A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, SummerlandSunday, June 23, 2024The Very Rev Ken Gray Once the decision was made, that Kathie and I would move to Summerland for me to take up the post of Rector of St. Stephen’s in 1994 we came up a few weeks prior to moving in order to... Continue Reading →
This past weekend Anglican Deacons, Canada gathered for its triennial meeting at the beautiful Sorrento Centre in the Shuswap region of British Columbia. Approximately sixty attendees from Anglican and Lutheran congregations, with guests from The United Church of Canada worshipped, prayed, sang, and studied for three days together. I was invited to join them for... Continue Reading →
First, let’s get a few things out of the way. A “murse” is a man’s purse. Typically (no woke welcome here) women carry a purse and men, a murse. Years ago in response to my frustration at constantly losing my personal belongings Kathie gave me a murse, a carry-all of a size somewhere between a... Continue Reading →
Welcome friends once again to International Albinism Awareness Day. As a person who lives the albino life since birth, I continue to support the work of Under the Same Sun, a Canada-based charity with albino leadership that supports albinos living at risk or who require assistance in meeting their life goals in Southern Africa, especially... Continue Reading →
Today is Provost Richard Howard's birthday (born 12 June 1884). Provost Richard Howard, led the ministry at Coventry Cathedral (UK) during WW2, and during the Coventry Blitz was one of four firefighters who went on the roof to try save the cathedral. The very next day, he stood in the ruins, still smouldering, and said... Continue Reading →
UPDATE The outcome from tonight’s meeting of Summerland Town council regarding the Peach Orchard Dog Park is very positive. The mayor explained his motion and his desire to continue to build consensus around this contentious matter. In response council while appreciating his intent disagreed. Initially concerns were expressed about the costs, historic and future if... Continue Reading →
It’s a word I use advisedly. As a cis-gender male it feels uncomfortable for me to use the word as I have only encountered it used pejoratively. Many in the Queer community welcome it with, yes, PRIDE. In conversation with a couple of clergy colleagues recently, I asked if we had read any Queer theology.... Continue Reading →
From an interview with Vatican News and the World Council of Churches In light of the recent data from Copernicus, the European Union's climate monitoring service, the video statement below from the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay (World Environment Day, 5 June, 2024) is timely and concerning. In... Continue Reading →
Fibre art by Helene Driscoll Melissa Kirsch in the New York Times June! Again! I know! Where has the time gone? It’s boring to even raise the issue — your subjective experience of the months and years passing so quickly, how it seems just yesterday you were doing something (making plans to see Barbenheimer, maybe?... Continue Reading →
Writing for the Centre for Action and Contemplation Rabbi Sharon Brous draws on her Jewish tradition to name the dignity of every human being. She tells a story illustrating how nearness and neighborliness lead to loving action: My friend goes to a church of Caribbean immigrants in downtown Los Angeles. One day his pastor preached:... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 