I know, we’ll all gobsmackingly sick of the US presidential election. We definitely want the Harris/Walz ticket to win, but watching the cheating, disinformation, voter manipulation, and rubbish reaction of hardcore Republican Trumpian actors is so very tiring. Yet if we say nothing, or do nothing, then they win. Simple as that. And don’t think... Continue Reading →
Cullen culled as part of the BC interior blue wave
Here in BC, following our recent provincial election on Saturday, October 19, 2024 both the BC Conservatives and provincial New Democrats remain virtually tied. The Greens may once again hold the balance of power with two seats. A handful of ridings are still too close to call given the number of mail-in ballots remaining to... Continue Reading →
God as Lover — Moving towards a fresh and unexpected future
In a recent post from the Centre for Action and Contemplation (Richard Rohr) Theologian Elizabeth Johnson shows how our understanding of creation has evolved since Genesis: Ancient biblical writers, imbued with faith in God’s creative power, described poetically how God stretched out the heavens, laid firm the foundations of the land, gave the sea instructions... Continue Reading →
Artists need support from the communities they nourish so that they can flourish
Summerland jazz musician Larry Crawford at a recent community centre concert event A guest blog by Susan NorieAnother in our “Little Town of Summerland” series Following a discussion covering the topic of Aging in the Arts at the Ryga Arts Festival (see Ken’s earlier blog) a broad spectrum of issues was covered at that discussion.... Continue Reading →
Meme-Stakes – Both are high
Henry Porter in The Guardian reports from inside recent Trump Rallies: “To attend a Trump rally in rural America makes you worry for humanity’s future. After six hours in the baking sun watching 60,000-plus Trump supporters lap up his lies, I am here to tell you that there are few more lowering experiences to be... Continue Reading →
Nothing is impossible, I hope
A Sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour, Penticton BCSunday, October 13th, 2024 (Canadian Thanksgiving)The Very Rev. Ken Gray JOB 23:1-9, 16-17; PSALM 22:1-15; HEBREWS 4:12-16; MARK 10:17-31 I can say with confidence that I have never been accused or convicted of a crime. I have been in court a number of times to watch... Continue Reading →
NDP and ME
BC’s average real GDP per capita was 2.4 per cent higher in 2023 than five years earlier, compared with a 0.6 per cent decline in Canada overall. Photo via Wikimedia, Creative Commons licensed (THE TYEE) It will not surprise readers of this blog to discover that I have begun to comment on the BC Election... Continue Reading →
Peace Train – Get on board
On this the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, the effects of which remain deadly and destructive on all sides today, I want to promote peace, but how? There have been many peace walks, peace protests, peace initiatives in recent decades; there have also been peace trains: Cue Jusuf Islam (Cat Stevens). Why... Continue Reading →
And so it goes — Memes and memories (AKA It’s all a matter of debate)
The dedication and enthusiasm of American pollsters, journalists, academics, campaign workers, and the candidates themselves are matched—and in some estimates exceeded—only by the efforts of researchers here at takenote.ca. Our goal is to continue to place before you, dear reader, inspiring, witty, artistic, topically relevant, sometimes edgy political imagery which captures the intent and spirit... Continue Reading →
God is green, and denying climate change is anti-Christian
From The Independent — Sunday 22 September 2024 When we hear the command of Christ to treasure God’s creation, it is up to us to heed the call, writes Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby Earlier this year, I attempted to visit the Darien Gap in Central America. With its 165 miles of dense jungle, connecting... Continue Reading →