Writing today from an undisclosed location in central Ontario 90 minutesโ drive and boat ride north of Peterborough. Itโs summer here at a lovely cottage thanks to a kind invitation from a new family member and her parents. I say โcottage,โ having originally typed โcabinโ inappropriately. There is an important distinction between the two monikers.... Continue Reading →
Ken, a Quaker? You can stop laughing now
Lynn Phillips [Ken Gray] A few days ago I expressed concern about the Church of my heritage and clerical vocation, The Anglican Church of Canada. I suggested that some days I think I should look around a bit; try a different denomination; explore different worship styles. I have always been curious about the Quakers. I... Continue Reading →
Hey Porter
So hereโs the good news. Kathie and I are off to Ontario for some holiday and a Blue Jays game. Go Jays, sigh . . . We are leaving Juno at home with some trusted friends who are also house and dog sitters. And burglars take note, if you decide to break in I guarantee... Continue Reading →
Wisdom, about wisdom in the riper years of life
Podcast: Theologian Ronald Rolheiser talks about a spirituality for our wisdom years by John Dear, July 13, 2026 in the National Catholic Reporter On this week's episode of "The Nonviolent Jesus Podcast," I speak with writer and theologian Oblate Fr. Ronald Rolheiser about his latest book,Insane for the Light: A Spirituality for Our Wisdom Years,... Continue Reading →
An invitation to worship that honours both Creator and creation — From Samoa
by Galumalemana Bolivia Smith As the golden rays of the sun streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting vibrant colors across the altar, and the choir sang, โAll Heaven Declares the Beauty of the Risen Lord,โ I felt a deep sense of connection between heaven and earth. I was reminded why, as the Choir Master of... Continue Reading →
Thou visitest the earth
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, SummerlandSunday, July 12, 2026 -- The Very Rev. Ken Gray Thou visitest the earth, and blessest it:thou makest it very plenteousThou crownest the year with thy goodness:and thy clouds drop fatness-- Anthem by Maurice Greene (1696-1755) I used to sing this anthem by Maurice Greene as a... Continue Reading →
Pay attention! That’s all!
Original art on the Gray Family living room wall by Victoria artist Lisa Hebden 10 Quotes From Mary Oliver, the Patron Saint of Paying AttentionBy Jenna Barnett in Sojourners, Apr 14, 2025 I like to think of the late poet Mary Oliver as the patron saint of paying attention. She taught us to not take... Continue Reading →
Remembering Tom
The Honourable Tom Siddon, PC (1941โ2026) โ Obituary on Castanet [First, from Tomโs family] It is with heavy hearts, but with heads full of happy memories and passed down knowledge, that we must announce the passing of The Honourable Thomas Edward Siddon, P.C., on June 28, 2026. Tom was surrounded by family when he peacefully... Continue Reading →
Thanks Moravians – So much Good News here
The Rev. John Jackman, a man with a white beard and hair, and a boy of about 9 in a Scout uniform are shown at the altar of a church, with colorful confetti floating around them. Heard on US National Public Radio, June 28, 2026Noam Levey for KFF Health News WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. โ Some issues,... Continue Reading →
I’m not a country fan, but if I were, he would be my guy
From 940 CFCW, London, ONT Tommy Hunter, one of the most beloved figures in Canadian television and country music, has died. Born Thomas James Hunter on March 20, 1937, in London, Ontario, Hunter passed away on July 2, 2026, of natural causes. He was 89. Known to generations of viewers as "Canada's Country Gentleman," Hunter... Continue Reading →