Shaking Off the February Blues: Summer Dreams and Study Leave Plans
In my younger years, my friends and I (John Borthwick) had a tradition that made the long, cold stretch of February feel a little brighter: our annual “February Blues” party. Everything revolved around the colour blue—blue outfits, blue foods, watching movies with “blue” in the title, and listening to blues music (creativity truly abounded!). It became a fun way to turn a dreary month into something memorable.
What about you? What do you do to shake off the February blues?
For some, it’s about planning a warm vacation; for others, it’s starting to dream about summer, even while the snow piles up outside. I was definitely the latter. During those February days, I’d start sketching out plans for our family’s summer vacation.
With that same plan-ful spirit, let me invite you to think ahead to summer 2025 —not just for rest and relaxation but also for renewal, especially if you’re a minister or professional church worker. Whether you take a formal study leave or find time for a personal retreat, summer offers a golden opportunity to recharge your mind, body, and spirit.
Here are a few suggestions to consider:
Suggestion 1: Permission to Do Nothing
Sometimes the best plan is no plan. Ministry leadership takes a lot out of us, and rest—true rest—is essential. Give yourself permission to pause. A personal retreat, time to reflect, or even a stretch of unstructured days can be deeply restorative. If you’ve been carrying a heavy season of ministry, hear this: permission granted.
Suggestion 2: Retreat at Crieff Hills
For those craving a change of pace, Crieff Hills Retreat Centre in Puslinch, Ontario, is one of my top recommendations. This National Retreat Centre of The Presbyterian Church in Canada is committed to ministry leader wellness and has reduced some of its accommodation prices for 2025.
A retreat at Crieff offers picturesque surroundings, quiet spaces for reflection, and outstanding meals that nourish both body and soul. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to include a meal plan—trust me, the food is worth it. Book your Crieff retreat today, and let it be the rest you need.
Suggestion 3: New Pastors’ Retreat at Presbyterian College
This year, we were recommended a gem: Presbyterian College in Montreal has launched a new Pastors’ Retreat program. They’ve set aside a one-bedroom suite on campus for clergy, participants in their mentoring program, and alumni. It’s reasonably priced (especially for Montreal!) and offers a peaceful space for reading, research, and reflection.
Plus, let’s not forget—you’re in Montreal! The food, the culture, the beauty of the city—it’s an incredible setting for rest and inspiration. With a program like this, I expect it’ll become a favourite retreat spot for many.
Option 4: Learning Opportunities to Refresh Your Ministry
If you’re someone who thrives on learning and doing, here are a few programs worth considering:
The Calvin Institute for Christian Worship (Grand Rapids, Michigan): Each summer, they offer application-based seminars on worship, ministry, and leadership. Applications are due March 15, so don’t delay.
Encounter World Religions Discovery Week (Toronto, Ontario): This immersive week invites you to visit diverse faith communities, engage in dialogue, and reflect deeply on interfaith connections. It’s a way to “travel the world” without leaving Canada and is a truly enriching experience.
Centre for Missional Leadership’s Guder Scholars Program (Vancouver, BC): Based at the University of British Columbia, this program combines high-quality teaching with the breathtaking surroundings of Vancouver. It’s application-based, and the deadline is February 14—act fast if you’re interested!
