Anglicanism #1, from Dan Scott on Facebook Over the next few reflections, I want to share a few thoughts about Anglicanismโthe tradition that became my spiritual home. A Christian doesnโt exactly convert to Anglicanism. Baptized believers may eventually ask to be formally received and confirmed, but in practice they are welcomed to participate from the... Continue Reading →
In Memoriam โ The Very Rev. Dr. Jay Koyle
[Ken Gray] I crossed paths with Jay Koyle a few times over the years, initially at the Anglican Sorrento Centre in the BC interior. He was affable, intelligent, musical, spiritual, and a lot of fun. He was one of the good ones I would say. Rest in Peace faithful Christian leader. A song he taught... Continue Reading →
On the stacking of firewood — AKA Adventures with Don
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 โ here, we have easy access to fir, alder, hemlock, and Western Red cedar โ there are many things to consider before stacking, even before you venture into... Continue Reading →
Music selection and the Wilderness of Love
[Ken Gray] So hereโs 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. Jesseโs words make me smile. I think... Continue Reading →
Waxing elegant
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 →
What Costco, Ikea, and Walmart can teach the church
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 →
The man behind the music — A hymn reflection
A few days late, but a great history from Matthew Larkin, with thanks And today, Iโm 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 →
Acknowledging the land on which we live, work, and play โ A primer
[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 →
Iโll be seeing you
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 →
Liturgical renewal
Another in the series: Stories from Somewhere by me, Ken GrayAn index to other stories is here โGod be with you.โ โOh Lord, not again. โGodโ is so archaic. Surely โsource of all beingโ is better, more relevant, inclusive, and pleasing to the Divine.โ โBut you just said โLord.โ Thereโs a problem there pal. Pate-ree-ark-al.โ... Continue Reading →