“He stood his ground, he knew what was right, he kept his word, and he kept things honest,” says Hamel's widow, Margo Hearne. I first met Peter Hamel at a conference in the Diocese of British Columbia (now “Islands and Inlets”) in 1993. Newly ordained it was an early experience for me of the tempestuous... Continue Reading →
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour Church, Penticton on Sunday, October 5, 2025 [St. Francis transferred from Oct 4) by the Very Rev. Ken Gray “Preach the gospel at all times, and when absolutely necessary, use words” Attributed to St. Francis, these words embody the thirteenth-century Italian whose greatest honour was to be... Continue Reading →
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland, Canada — The sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 28, 2025 — The Very Rev. Ken Gray We heard some months ago Jesus’ declaration of blessing and woe: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you... Continue Reading →
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."—Winnie the Pooh Wife, Gine, and family members wrote: "Our dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many, Chris Rose, transitioned peacefully from this life on Wednesday Sept. 24th surrounded by his loving family and the loving care of his nurses... Continue Reading →
OK, I admit it; I am jealous of photographers who can travel to majestic, exotic, and breathtakingly beautiful places all over the world to capture amazing images -- Mount Killimanjero, Victoria Falls, the Great Bear Rainforest, New York City. I don’t travel all that well now; I cannot justify the expense given other priorities; I... Continue Reading →
I did not attend the Vancouver School of Theology so never studied with the late, Dr. Terry Anderson. I did meet him however in the early 2000s as he travelled to Summerland for a weekend event with local ecumenical clergy and our congregations. Summerland Christian community leaders were a diverse lot in those days, ranging... Continue Reading →
Tripp Hudgins, Sep 15, 2025 -- From Lo-fi Gospel minute on SubstackWith thanks to Carol Edwards I’m still trying to figure out why I’m allowing this whole situation to take up so much space in my mind and heart. I think it’s because people I love love Charlie Kirk. They admire him. They believe in... Continue Reading →
Another in my series “Larger Than Life Characters in our little town of Summerland” Dick Spencer and I met shortly after Kathie and I moved to Summerland in the fall of 1994. With his wife, Lois, he was a member of the Anglican congregation I served as priest from 1994-2004. A talented woodworker and carpenter... Continue Reading →
On Sundays when I do not preach or preside locally I try to include something relevant to “future-church” themes. While my typical Sunday morning worship experience occurs in traditionally built and appointed historic buildings, utilizing a familiar liturgy with mostly traditional music, I gotta say that I often don’t feel nourished. For many reasons, I... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray] As an ordained Canadian settler-descended Anglican who initially welcomed the First Nations version of the New Testament. The language seemed fresh, dynamic, and, well, different than other translations I have always used for preaching and proclamation. In using it sparingly in public worship I thought I was helping the process of healing and... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 