Nashira Williams
Weekly Report #3
February 24, 2006

Vacational Bible School Meeting

I entered the church excited to learn about God's Grace Ministries vision for Vacational Bible School. In the room I saw some tropical like props assuming that it would be an island theme. The women in charge was very enthuastic about the children and making sure they gain something from the lessons and activities. The other members seem enthuastic to plan and get involved in any aspect they can. The bible school takes place in July for a week and allows children from PreK to the 6th grade. I was surpised they allowed children at such a young age. I was delighted to know that they were not just interested in getting only their children to join VBS. One of the reason probably pertains to the low population of youth in the church. They are doing a wonderful job of advertising by promoting in other towns and putting adds in the newspaper and on television.They have done a wonderful job with planning.

However, I was just a little concerned about the activities due to there confidence set upon this book full of things to do.I believe that you have to compromise and alter things a tad bit just incase things go wrong. I just hope they are prepared if an activity is not successful and that they have an alternate. The theme also threw me off a bit. The theme deals with treasure, God's love is a treasure(or something like that). I am afraid that the children will not understand how the them coincide with the lesson. Here I am 18 and don't really get why they are using that theme. But I am glad they have innovative ways to make VBS fun but still they must make sure that the children understand.

While at the meeting I noticed that the church still has problems with joining as one. One lady in particular seems to have problems with unity. She seems to be very active and willing to help but when she volunteers for things she always seems to mention a that people from her old church will do so and so. But still I think Pastor Spence is doing a wonderful job joining the churched together.

Furthermore, as Pastor Spence drove me home we began talking. She said one thing in particular that I will hold dear and remember. She mentioned that a passion must be in the hearts of thise committed to a specific ministry . She said she wouldnt mind if certain traditions or events are not continued. She doesn't want anyone doing an event because they are told. She wants people in that ministry or in charge of that event to love what they do and have a cheerful heart. For instance this one woman wanted to do arts and crafts; her face just lit up when it was mentioned. So I strongly agree with Pastor Spence. If the passion isnt there it creates such a bad environment and negativity, which is not exceptable when doing any work for Christ.

Nashira Williams
Week Report #2
February 9,2006

Council Meeting

I am absolutely grateful to take part of a council meeting I learned so much from all of the counsel members. Its so influential to learn so much before I've had a chance to even get into a pastoral ministry. They had several committees including ministry, business, comminity service, and youth. They basically discuss upcoming events, ideas, business proposals. At this moment they are concentrated on finding property to build a new church. I think the church is having difficulties being patient with the process and finding the right location. Being that they are an older church I believe they are a bit more anxious for change and progress.

Furthermore, the church was initially four different churches and was for lack of better words, forced to join as one. I understand that it has been a difficult process for some and it has been exhibited in the meeting. I noticed a bit of struggle with coming together. despite some of the animosities and tempers because of the change, I believe Pastor Mary has done a great job joining the churches together. They mentioned it was hard trying to mingle and join in unity. The council is concentrating on planning events where all members can develope a fondness and fellowship with one another.

One thing I truly loved was that they provided a financial statement which included the budget and expenses. Pastor May is very open with information and does not want to hide anything from her members. They even let me have a copy. I can definitely learn about budgeting for my church.

In addition, being at this meeting allowed me to take notice of the churches advocacy toward comminty service. I really appreciate that love to help the communtiy

Nashira Williams
Weekly Report # 1
Monday January 30
First meeting to meet common ground and schedule what we would like to accomplish

Prior to this meeting I was able to attend God's Grace Ministries United Methodist Church. I went on a gusty windy and rainy day looking forward to a fairly young or mixed church. Surprisingly as I entered Carter Chapel (on campus) I was greeted by an older couple, approximately 70 or older. I walked farther in to notice that everyone was older and all white. I immediately thought to myself what am I getting into. But thankfully as the service went on I felt comfortable and not feeling so much of an outcast. The people were so welcoming. It was such a coincidence that during the Children's Moment the teacher spoke of the different colors of the world. That was confirmation enough for me to know that this is where God wanted me to be. Furthermore, I felt comfortable because it was much like my first church, which was African Methodist Episcopol. I attended that church in my younger years so I did not know what that meant nor could I pronounce Episcopol. In addition,it was interesting that the worship songs were quite up to date but they had their own traditional twist to it, which I didn't mind at all. I enjoyed the service and the pastor, she is a woman. Woohoo for female pastors! I just enjoyed listening to her because I could hear the presence of God through her and she has a youthful or energetic spirit when she preachers.

So Monday I met with her and she talked about how she ended up with Grace Ministries. We also talked about upcoming events involving the church. In addition she discused her goals for her church. It was interesting that she asked me about the diversity at school and I told her that it was very minimal and at times can be a struggle. But I told her that I had been in almost the same type of environment as IWU, prior to coming here. I guess she wanted to know if I would have any difficulties at her church.
But I am excited to work with a pastor and even more thrilled to work with a female. Im glad that this church was bought to my attention because I feel I can prosper form the wisdom of the members and the pastor.