Anglican Congregation in Summerland, BCSunday, July 21, 2024 // The Very Rev. Ken Gray The idea was so simple. In exchange for presiding and preaching at Holy Eucharist for just two Sundays at the Church of the Nativity, Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia we would receive rectory accommodation at no cost to... Continue Reading →
Singing for my supper
I have now “sung for my supper,”--and I did actually sing, though not for my supper. In leading Anglican worship at the Church of the Nativity in Sandy Cove Nova Scotia on Sunday, July 14, 2024, I have now fulfilled my liturgical obligation. The deal was that I would lead worship for two successive Sundays... Continue Reading →
“They’re getting sick already”
Things to avoid in Westport, NS on Friday, July 12, 2024 “They’re getting sick already” was the message received by our whale-watching tour operator as we confirmed our own reservation for later in the day. A tour currently on the water called in saying they were experiencing heavy swells with strong headwinds; there had been... Continue Reading →
Fog
Leaving behind a hot and humid Halifax, driving south through the Annapolis Valley dotted with little towns, we have now arrived at Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia, our home for the next six days. Passing through the fierce heat of the small University town of Wolfville, experiencing the friendliness of the Digby Atlantic Superstore, we were... Continue Reading →
In my lifetime I might hear the last nightingale
These are not my words but those of Sam Lee, a British musician, historian, and mystic. I learned of Lee’s work through a colleague, Cathy Campbell who recently urged me to watch the video "The Nightingale's Song." She wants to know my reaction, hence this blog. She writes “I'm so stirred . . . I'm... Continue Reading →
Storms, and Fires rage about us, and cause us to be afraid
A post from Bishop Sam Rose (on Facebook) reminding us that many, many fires are now ignited in what promises to again be a busy and destructive fire season across Canada. With the news of the fires jumping the Churchill River and full evacuation of Churchill Falls, I appeal for your prayers at this time:... Continue Reading →
STORMY WEATHER — A rough weather memoir
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, SummerlandSunday, June 23, 2024The Very Rev Ken Gray Once the decision was made, that Kathie and I would move to Summerland for me to take up the post of Rector of St. Stephen’s in 1994 we came up a few weeks prior to moving in order to... Continue Reading →
Push Pooch Park — A presentation to Summerland Town Council
UPDATE The outcome from tonight’s meeting of Summerland Town council regarding the Peach Orchard Dog Park is very positive. The mayor explained his motion and his desire to continue to build consensus around this contentious matter. In response council while appreciating his intent disagreed. Initially concerns were expressed about the costs, historic and future if... Continue Reading →
Beacons of hope in a time of climate crisis
From an interview with Vatican News and the World Council of Churches In light of the recent data from Copernicus, the European Union's climate monitoring service, the video statement below from the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay (World Environment Day, 5 June, 2024) is timely and concerning. In... Continue Reading →