Prior to moving from Kamloops in October 2022 I assisted one counsellor in her election and supported an unsuccessful mayoral candidate. So I have some of skin in the local Kamloops political game. I follow from a distance however, with a sick feeling in my stomach as the level of conflict and dysfunction continues to... Continue Reading →
Ed Sullivan Matters to Black History
Photo: Ed Sullivan and Coretta Scott King - Photo courtesy of SOFA Entertainment By Kevin Powell (from Facebook) Because he was such an icon, he was able to have Black artists on TV when they were often not welcomed nor wanted elsewhere. I cannot recall when I first heard the name Ed Sullivan, but it... Continue Reading →
An unsolicited review of a timely book
Following a flurry of online and in-person book launches, I was delighted to receive the following review of Partnership as Mission: Essays in Memory of Ellie Johnson by the Rev. Margaret Marquardt. Such a pleasant surprise from one who knows the tough road of advocacy, long before the word "justice" even entered my own vocabulary.... Continue Reading →
The Gift Farm Garden grows, gives, and teaches
The Rev. Canon Anne Privett introduced our readers to the Gift Farm Garden last year. Here is her May 2024 update. Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15) A blessed Ascensiontide to all! We so rarely hear Mark’s version of the Ascension where Christ... Continue Reading →
Notwithstanding Poilievre
Cards facing up on the table; I value compassion, conversation, collaboration; I abhor competition, collusion, and condescension. Call me wimpy; it’s what has worked best for me over the years. Readers of this blog are well aware that my own politics lean progressive and left, so a criticism of the Canadian federal opposition leader Pierre... Continue Reading →
Love letters
A sermon for Sixth Sunday of EasterSunday, May 5th, 2024St. Saviour, PentictonKen Gray "The great living God of heaven and Earth who made the sea and all that swim in the waters, the skies and their flying birds, the solid land and all the creatures that grow, slither, burrow, lumber, or walk upon it on... Continue Reading →
The opportunity is before us: Lessons from Ellie Johnson
A sermon shared with the parish of St. George, Cadboro Bay, Victoria BC on Sunday, April 28, 2024 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing . . .... Continue Reading →
The Magnitude of All Things – Thoughts on grief and the climate crisis
A presentation at St. George the Martyr, Victoria BC -- Wednesday April 24, 2024 -- Kenneth Gray The late Fran Haberlin, co-director of the Sorrento Centre always began her presentations with: “Gee it’s great to be here,” and “where do we go from here?” Well it is great to be here and thanks for coming... Continue Reading →
Coffee stains with Justice — Justice one step beyond fair trade
UPDATE: Tuesday, May 7, 9:30-11 a.m. Oasis United Church, 2964 Skaha Lake Rd (near Green), Penticton -- Come for coffee with Neydi Juracán, a Guatemalan land defender and promotor of fair trade coffee. She will share stories of how small farmers work to protect land rights, using fair trade coffee as a tool for social... Continue Reading →
Who is this for anyway? Thoughts on breakfast and other matters
A sermon preached at St. Stephen, Summerland on the third Sunday of Easter season, Sunday, April 14 2024 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them,... Continue Reading →