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 →
[Sorry for the second posting today but the report below is so very important it deserves immediate circulation. It is customary for a new president to visit and participate and worship at Washington's National Cathedral. For once, he did not control the agenda or its content. Bravo Madam Bishop.] The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde,... Continue Reading →
With thanks to Richard Geoffrey-Leggett here is “another nail-on-the-head assessment of the unfolding nightmare” south of our shared border with the USA. Political blogger Charlie Pierce spares no words with his trenchant analysis of the Trump first day in office.” [Charlie Pierce] "In my life, I have watched John Kennedy talk on television about missiles... 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 →
Juno is an increasingly popular, even famous dog-blogger, a fan favourite amongst takenote.ca readers. [Juno] So here’s how things usually work, each and every day, down at the Peach Orchard Dog Park in our little town of Summerland. Shortly before 0800 seven days a week, MawPaw (MP) and PawPaw (PP) drive me down to the... 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 →
Readers of this blog, and of this blog, are likely sick of this particular thread. I join you in frustration. That said, the comments below, while hardly unique, take the conversation further and in interesting ways. They deserve publication — but that’s it. No more comments on cruising. I do have another couple of subjects... 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 →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 