Labradoodle Juno is a popular dog-blogger living in Summerland BC with her MaPaw and PaPaw, Ken and Kathie Gray “What was your name again?” Juno asked. “Yogi.” “That’s an unusual name. Reminds me of Yogi Bear, you know, Yellowstone Park and all that—don’t burn the forest down—a Saturday morning cartoon character.” “No I am not... Continue Reading →
Tree Talking — Learning to care for one another, just like trees in the forest
Images from Haro Woods near the University of Victoria, by the author Living in Kamloops BC from 2016 till 2022 I was often reminded of the region’s close connections to the rest of Canada, even before “Canada” existed. The word “Kamloops” is the English translation of the Shuswap word Tk’emlúps, meaning ‘where the rivers meet,’... Continue Reading →
Mocha Muck
A new lifestyle series – From those who bring you Life in our Little Town, of Summerland It burps and it drips; it spits and it squirts. It is ubiquitous in our lives, whether in cities or small villages, locally in shops, schools, and workplaces, or on the road in the wastelands and watering holes... Continue Reading →
The Magnitude of All Things – Thoughts on grief and the climate crisis
A presentation at St. George the Martyr, Victoria BC -- Wednesday April 24, 2024 -- Kenneth Gray The late Fran Haberlin, co-director of the Sorrento Centre always began her presentations with: “Gee it’s great to be here,” and “where do we go from here?” Well it is great to be here and thanks for coming... Continue Reading →
She stole the show: Ceremony, creativity, and connection
A reprint from Susie Henderson, a textile artist based in Toronto, Ontario. Her partner, Jennifer Henry is a longtime activist and justice-impassioned leader who was recently ordained as a minister in the United Church of Canada. A stole is the long “scarfy” thing worn by clergy during worship services. Sometimes people are surprised that I... Continue Reading →
UN GLOBAL PLASTIC TREATY IS IN JEOPARDY but we can all help
A message from the Rev. Dr. Rachel MashAnglican Communion Environmental Network coordinator Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,Happy Easter! Christ is Risen! Hallelujah. We would like to ask for your urgent support to help protect the UN Global Plastic Treaty. The UN Environmental Assembly passed a resolution calling for a global legally binding plastic treaty. This is... Continue Reading →
West Coast Book Launches
PARTNERSHIP AS MISSIONEssays in Memory of Ellie Johnson Following successful launches in Ontario and Quebec it is time to share this inspiring volume in person with BC readers. With thanks to those hosting us in both Vancouver and Victoria please share the posters included below with those interested in Christian mission today. We draw attention... Continue Reading →
The Sweetness of Dogs
A poem by Mary Oliverselected by Juno What do you say, Percy? I am thinking of sitting out on the sand to watch the moon rise. It’s full tonight. So we go and the moon rises, so beautiful it makes me shudder, makes me think about time and space, makes me take measure of myself:... Continue Reading →
Such a great closing line — Barbara Brown Taylor knocks it out of the stadium again
Reposted from the Centre for Action and Contemplation, March 21, 2024 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it!” —Genesis 28:16 Author Barbara Brown Taylor considers how God shows up in all things: The Bible I set out to learn and love... Continue Reading →
A new season for the calendar of the church? I hope so
Ecumenical participants gathered in Assisi--others joined online Today’s blog provides a brief overview of Anglican engagement with the global Season of Creation (Sept 1 – Oct 4, The Feast Day of St. Francis). This text was presented by Dr. Rachel Mash, secretary of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network (a post I held from 2005-2018) on... Continue Reading →