Timely and prescient thoughts from American writer Parker Palmer By accident of birth, the Christmas story has been a staple of my life for 85 years. As a kid, it was all about the glitter and gifts, of course. Today, the story compels me to question my courage and my resolve⦠It asks me to... Continue Reading →
Advent and Christmas in a time of war
How can Advent and Christmas be contemplated in a time of war, asks Richard Sewell, Dean of St. Georgeās Cathedral, Jerusalem [Reprinted from the Church Times UK and St. Georgeās College, Jerusalem] THE ancient city of Jerusalem is bordered by two valleys: Gehenna and Kidron. The latter is also known as the Jehosophat Valley in... Continue Reading →
As We Grow Old ā A poem by Murray Sinclair
From Ā Who We Are: Four Questions For a Life and a Nationby Murray Sinclair , Sara Sinclair, Niigaan SinclairLearn about this very special book here As we grow oldthe ground we walk onrises upso that,as each of those few momentsleft to uspass byand we grow oldand hair turns greyer stillwe move a bit more slowly.... Continue Reading →
Disappointment and fury in the wake of failed climate talksāand hope for the road ahead
By Jim Hodgson on 11th Dec 2024 // Unwrapping Development āI am infuriated to come home to the aftermath of six typhoons that have struck the Philippines in the space of just four weeks with basically zero gains from COP29,ā said Patricia Mungcal, a young climate advocate who serves as humanitarian manager with the National... Continue Reading →
In loving memory
I am pleased to share a sermon from a colleague, Fiona Brownlee preached at Montrealās Christ Church Cathedral on the 20th Anniversary of the Massacre at Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal, December 6, 1989. After the event and Fionaās sermon the sentiments expressed remain potent and deserving of our attention today. Scripture Readings:Judges 11: 30-40Psalm 551 Corinthians... Continue Reading →
A different Advent hymn
Growing up as a boy chorister at St. John the Divine in Victoria I remember well the hymns of Advent. āCome thou redeemer of the earth,ā āLo, He comes with clouds, descending,ā āOn Jordanās bank the Baptist cry,ā with many others. These well populate my musical memory in a wonderful way, though I must say... Continue Reading →
A promise is a promise
A sermon for the First Sunday of Advent -- Sunday, December 1st, 2024For the congregation of St. Saviour Anglican Church in Penticton, BC CanadaThe Very Rev. Ken Gray Sometimes youāve just gotta sing. A United Church minister friend from many years ago used to say, ātheyāll listen when you talk, but theyāll remember when you... Continue Reading →
Hope and Surprise: Reflections for the Season of Advent
Here begins the shortest post I have ever written, and likely the shortest ever. (I hear no complaints.) What a pleasure it has been to craft reflections for our Canadian Anglican Primateās World Relief and Development Fund for Advent 2024. Recently renamed Accompanying Hope, the agency has a long history of supporting relief and development... Continue Reading →
Wild Lectionary
Fundraiser by Salal + Cedar Watershed Discipleship Ministry [Ken Gray] As a contributor to Wild Lectionary project I have found my own inherited prejudices challenged and my theological imagination stretched. As one who continues to preach almost weekly, even in retirement, I have been introduced to powerful scholarship and deep ecological experience shared by a... Continue Reading →