Grannie Kathie and I are back with Jack and his young parents in Nelson for a few days. When we last visited in person Jack was just five days old. Now at nine weeks he is bigger, longer, stronger, wide-eyed, physically reflexive, and, mostly, lots of fun. I say โmostlyโ as parents know that babies... Continue Reading →
This story needs to be shared widely and quickly
As winter approaches, Palestinians in Gaza are desperately trying to prepare their tents and damaged homes while food cuts by the World Food Programme are exacerbating rising levels of hunger. Al-Abd Abu Beid prepares a meal of lentils from food rations distributed by the World Food Programme, one day after the UN agency announced it... Continue Reading →
Ceilidh Renaissance
[Ken Gray] When I hear the word Ceilidh memory takes me to three different places. First to the movie Local Hero to the scene where Russian fishermen arrive and a Ceilidh is planned for the town hall. To say that "a good time is had by all" understates the scene. Another experience occurred when Kathie... Continue Reading →
All Hallows Blessing
With thanks to Jan Richardson whose lovely blessing I share here, I hope this time in our Church calendar provides both comfort and sweetness especially to those who cherish the memories of loved ones. Admittedly, I take things in a different direction in tomorrow's All Saints Day sermon, so come on back and see what... Continue Reading →
A vocation of ordered hospitality
Reposted from the Diocese of Algoma website. See original posting for pictures and a video link. For Esther Anstice, an unlikely journey from a small island parish to one of the worldโs great cathedrals has become a vocation in the Church You can almost hear the red carpet being rolled out as Esther Anstice, Deputy... Continue Reading →
Bott, (not bot), on AI in church settings
With thanks to former Moderator of the United Church of Canada, Richard Bott I find his draft policy on Faith Formation and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence well informed and compelling. AI is here to stay; the genie is out of the bottle. For myself, I try to limit use of AI for many of... Continue Reading →
Naming what is important
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, SummerlandSunday, October 18th, 2026 | The Twenty-First Sunday after PentecostThe Very Rev. Ken Gray Names are important. I like to be called by my name and I expect you do also. I have no idea why I am named Kenneth John. Kenneth Reid lived across the street... Continue Reading →
Meet Ms. Rachel
[Ken Gray - In my never-ending quest to anticipate the needs and interests of my newborn grandson, Jack I was delighted to discover Ms. Rachel (Rachel Accurso) who uses her fame from her educational YouTube videos to be a passionate advocate for childrenโs rights. Admittedly, for me, two hearings of each episode will likely be... Continue Reading →
I would vote for this guy if I could
From the National Observer, October 13, 2026, as told to Patrician Lane [Ken Gray] I grew up in Oak Bay and still visit often. I wish I still did live there so I could vote for Sam Holland, for many reasons. but I can't. Here in the South Okanagan we could sure use this kind... Continue Reading →
Streaming sadism
Public Sadism -- Trumpโs and Hegsethโs barbaric decision to live-stream an execution -- Robert Reich, Substack, Oct 09, 2026 Friends, Cruel enough that the United States is going to put someone to death by firing squad, but only sadists would want it broadcast livestream. Yet thatโs what Pete (โHigh Testosteroneโ) Hegseth is planning. He confirmed... Continue Reading →