Week 9
April 20,2006
you said i could do two this week

I was able to meet with Pastor Eileen in her office which she say she so very often comes to. Most of her work is done at home. But she mainly takes care of business things, and set up appointments. She says she finds it hard to prepare for her sermons in church and she would rather sit on her couch at home and prepare. To prepare for bible study she said she usually reads the bible for about four hours and then looks at commentaries and highlights them. I asked her how she goes about choosing a sermon and she says that she uses the aura of the congregation and what is occuring with them. For instance when looking for land for the church she taught about the Wilderness because it will be a long process but yet rewarding. But as my last practicum I think I was able to to see the pastor in a new light. We have alot of things in common and I am truly grateful for my time with her

Wednesday April 19,
Week 8
This week I attended the bible study which was from 6-8.The way she held bible study was very different than most or the ones I have attended. It was immensely personal; in a sense, it allowed people to be intentional and personal with one another, not like your regular bible study where you come in, greet people, sit down and listen to the lesson. This bible study allowed people to come together and fellowship, not just to learn. In the beginning of the bible study, the members ate food prepared by one another. Through this, they were able to talk with one another and discover what was going on in their lives. Following the meal, Pastor Eileen brought an eraser board in which they wrote the names of those who needed prayer. I was definitely intrigued by this approach because most of the time pastor’s write them down themselves, but she gave the people an opportunity to write the names and pray for those in need as well. There is so much power in prayer and I am happy that they make use of the opportunity to pray for one another.

First let me say that I was so embarrassed walking into church an hour late this past Sunday. I was not aware the times changed. In either case this week I attended the Trustee/Building Committe Meeting. I never thought so many things needed to be taken in consideration when finding property and all the things that need to get approved by the government. It seems as though they have the upperhand because they have people in the congregation who work in construction.

This meeting Pastor Spence said that she did not want the other members to know about the cirmcumstances of the land. Just in case plans change she doesn't want the congregation to get discouraged and change in attitude. She notices that they are very anxious to begin the building, some are a bit impatient. Just to switch subjects I was so tired in that meeting. I felt so bad because I was falling asleep. I tried my hardest to stay awake. But in either case I love that the Pastor Spence has given me the oppurtunity to take information from the meetings. Them seem confidential but I guess she realizes my passion for ministry and she knows I will utilize it which I will. Well God bless to all