“Something magical happens when Michael Kaeshammer sits at the piano. Sure, like all pianists, he plays 12 notes across 88 keys. But the musician and songwriter coaxes dazzling, kaleidoscopic sounds from his instrument in a way few can rival.” Thursday night’s performance at Oliver’s Frank Venables Theatre (no bad seat in the house BTW) showed... Continue Reading →
I am pleased to share a sermon from a colleague, Fiona Brownlee preached at Montreal’s Christ Church Cathedral on the 20th Anniversary of the Massacre at Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal, December 6, 1989. After the event and Fiona’s sermon the sentiments expressed remain potent and deserving of our attention today. Scripture Readings:Judges 11: 30-40Psalm 551 Corinthians... Continue Reading →
An Advent poem from John Bell I have come across John Bell many times since the early 1990s. The person and work of this longtime member of the Iona Community in Scotland, a teacher, theologian, musician, poet, activist, and ecumenical leader has influenced my own ministry in so many ways as both a priest and... Continue Reading →
Growing up as a boy chorister at St. John the Divine in Victoria I remember well the hymns of Advent. “Come thou redeemer of the earth,” “Lo, He comes with clouds, descending,” “On Jordan’s bank the Baptist cry,” with many others. These well populate my musical memory in a wonderful way, though I must say... Continue Reading →
Ken and Kathie’s five-year-old Labradoodle, Juno, is a well known blogger with followers from all over Canada, the US, the United Kingdom, and sometimes Ghana. Here are Juno’s thoughts on canine coiffure along with thoughts on human sartorial elegance. Enjoy. It’s important to look good. Whether walking around the house or running and prancing about... Continue Reading →
A sermon for the First Sunday of Advent -- Sunday, December 1st, 2024For the congregation of St. Saviour Anglican Church in Penticton, BC CanadaThe Very Rev. Ken Gray Sometimes you’ve just gotta sing. A United Church minister friend from many years ago used to say, “they’ll listen when you talk, but they’ll remember when you... Continue Reading →
Here begins the shortest post I have ever written, and likely the shortest ever. (I hear no complaints.) What a pleasure it has been to craft reflections for our Canadian Anglican Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund for Advent 2024. Recently renamed Accompanying Hope, the agency has a long history of supporting relief and development... Continue Reading →
Fundraiser by Salal + Cedar Watershed Discipleship Ministry [Ken Gray] As a contributor to Wild Lectionary project I have found my own inherited prejudices challenged and my theological imagination stretched. As one who continues to preach almost weekly, even in retirement, I have been introduced to powerful scholarship and deep ecological experience shared by a... Continue Reading →
James Dalzell // Blue Jays DailyNovember 23, 2024 (10:15) We're just over a month away from the season of giving and everyone is getting their wish lists together. Here's a fun little wish list for The Toronto Blue Jays to ask Santa for. Dear Santa (Atkins) this is my wish list for this Holiday (off)... Continue Reading →
Excerpts from Climate Politics by Lisa Friedman at the NYT The expression "first do no harm" is a popular term used to express the underlying ethical rules of modern medicine. Although this is generally thought to have been taken from the ancient Greek Hippocratic oath, no translations of the oath contain this language. It is... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 