Ask the Nominees: Week 9
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: What is one item you will be sure to pack for General Council?
Posted: August 8, 2012
Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett
Probably my iPad. Boring I know, but it has my workbook, Bible, notes, novel, and games for break time. There will be breaks won't there?!
Rev. Arlen John Bonnar
What do I pack for a journey that will be, one way or another, life changing? There are the tangibles—things that are easy to pack like my favourite shirt. It is the intangibles that I am having difficulty in packing, the memories of all those people and experiences that have been a part of my spiritual journey: my family, friends, church folk, and colleagues. There is the memory of two people who have been there longer than others and who have had a profound impact upon my life, my maternal grandparents. Apart from their amazing love, each gave me a life-long gift: my grandmother, courage; my grandfather, faith. I will need both of these gifts in abundance for GC 41. What will I be sure to pack? I will bring a photograph of my grandparents that will remind me of them, their gifts, and all those others who have been part of my journey.
Rev. Sally Boyle
My water bottle.
Rev. Gary V. Clark
My walking shoes.
Rev. Jeff Cook
A photo of our family.
Rev. David Fines
Not an easy question...because there are so many things we have to think about. But let's say that among all the things we have to bring I will not forget my camera in order to keep souvenirs of this very unique event, unique like each of the other six General Councils I already attended.
Rev. Dr. Orville James
Gotta bring…the Right Attitude. With so much work, discussions on denominational and international issues, challenges, and future visioning, I'm going to try to bring with me an attitude that is open to the Holy Spirit and cheerfully curious and receptive to the people with whom I'm sharing the week of worship and work.
Mr. Moses Kanhai
My tablet. What else would Moses pack? And I could choose between the electronic device or perhaps the tablet from the mountaintop encounter, or perhaps my low-dose Aspirin tablet.
Rev. John Lawson
A deep prayer that I and all who gather will be open and guided by the Holy Spirit in all we say and do—and that we would also know the Joy of the Spirit as well! "We are not alone…Thanks be to God!"
Rev. Gary J. Paterson
Oh, that's the easiest question of all…I remember what student dorms are like, so I'll be bringing my own pillow.
Rev. Lisa Potter
My clerical collar in honour of my father, the Rev. Sam Grandy, who wore it all his professional life and experienced it as a spiritual symbol that reminded others of their spirituality. This is the Newfoundland and Labrador tradition, which I deeply respect.
Rev. Dr. Barry K. Pridham
I will take my love of and commitment to Christ and the life and work of the church and an excitement about meeting new friends and touching base with long-time brothers and sisters in faith. I will go having done my homework around the reports, studies, and proposals before us. I go prayerfully aware of my responsibility to participate, discern, and vote for the ongoing visioning of the present and future shape of mission in and through the United Church. The chair of our church board, who is a commissioner, a youth delegate from our congregation, my wife, and I will travel together with commissioners from Hamilton Conference. We will be accompanied by the prayers of Erie Presbytery, Sydenham United, people of all denominations, and the Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu communities here in Brantford, Ontario.
Rev. Paul Reed
A sense of humour and patience. This is the gathering of the extended family, so some memories and stories to share of our common journey will be in order.
Rev. Dr. Tom Sherwood
No need to pack: I live across the street from the Ravens' Nest [recreational facility at Carleton]. I can see the building from my home. I already have a water bottle in my locker next to the gym. Each morning, as I walk to Council, I'll bring my Netbook loaded with the documentation, my gifts, and my willingness to offer them.
Rev. Dr. John H. Young
My computer.
