Photo credit: Michael Shapcott A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland, Epiphany 2025 โ The Very Rev. Ken Gray Before one sets off on an Epiphany journey itโs important to know which star to follow. There must have been dozens of bright lights in the Middle Eastern sky, many visible to the ancient... Continue Reading →
Remembering David Willcocks (1919-2015)
A reflection from December 16, 2019 by John Rutter [Ken Gray] It is now ten years since the death of Sir David Wilcocks, organist, conductor, composer/arranger, and college administrator. One of my great pleasures as a student at the Royal College of Music from 1977-1979 was singing in the RCM chorus which Sir David conducted ... Continue Reading →
Inspiration for the New Year
On New Years Day I typically share W. H. Audenโs poem New Year Letter, a truly imaginative and insightful piece I commend to you once again. This year however, I want to share something different, a sort of what I got for Christmas this year kind of report. I have almost finished "Joyride: A Memoir"... Continue Reading →
A response to David Frum
First published by Dennis Windigo, December 29, 2025 David Frumโs publication this week โGood Intentions Gone Badโ in The Atlantic wants readers to believe that recognizing Indigenous land rights is an unfortunate mistake โ an ill-timed indulgence that threatens economic growth just when the country needs it most. He writes that the courts are โinventing... Continue Reading →
Within a hair
Another in a series by me. For other chapters see below โWhat clipper did I use last time? Number three, or number four?โ I had procrastinated long enough. Looking like a modern day Einstein, my hair scrambled madly off in all directions, a sort of Labradoodle look with a dry, scratchy beard attached. It was... Continue Reading →
Beyond gratefulness
"The inevitability of death is what makes us love life"--Dianne Rayson The Rt. Rev. Geoff Woodcroft is the 13th bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ruperts Land in the Anglican Church of Canada having served from 2018-2025. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in October 2024 he went on immediate medical leave then considered palliative. He formally... Continue Reading →
Holding Onto Emmanuel
A message from the Sabeel community As we celebrate this Christmas season, we give thanks for your gifts of friendship and solidarity with the people of Palestine. Your support, prayers, and commitment to justice and peace sustain us and encourage our work every day. We especially honor those who are willing to take risks to... Continue Reading →
Noel
โNOELโ by J.R.R. Tolkien was written in 1936, amidst the gathering gloom of national socialism in Germany. At the time, it provided an antidote to social and political anxiety. May it provide some relief for us now. Grim was the world and grey last night:The moon and stars were fled,The hall was dark without song... Continue Reading →
To the Primate, General Secretary, Prolocutor, Council of General Synod, and those whom this may concern:
ย ย ย ย ย [Ken Gray] With many others I was shocked to learn of the termination of the position of National Animator for Youth Ministries a few days ago. While I fully support restructuring initiatives at the national, General Synod level, I am puzzled why the first position to go directly affects the welcoming and support of... Continue Reading →
โI say YESโ โ a Song for the Fourth Sunday in Advent
Itโs Carol Service at church this morning. Typically the 4th Sunday of Advent focuses specially on Mary, the โMary of the Annunciation.โ Church today will pay homage mostly to โMary of the Nativity,โ including her pondering of what happened on Christmas Day and afterward. In this space today, I return to Mary of the Annunciation,... Continue Reading →