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

Nashira WIlliams
Week 6
March 24


This Tuesday Danielle and I attended the worship meeting. I've noticed that the church struggles in this ministry so I was thrilled to see what new ideas they had. The worship team consisted of all women, who had such positive and willing attitudes toward incorporating new ways of worship. In the beginning of the meeting they established who would be volunteering this month in the following areas: acolytes, ushers, special song, children's moment.
Furthermore, being at the meeting aloud me to look at worship with a pastor's perspective. I am extremely adamant toward all means of worship and I take it very seriously. I believe that it is such a powerful source that allows people to enter the realm of God whether its greeting someone at the door or singing a song. We, as in worshipppers set the tone. In addition, I realize how important it is to began my church be developing a diverse congregation, meaning ethnically, culturally, talent wise, etc. All of these components contribute to the elements of worhship. As a pastor I am a connector. It is my job to discover and place people in a position where they can worship God, grow in Christ, discover their talents, and enhance their skills. Worships is not just about the volunteers, it includes everyone and not just the commitee members. So I encourage you to maybe pray for someone whom you believe has a great talent and ask that the Lord provides oppurtunities for them to worship. OR possibly recommend them to someone you know who will provide them with that oppurtunity. GOd bless

Nashira Williams
Week 5
March 16,2006


I am absolutely grateful for the meeting I went to this week. A man came in to talk about investments. As of now they have made several investments and have done fairly well. He also introduced some others ways of investments for instance mutual funds and cds. Although they weren't interested, I certainly was; my sister and I plan to start a mutual fund and my parents are also going to give us one to pay for housing when we get married. Once we get out of schooling, my sister and I want to sell real estate and start a family business so the funds from those investments will be useful. However, the church wasn't interested in those type of investments due to their building plan. They pray to begin very soon, once they find the right land.

Furthermore, the pastors husband, Don Spence, was very knowledgable about finance in general. He aknowledge that it is very helpful to have people in the church who are very versitile and can contribute to the church growth. I think sometime we think of church we think that we need a worship leader, a childrens leader, etc, but we forget about the business matters which has to be one of the most difficult and strenuous aspects of being a pastor.

I must say that the meeting was quite long because there were so many different things to dicipher. Pastor Spence was so gracious to let me take some information so that I can learn and prosper as well. That is what I call building a community. I can't remember the exact words nor the scripture but it refers to, build them up in the way in which they should go.
Well God Bless and may your praticums be just as prosperous!

Nashira Williams
Week 4
March 2, 2004


First I must say that I am overjoyed to see my family tomorrow. I am flying which is so much better than a 10hr drive. But to get back on subject I went to a nursing home today along with Pastor Spence. Actually half of the vacinity was a nursing home and the other was an apartment building for the elderly. I really enjoyed just listening to the conversations. My cheeks were sore from smiling so much. One of the visits was quite interesting because a woman thought I was one of the nurses. (Apparently all black people look alike.lol) In either case Pastor Spence brought up conversation by asking how they were doing emotionally and health wise. She also prepared a scripture to read to everyone she visited and then we ended our visitations with prayer.

Its hard to see how these people are struggling and they can't do for themselves. Some of them had alzeimers, couldn't walk, or was slightly losing language skills . I could tell for some it was hurtful. Pastor Spence made sure that they didnt feel as if they were helpless or that they were wrong for, instance the woman thinking I was her helper. She talked to each person with such a great joy and I appreciated that. Going to the nursing home made me think of myself at that age. I would love to live till I'm 100 but in actuality do I really. If I have to be dependant on others all day everyday,lose my sight, lose my hearing, or even lose my mind I don't really want to live to be that age unless God wants me too. But I really enjoyed the visitation; I ddint feel uncomfortable at all. I would consider going back on my own and incorporatiing it into a continous communtiy service for my floor next year.

In conclusion, what I enjoyed most about the visit was the oppurtunity to give back The elderly have contributed their lives to so many people. It feels good to dedicate just a bit of my time to make sure they are not alone, bring joy or bring the word.

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