Another in a series of short personal fictional stories about a mystery church with a quirky minister in an unnamed community, though not in a galaxy far away. Enjoy. A face stares up at me from a large bowl of Bouillabaisse, a French seafood stew -- the version before me with a wonderful west coast... Continue Reading →
How to Follow the Right Star — Directions for Epiphany
Photo credit: Michael Shapcott A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland, Epiphany 2025 – The Very Rev. Ken Gray Before one sets off on an Epiphany journey it’s 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 →
Inspiration for the New Year
On New Years Day I typically share W. H. Auden’s 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 Frum’s publication this week “Good Intentions Gone Bad” in The Atlantic wants readers to believe that recognizing Indigenous land rights is an unfortunate mistake — an ill-timed indulgence that threatens economic growth just when the country needs it most. He writes that the courts are “inventing... Continue Reading →
Talking to myself is OK – At least that’s what I say to myself
Based on Talking to yourself when you’re alone: Psychology shows it often reveals powerful traits and exceptional abilities - By Redac / 29 December 2025 “Hey Kathie, I saw Ken walking down to the post office the other day.” “Really. So tell me, was he talking to himself?” “Funny you should mention that; he was,... Continue Reading →
Essential “night before” listening for all ages
It is indeed ages since I have read or heard this poem. A marvellous presentation by Louis Armstrong (Sachmo). Not sure of the piano accompanist but might have been Marian McPartland. Brilliant and sensitive playing. Other great seasonal links in the Youtube comments and description. Happy Christmas to all. https://youtu.be/cmt2TZWGoO8
And Mary sang
The politics of humiliation and the God who listened to Mary Many thanks to Betty-Ann Xenis for this suggestion. Derek Penwell on Substack - Dec 12, 2025 Mary asked, “How can this be?” but heaven didn’t call her nasty. Quiet, piggy. Ugly inside and out. Stupid and nasty. Can you hear the beat? Say the... Continue Reading →
“With the grace of moving air” – Wisdom from Anne Lamott
Originally published on Facebook A great friend was visiting from the East Coast last week and we took a walk in rain jackets under a pitiless blue sky. There was not a cloud in sight, although the weather app said there would be soon be rain. You really didn’t know whom to trust these days,... Continue Reading →
What Sweeter Music
It is hard to identify to which English carols Robert Herrick (1591-1674) refers in his nativity text, What Sweeter Music: What sweeter music can we bringThan a carol, for to singThe birth of this our heavenly King?Awake the voice! Awake the string! When children would reach for their stockingsAnd open the presents they foundThe lights... Continue Reading →
A new text for an old Advent tradition – A Doxology for Humanity
From Following Jesus: A life of faith in a postmodern world - on Facebook from where these images also appear. With thanks to Imelda Kedge for the link From Kurt at followingJesus.org I wrote this for US Thanksgiving in 2013 when our table included those born in the USA, Iraq, Korea, and Ethiopia. With Christians,... Continue Reading →