Photo by Daan Huttinga on Unsplash [Ken Gray] With thanks to Jesse Zink for this book review I thought something completely different from the geopolitics of the past few days was in order. I really enjoyed the book and would love to see the movie if ever produced. Highly recommended. [Jesse Zink] How do you... Continue Reading →
Get the picture, using AI?
I am always suspicious of the promises of emerging technology. Existing tech allows me to do so much more than I could five years ago. Why bother? My writing, conversation, photography, research, and most recently sports entertainment all benefit from hi-tech resources and solutions. Social media algorithms however suggest I need to go further in... Continue Reading →
“Donโt insult our intelligence” — Bernie Sanders confronts Netanyahuโs government.
No, Mr. Netanyahu, it is neither anti-Semitic nor pro-Hamas to report that in just over six months your extremist government has killed 34,000 Palestinians and injured 77,000, 70% of whom are women and children. It's not anti-Semitic to report that your attacks have destroyed 221k homes in Gaza, leaving one million people homeless, or nearly... Continue Reading →
Memorizing a poem is like taking a work of art that you love and letting it live and bloom inside of you
Poems are part of me, when I can remember them. As I age I find it harder to remember texts whether longer or shorter. Some years ago I used to proclaim the Christmas Gospel (John 1:1-14) while processing through the church, reciting from memory. It was an excellent discipline with a particular dramatic effect. Canโt... Continue Reading →
The Gospel according to SportsNet
Anglicans and other mainline church preachers seek new ways to share the Gospel in uncertain times โMy word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.โ (ISA 55:11-12) In Christian circles historically, the Word of... Continue Reading →
Canadian religious leaders and Earth Day โ Remembering Pope Francis
Canadian religious leaders are finding their voice on climate justice issues. In a joint statement in advance of Earth Day Lutheran bishop Susan Johnson, Interim Anglican Primate (senior bishop) Anne Germond, and Indigenous Anglican Bishop Chris Harper have issued a strong statement connecting faith with the climate crisis as a matter of importance for members... Continue Reading →
Stories that change lives โ Yours, and mine
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour Anglican Church, Penticton BC on Easter Day, April 20, 2025 โ The Very Rev. Ken Gray Letโs talk about stories: So who wrote the following? Les Misรฉrablesย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Victor HugoMurder she wroteย ย Agatha ChristieWho we areย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Murray SinclairThe Gospel according to John Concerning the latter, yes, you are... Continue Reading →
A Summerland Stories Scrapbook โ Historic Summerland brought to life
I am so pleased to help my writer colleague, Norma Hill launch her new book A Summerland Stories Scrapbook at a special event on Sunday night, May the 4th at 6 p.m. in the โStoneโ Church on Prairie Valley Rd in Summerland. Years in the making, Norma has assembled, transcribed, edited, and arranged literally hundreds... Continue Reading →
Dunking Duck and a favourite evening hymn
Now several years into blog creation here at takenote.ca I love to receive feedback from followers and subscribers. One curious reader enjoyed my Dunking Duck blog so much that she has requested a longer video, something akin to the popular and widely available Christmas fireplace, something she could watch when she is frustrated with her... Continue Reading →
Hobbies and side-hustles
I am looking forward to visiting with others who graduated from Victoriaโs Oak Bay High School fifty years ago, the Class of 1975. As interest spreads my guess is that around fifty of us will show up at a Victoria hotel in early June, hoping that we are recognizable and we will recognize others. I... Continue Reading →