News Archives

A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert Bishop Charlene Kammerer's favorite way to relax is to sit on the beach with a good book.

A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert Bishop Sharon Rader spends time with her grandchildren when she wants to relax and renew her spirit. Bishop Sharon Rader, retired, told participants her favorite way to spend her time is with her four grandchildren. In a session called "Upfront and Personal," led by Bishop Susan Morrison, the bishops demonstrated their favorite pastimes and talked about how they relax and renew their spirits. Some 1,500 United Methodist clergywomen from around the world have gathered in Chicago to celebrate the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women in the denomination. The event, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, is Aug. 13-17. A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert. Photo #06891. Accompanies UMNS story #484. 8/15/06

Susan Hassinger: Knitting. "It is the thread throughout my life; a thread of the connection. … It's a prayerful activity. ... It is relaxation and spiritual renewal for me." Ann Sherer: Drinking coffee. She said there is nothing like having a cup of coffee with people. "It allows sharing and openness. One of the most important things in my life is community." She also enjoys reading mysteries. Linda Dobbins Lee: Weaving and knitting. "Making things to give to people is an expression of love." When people give her things to wear, "I am clothed in their spirit" and "clothed in God's spirit."

• Rosemarie Wenner: Traveling as widely as possible. She likes getting connected with people and learning "to speak their language." She is learning to speak Spanish.
• Beverly Shamana: Working with gourds. "I became friends with gourds in 1993." Women from all over the world use them, carry things in them and make music with them. "When I reach inside it, it feels like I am in touch with the womb of God."

• A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert Bishop Violet L. Fisher loves to garden.

  Bishop Violet L. Fisher, New York West Area, loves to grow vegetables and flowers in her garden. Fisher talked about her favorite pastime during the plenary session, "Upfront and Personal," at the 2006 Clergywomen's Consultation. Some 1,500 United Methodist clergywomen from around the world have gathered in Chicago to celebrate the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women in the denomination. The event, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, is Aug. 13-17. A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert. Photo #06896. Accompanies UMNS story #484. 8/15/06

  Violet Fisher: Gardening. "I enjoy working with the soil." She likes "getting on my knees and working the ground." She grows flowers and vegetables.
• Sally Dyck: Running. She began running Jan. 17, 1998. "I do so to be outside. I run for fitness, to be with God. ... I run when it is 100 degrees in Minnesota and scare the neighbors when it is 20 below."
• Hope Morgan Ward: Sailing. She likes being on the family boat, named "Grace," and being part of "a family relay." She likes sailing the waters off the Gulf Coast.
• Charlene Kammerer: Being near the water. She appreciates the rhythm in the sounds of waves breaking. Also, she says, "I read novels, mysteries and historical pieces."
• Deborah Kiesey: Playing piano. "I promised myself that I would play in the morning and I would play in the evening. … It is part of my devotion."
• Sharon Brown Christopher: Taking photographs. "I want to see as God sees, hear as God hears and love as God loves."
• Jane Middleton: Performing Tai Chi. In her absence from the consultation, the bishops performed a Tai Chi move in her honor.

A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert Bishop Minerva Carcaño works out her stress with a game of racquetball. Bishop Minerva Carcaño, Phoenix Area, says her favorite way to relax is with a good game of racquetball. Carcaño talked about her favorite pastime during a plenary session, "Upfront and Personal," during the 2006 Clergywomen's Consultation. Some 1,500 United Methodist clergywomen from around the world have gathered in Chicago to celebrate the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women in the denomination. The event, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, is Aug. 13-17. A UMNS photo by Kathy L. Gilbert. Photo #06897. Accompanies UMNS story #484. 8/15/06

Janice R. Huie: Hiking. Growing up on a farm, she was familiar with nature and was always outside. "I listen for the one that is so much bigger than I." She listens for the "sounds of the earth," the fluttering of the leaves, the sounds of birds and insects and water. Minerva Carcaño: Playing racquetball. "I don't cuss or curse, so it helps fill the need to cuss and curse" after dealing with people who might make you angry or upset you. Sharon Rader: Being with her grandchildren. "They remind me to be in the moment." Virginia Taylor: Caring for horses. "I have five heads-four Tennessee Walking Horses and a mule." There is "joy" in caring for horses. Mary Ann Swenson: Riding bicycles. "There are 26 bicycles in my garage. ... I pray when I peddle. God restores me and life is good." Judith Craig: Playing cards. "The best thing about retirement is that I can own up to fact that I was playing the whole time." Susan Morrison: Collecting sports memorabilia of women athletes. "I love sports."

During the session, a rocking chair in the center of the stage represented two episcopal matriarchs - Bishop Leontine Kelly, who could not attend because of health reasons and the late Marjorie Matthews, the first woman bishop in the denomination.

When the bishops finished revealing themselves, Morrison challenged the clergywomen to "find the things that make you whole."

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.

News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.