Ask the Nominees: Week 4
Each week leading up to General Council we are asking the nominees for Moderator one question to help everyone get to know each of them a little better. More information about each nominee, their gifts, and their vision for the church can be found on the Moderator Nominees page.
Q: How do you relax and rejuvenate yourself?
Posted: July 3, 2012
Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett
That's tough for me, I'll admit. My favourite place is at a cottage (or similar) with one other or a small number of friends or family, where we can read, listen to the rain, canoe, talk quietly, nap, or just sit. Eat when we want, sleep when we want. My life feels quite structured most of the time so the absence of agendas is wonderful.
Rev. Arlen John Bonnar
Relaxation is an outward and inward journey. Outwardly, I get away from routines by travelling (mostly cruises). Inwardly, I relax by painting with watercolour. Rejuvenation is that time when I "plug into" the energy and love that nourishes and sustains me: when I am with my family and friends. It also happens in the silence, knowing that our amazing God loves and cares for me!
Rev. Sally Boyle
RVing, golfing, reading a good mystery novel, and drinking a cup of coffee at my favourite coffee shop, watching movies, playing with the dog, renovating, enjoying a glass of wine with a few friends, sudoku (no kidding, I do find it relaxing), sitting at a campfire roasting hot dogs, and watching a prairie sunset.
Rev. Gary V. Clark
Cycling, walking, reading, and being with lots of people.
Rev. Jeff Cook
I go for walks, play tennis, play hockey, read, sketch, listen to music (folk, jazz, Broadway musicals), walk the labyrinth, pray, watch movies, exercise, attend live theatre, spend time with family and friends, drink chocolate milk…and often laugh at my own jokes!
Rev. David Fines
Reading and writing and biking and playing piano and listening to music and going out with my love and…spending time with my grandchildren (which is surely rejuvenating but not always relaxing!).
Rev. Dr. Orville James
Three activities help me: Exercise—nothing like playing hockey or a long swim to clear my head. Secondly, sitting still and silent on the dock at the lake. Lastly, without sounding too pious—prayer. Regular, candid sharing with God rejuvenates and relaxes my body and soul.
Mr. Moses Kanhai
Time with my grandchildren. Cintra and I are blessed to have two wonderful grandsons under 5. Although they live 600 km away, we do see them often enough that we are invigorated by their youthful energy and curiousity and are reminded of what's really important in life.
Rev. John Lawson
Anything in the outdoors—reading on the deck, gardening, early morning walking and praying, sitting around with friends on a summer evening chatting, listening to the crickets and watching the day disappear.
Rev. Gary J. Paterson
Down to ocean, walking along the sweep of the seawall, tide moving in and out; gull, cormorant, heron. Then, cut into the forest of Stanley Park, 50 shades of green, and the song of kinglet, towhee, flicker; over to Lost Lagoon, through the gardens, mock orange in blossom; up past the heronry—home. Followed by a good novel, some jazz; then, start prepping dinner—tonight, wild salmon and local asparagus; set table for two; light candles.
Rev. Lisa Potter
Each day I start the day with meditation and prayer as well as a few yoga exercises. In the spring I can't wait to start gardening. I love it. Often I do my own gardening and my neighbours'. Love to pick berries in the late summer and fall, especially wild blueberries and bakeapples. I have been an avid reader all my life. Often have several books on the go at once. Every fall my family from around the country gathers for four days of fun and visiting, In July my family here on the Island fishes for cod. Love that first bite on the jigger.
Rev. Dr. Barry K. Pridham
Last summer I rediscovered my love of painting. I painted, sitting on the docks of two little harbours back home on Prince Edward Island. This summer I will paint in the Rockies of Alberta while visiting my wife's family. Today, Canada Day Monday, I will paint on the shores of Cristal Beach, on Lake Erie, as we visit some of our children. I'm a gardener. Flowers and some vegetables grow in abundance in our yard and along the driveway. (One of seven yards to be shown during Brantford's annual garden show last summer.) We take in plays at Stratford, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Toronto. Every Tuesday morning I enjoy relaxing with colleagues over coffee at a cafe. I take Mondays off religiously. I enjoy daily devotions, reading, CBC News, and documentaries. Being a people person, I am renewed just being around others at work and in community. I exercise regularly with a trainer. I am a fisher.
Rev. Paul Reed
A canoe trip, a multi-day hike, a road trip—taken best with family. Rocks, trees, and water (think Arrogant Worms) give me a sense of being home. And home. Sitting and looking out on the maple syrup bush and forest beyond—there is peace in my soul.
Rev. Dr. Tom Sherwood
Lorena and I spend time together with our special needs daughter, who doesn't speak, and needs complete care. It is sacred time. Alone, I work out or lead exercise classes. When I lift weights, the weight of the world is somehow lifted a little. I feel stronger and life is lighter.
Rev. Dr. John H. Young
I like to hike, read, work in the garden, and play high strategy games. I also relax and rejuvenate by spending time with our dog (who also likes to hike).
