So what did you do on Saturday, July 27, 2024 when the sun set and the sky turned dark? I was watching a British crime drama on television; others in my Okanagan community enjoyed the warm waters of the lake; some might have been bird watching. I am certain however that no one here was... Continue Reading →
Jasper
Properties are engulfed in flames at the corner of Cabin Creek Drive and Patricia Street in Jasper, Alta., on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Name withheld) I am of two minds watching the premier of Alberta react to the destruction of the historic and iconic town of Jasper, Alberta that was devastated by fire on Thursday... 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 →
And the envelope please – Conversation with characters
IMAGE: etsy.com Many blogs available on this site feature “letters” in different contexts. I have however never commented on envelopes, until now. The following shared from Inspire Hub Facebook “Kurt Vonnegut tells his wife he's going out to buy an envelope: “Oh, she says, well, you're not a poor man. You know, why don't you... 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 →
Musical Chairs messed with my mojo
I loved playing musical chairs in my early years. Whether it was the running around, the competitiveness, or the music that created the delight I cannot recall. I just loved playing the game and can still picture one or two in my mind. You likely remember the drill. Chairs are set up inside a circle... 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 →
Dear Deacons – One note from one particular priest
This past weekend Anglican Deacons, Canada gathered for its triennial meeting at the beautiful Sorrento Centre in the Shuswap region of British Columbia. Approximately sixty attendees from Anglican and Lutheran congregations, with guests from The United Church of Canada worshipped, prayed, sang, and studied for three days together. I was invited to join them for... Continue Reading →
Happy Birthday Richard Howard — A lesson in forgiveness
Today is Provost Richard Howard's birthday (born 12 June 1884). Provost Richard Howard, led the ministry at Coventry Cathedral (UK) during WW2, and during the Coventry Blitz was one of four firefighters who went on the roof to try save the cathedral. The very next day, he stood in the ruins, still smouldering, and said... Continue Reading →
Queer
It’s a word I use advisedly. As a cis-gender male it feels uncomfortable for me to use the word as I have only encountered it used pejoratively. Many in the Queer community welcome it with, yes, PRIDE. In conversation with a couple of clergy colleagues recently, I asked if we had read any Queer theology.... Continue Reading →