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 →
Jane Philpott โ A very personal and faithful politics
Spirituality and Health Care: An interview with Dr. Jane Philpott [Ken Gray] I first became aware of Dr. Jane Philpott as she stood beside Jody Wilson-Raybould, then Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, both eventually fired from the Liberal cabinet of the day by Justin Trudeau. They took their stand on principle as the most significant... Continue Reading →
Panic and polished fingernails — Anne Lamott
Here's an inspiring piece by Anne Lamott published a few days ago in the Los Angeles Times. A cartoon in the New Yorker decades ago showed two prisoners chained to the wall at the wrists and ankles, well off the ground, in a jail cell, in a cave. One man turns to the other and... Continue Reading →
We should always be friends โ Wab Kinew to Donald Trump and all Americans
I like Wab Kinew, a lot. If we moved in the same circles I think we could easily be friends. Wabanakwut, the 25th Premier of Manitoba has been an author, musician, broadcaster and university administrator. He is best known as a host of programming on CBC Radio and CBC Television. Kinew is Canada's first provincial... Continue Reading →