Mary Oliver in 2008, and for today Of The Empire We will be known as a culture that feared death and adored power, that tried to vanquish insecurity for the few and cared little for the penury of the many. We will be known as a culture that taught and rewarded the amassing of things,... Continue Reading →
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen SummerlandSunday, January 19, 2025Andrew Stephens-Rennie, Director of Missional Renewal, Anglican Diocese of Kootenay[Bold emphasis KJG] [Andrew Stephens-Rennie]Between the word that is spoken, the word that is heard, and the word that is lived, may your name be praised O God, our Strength and our Song. Amen. You... Continue Reading →
My colleague and friend, Jeff, recently emailed the following question to me: “Hi Ken -- just wondering how you're doing these days? So much terribly difficult stuff going on, all at once. We are struggling with it -- working a lot through the emotions, especially grief and frustration. Around here, most everyone is experiencing that.” ... Continue Reading →
From the Center for Action and ContemplationWednesday, January 15, 2025 [Ken Gray] I know some of you don't read my blogs in full. But in this case, if you read nothing more, READ THE FINAL PARAGRAPH -- Trust me on this [Center for Action and Contemplation] Let us not tire of preaching love, for this... Continue Reading →
What a great way to start the new year, every year, but especially this year, early on New Year’s Day 2025, a walk in the woods enjoying a Northern Lights display. My friend and colleague, Louise, lives in Smithers, the Gem of Northern British Columbia. Despite warmer temperatures than normal this year, snow lay on... Continue Reading →
I totally get it! When things change for me, other changes follow. When clergy leave a parish (or cathedral) things they valued sometimes disappear. (Trust me on this.) Joseph had led the people of Israel during times of famine. His prophecy of good and bad times was fully realized. As a result he enjoyed the... Continue Reading →
Sometimes the best advice I receive comes from those closest to me: Longtime friends, work colleagues, family members including my wife, Kathie, and our two kids. Farewell Facebook, goodbye Elon Musk, but hello to family members, those of my own flesh, to my own son, tho recently told me that “everything is evil.” This seemed... Continue Reading →
[Assis Naim Ateek, Sabeel Community] Dear Friends, What should our new year's message be when so many of our sisters and brothers in occupied Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and throughout the Middle East are experiencing fear, despair, anxiety, and the prospect of an uncertain future? I believe that an appropriate message should be of hope... Continue Reading →
Standing in a Penticton pulpit yesterday I thought aloud about suitable music for the Epiphany season. Today, on the Feast of Epiphany itself I have a suggestion which came to mind during yesterday’s sermon, a text by the English clergyman and theologian John Hanry Newman (1801-1890) who in 1833 wrote Lead Kindly Light enroute to... Continue Reading →
Allow me to introduce you to my dunking duck. Amongst other gifts I received this Christmas—a Tushie bidet, a bar of still unopened 70% chocolate, a pair of comfy maroon socks, a writer’s style guide, and the ubiquitous bottom-of-the-stocking orange, I received something I have wanted for a very long time, a youthful memento, a... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 