A sermon on the Feast of St Michael and All Angels for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland, Sunday, September 29th, 2024 -- The Very Rev. Ken Gray Today’s preacher is presented with an embarrassment of homiletical riches. On this, the Feast of St. Michael (Michaelmas) Revelation describes how “war broke out in heaven; Michael... Continue Reading →
The Witness Blanket — Truth telling towards reconciliation
I am so pleased to share this blog by Carey Newman, Indigenous artist, master carver, filmmaker, author, mentor, and public speaker.On his father’s side, he is from the Kwakwaka’wakw from the Kukwekum, Giiksam, and WaWalaby’ie clans of Fort Rupert, and Coast Salish from Cheam of the Sto:lo Nation along the upper Fraser Valley, in what... Continue Reading →
Invitation
Everyone is invited to join us on the hill at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens for a special time of reflective quiet and garden exploration on Sunday, September 29th. To the information on the poster, allow me to add the following: On the day, if possible, please bring a small foodstuff—finger food only, no utensils required... Continue Reading →
Sometimes I just need to calm down – Here is a way to do this
Bishop Craig Loya, Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota [Facebook] I have always done a lot of the cooking in our family. I am neither a particularly good, nor a particularly creative, cook. Like many busy parents, I have a small rotation of simple meals that help keep us nourished in the midst of full and busy... Continue Reading →
Is non-violence possible in Middle Eastern states? And everywhere else?
Given my recent comments on social turmoil in the United States, specially evident in the presidential election (see Opposites) I am delighted to follow these posts up with the following post from the Centre for Action and Contemplation (Richard Rohr), all very much to the point as conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is about to... Continue Reading →
Rest in power Lois Wilson 1927-2024
From the United Church of Canada, Friday Oct 13, 2024with thanks to Jennifer Henry for both the title and the share With great sadness, The United Church of Canada announces the death of The Very Rev., The Honourable Dr. Lois M. Wilson, the denomination’s 28th Moderator, and the first woman to fill the role. She... Continue Reading →
Why bother with church in the age of climate crisis?
Jasper, AB, Anglican Diocese of Edmonton John J. Thatamanil -- From FaithTides, a publication of the Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets, September 2, 2024 Church and world: how are we to think about the relationship between the two? Once upon a time, the question would have made little sense. When the church was the... Continue Reading →
I missed preaching on Ephesians chapter 6, and that’s a shame
I return to these words often: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of... Continue Reading →
The Tale of a one-leg sock yarn bunny – The Fast-Eddie story
With thanks to Victoria Laine and Kathie Gray for contributions. Let me tell you a story of a sock yarn bunny named Fast Eddie (FE). FE was quickly born because of a request by a friend, Victoria who asked, “Do you ever do custom orders?” after knitter, Kathie posted a picture of his cousin on... Continue Reading →
Voices from Israel — Mosaic, or Monolith?
My publication of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recent advisory statement on the need for Israel to heed the decision of the International Criminal Court drew some very helpful thoughts from a longtime and trusted friend, Lance Weisser. Archbishop Justin Welby says the State of Israel has been “denying the Palestinian people dignity, freedom and hope”... Continue Reading →