The report below suggests that in the Church of England at least, a growing number of congregations are moving in a โcongregationalโ direction. This means โlow churchโ where the preaching of the word is prioritized over the sacramental engagement with that Word that is God. Congregationalism also indicates less tolerance for uniformity in practice and... Continue Reading →
No long sermon from me today
Amongst other gifts and duties, deacons preach in congregations as they connect us with the wider community In fact, no sermon at all today. As I now only preach on the first and third Sundays of each month today is truly a day of rest. Instead I share a reflection on sermons as an art... Continue Reading →
Makes the heart glad โ Environmental Expo at Church of the Advent in Colwood, BC
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 →
The Martyrs of Papua New Guinea โ A note from the annals of missionary history
One of the PNG martyrs was Lucian Tapiediucian Tapiedi He is one of the ten Modern Martyrs of the Anglican Church in the 20th century. The Martyrs statues were unveiled in 1998 above the west door of Westminster Abbey, he is second from the right [Art More, Summerland BC writes] I am pleased to share... Continue Reading →
Bat Vespers — Awesome outdoor worship
So what did you do on Saturday, July 27, 2024 when the sun set and the sky turned dark? I was watching a British crime drama on television; others in my Okanagan community enjoyed the warm waters of the lake; some might have been bird watching. I am certain however that no one here was... Continue Reading →
Pilgrimage — A timely spiritual opportunity
Reports and Resources from the Social and Ecological Justice Working Group of the Anglican Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia/Yukon Online Landing Page What a mouthful; feel free to shorten this title to the acronym โSEJ.โ It represents a small group of dedicated and creative Anglicans from most of the dioceses throughout the geographical Province of... 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 →
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 โscarfyโ 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 →