Minister, Reverend Cathy Kinsman
gucminister@graceunitedchurch.ca
Who inspires me? I am inspired by many people today and from the day’s gone by. In the last few years, I have been particularly inspired by the leadership of Brené Brown. I was captivated by her books The Gifts of Imperfection and Braving the Wilderness, which speak to courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. Her current book, Dare to Lead, is constantly open on my desk as I work to become more self-aware of these topics in my own life and the worlds of my family and parishioners.
Favourite Book: Oh books, so many books, I have many favourites. This last year it would have to be The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. If you are looking to immerse yourself in a really good story set in biblical times…this one is a page-turner. Jesus even shows up – imagine that! The role of women in biblical times – the struggles and unimaginable challenges they faced, keep you on the edge of your seat. I was really pleased to see the Grace Book Club will be reading this in April. I am looking forward to the discussion for sure. I hope folks will pick up a copy – mine is currently lent out, but when it is returned, I would be happy to share with another!
Favourite food: I LOVE bread, just about any kind, but limit my intake greatly. The best treat is Saturday morning toast with Cobbs multigrain bread, one piece slathered with BUTTER and homemade jam of some kind, the other with crunchy Kraft peanut butter.
Executive Director,
Bev Thurlow
gucexecdirector@graceunitedchurch.ca
Hi, My name is Bev Thurlow and I’m the Executive Director for Grace United Church. I have two children, Mark and Kendra and have been blessed with two grandchildren so far - Kendall & Chase.
Who inspires me? I have been inspired by my husband Ken. I was told that everything in life is achievable - I start each day with this thought. With the taking on of my new position I have learned immensely and I am never surprised by anything that comes across my desk.
When I'm not at Grace working, I run a longarm quilting business out of my home. Some of my greatest satisfactions have been from taking clothes from a loved one(s) and turning into a memory quilt for them to cherish and give comfort. I love to start a new project.
Affirming Support Worker, Jenson Brown
Who inspires me? I have been blessed to cross paths with so many people throughout my life who have inspired me in many different ways. My family gives me strength to reach for my dreams, to push beyond perceived limitations, and to be the best version of myself I can be as a partner, father, son, brother, and uncle. My amazing students motivate me to strive for creative solutions in and outside the classroom, to find joy in life-long learning, and to navigate challenges as a united team. My dear friends constantly encourage me to embrace my goofy, authentic self, to be unabashedly creative, and to love without fear of rejection. And last, but certainly not least, the countless teachers, role models, coaches, administrators, and community leaders I have had the honour of working under and alongside have taught me to never stop evaluating my place within this beautiful, mysterious, unpredictable, and wondrous world we all call home, to find beauty in both sunlight and storm-clouds, and to trust in the journey I am on.
Favourite Book:There are very few genres I don't love to read, and so many authors who make up my "top ten" lists for one reason or another. That said, my usual go-to books fall within the realms of fantasy and science fiction and include numerous titles by Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, Anne McCaffrey, and James Rollins, as well as classical fantasy and science fiction authors such as George Orwell, Mary Shelly, J.R.R Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, H.G. Wells and so many more. Historical fiction favorites include the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters and The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, and my bedside table library would not be complete without a copy of the Torah.
Favourite Food: Oh, this one is easy! I have often said if I were only able to eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would be rice. But, smoked tofu, challah, and gummy bears, also score very high on my favourite foods list!
Playschool Director, Lori Haygarth
gucplayschool@graceunitedchurch.ca
Who inspires me? My grandma always was and always will be my inspiration!
Favourite book: That's tough as I have a few; Water For Elephants, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and The Help.
Favourite food: Any dish with chicken!
Playschool staff, Jenell Krykowski
To reach Jennell, contact Lori or the church office
Who inspires me? I find inspiration all around me. I am or have been inspired by so many wonderful human beings. My great grandparents travelled to Canada from the Ukraine with nothing and accomplished so many things during their lifetime. My family and friends have encouraged and guided me through the good, the bad and everything in between. My husband Arthur and children Tyra and Hunter, I love them dearly!! And the children I work with daily. Their joy for the little things, resilience and thirst for new adventures and experiences.
Favourite book: As a kid growing up I loved the Anne of Green Gables Series. I would have to say that they are still my all-time favourite. I have the series tucked up in my closet that I bought as a young teen with the money I earned babysitting.
Favourite food: A favourite food of mine is toast with butter, sliced into strips and then dunked into tomato juice. It’s a favourite that my grandma and mom shared with my sisters and me. Still when I go visit I will go down to grandmas canning cupboard and bring some tomato juice up to have with her homemade bread toasted for breakfast.
Choir Director, Karen Fawcett
Who Inspires you? Well, I’m not so much inspired by a person as I am by a deadline.
Favourite Books: The Owl Who Loved Sunshine, The Secret Garden and Never Spit on Your Shoes.
Favourite food: Just one?? My Mom’s Christmas pudding, fruitcake or sour cream and raisin pie. The runner-up is Maria’s Favorite at Spiro’s.
Volunteer Staff:
Sound Technician: Garnet Weaver, gusoundbooth@gmail.com
Pianist: Lois Sonnega
Organist:
Envelope Assistant: Sheila Coulter, Dennis Morgan, Joan Ellis
Serving the Community: The Congregation