When visiting Victoria recently I finally had the opportunity to watch and photograph parasailers. At other times, driving by Clover Point on Dallas Road, I would often glimpse brightly coloured sails that looked like miniature parachutes, a semi-circular chair cum hammock for an airborne sailor. As we were always going somewhere else and there was... Continue Reading →
Love letters
A sermon for Sixth Sunday of EasterSunday, May 5th, 2024St. Saviour, PentictonKen Gray "The great living God of heaven and Earth who made the sea and all that swim in the waters, the skies and their flying birds, the solid land and all the creatures that grow, slither, burrow, lumber, or walk upon it on... Continue Reading →
Bear, or Berra? – Juno is curious
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 opportunity is before us: Lessons from Ellie Johnson
A sermon shared with the parish of St. George, Cadboro Bay, Victoria BC on Sunday, April 28, 2024 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing . . .... 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 →
Coffee stains with Justice — Justice one step beyond fair trade
UPDATE: Tuesday, May 7, 9:30-11 a.m. Oasis United Church, 2964 Skaha Lake Rd (near Green), Penticton -- Come for coffee with Neydi Juracán, a Guatemalan land defender and promotor of fair trade coffee. She will share stories of how small farmers work to protect land rights, using fair trade coffee as a tool for social... 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 →
Who is this for anyway? Thoughts on breakfast and other matters
A sermon preached at St. Stephen, Summerland on the third Sunday of Easter season, Sunday, April 14 2024 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them,... Continue Reading →