So you think stacking firewood is easy. You are right, but only if you know what you are doing. Depending on the tree species in your region — here, we have easy access to fir, alder, hemlock, and Western Red cedar — there are many things to consider before stacking, even before you venture into... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray] So here’s a lovely reflection on worship music selection presented in the context of the Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Lent: Jesus in the Wilderness. As one who have lived and worked both sides of the organ bench, as both priest/preacher/presider, and musician, Rev. Jesse’s words make me smile. I think... Continue Reading →
What to do with leftover stubs from altar candles? While some churches have abandoned beeswax or other real wax candles, some parishes continue to use them in worship. They look and smell lovely; better than any battery or oil fueled substitute for my money. The only problem is what to do with the stubs, a... Continue Reading →
No questions asked This is what I hear when I return something to my local big box stores. For whatever reason the item I purchased does not work out for my needs or wants. I would like my money back please. Almost always, the money is immediately refunded, with a smile. No questions asked. I... Continue Reading →
A few days late, but a great history from Matthew Larkin, with thanks And today, I’m thinking of this guy, who died 150 years ago this date (January 22). John Bacchus Dykes: priest, organist, composer, tractarian: a composer of well over 250 hymn tunes, and an avid and determined ritualist who stood tall against his... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray] This past Christmas Eve while visiting with family in Nelson, BC my wife and I worshipped with the congregation of St. Saviour Anglican Church. In line with Anglican practice, the presider, the Rev. David Burrows, offered a land acknowledgement. It was both fulsome and beautiful. I contacted David a few days later asking... Continue Reading →
AKA Confessions of a Kindle addict A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland on Sunday, January 18, 2005 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray There are all sorts of ethical concerns surrounding the owner of Amazon, US tech billionaire Jeff Bezos. That admitted and underlined, the Amazon process of book purchase and delivery... Continue Reading →
Another in the series: Stories from Somewhere by me, Ken GrayAn index to other stories is here “God be with you.” “Oh Lord, not again. ‘God’ is so archaic. Surely ‘source of all being’ is better, more relevant, inclusive, and pleasing to the Divine.” “But you just said ‘Lord.’ There’s a problem there pal. Pate-ree-ark-al.”... Continue Reading →
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour, Penticton on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 11, 2026 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray Let’s start with three questions. Last week we had the Three Kings; this week, Three Questions: 1) Since the new year, how many times have you written... Continue Reading →
Center for Action and Contemplation faculty member Brian McLaren introduces the 2026 Daily Meditations theme: “Good News for a Fractured World” — Sunday, January 4, 2026 [Brian McLaren] Our world is deeply fractured. We see the symptoms all around us. We see it in politics. We see it in social media. We see it in... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 