David Bell
Weekly report #10
04-17-07
observation in back room 15 minutes before church.
This week I observed the back stage room before service started. It was crazy. There were millions of things going on at once and in “rush mode”. For example the choir was trying hard to focus on their special songs as they had one final rehearsal. I saw several in the choir distracted and focusing on background things that were going on.
Besides the choir, the pastors were in the corner discussing and preparing for service. Others were messing with Bulletins and getting and making copies of something. Pastor Bob was having trouble attaching his microphone to his shirt.
While observing I got a little dizzy watching everyone do their own thing and scramble the last few minutes before service. over all I learned that it is important to get things done early so that when it come time for service everything is done, and you can leave space for those who have to do last minute scrambling.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
April 10, 2007
David Bell
weekly #9
04-10-07
Scripture reading for morning service.
This last week I got to read with Ben in service. We split up the verse and switched back and forward, he read part of the verse then I read part of the verse... before service we rehearsed three times and were for sure prepared and not nervous. but when I came time to actually read I got a little shaky. most specially right before the second time I was to read, while Ben was reading I got real nervous.
It really helped to type out the verse before hand and mark it all up with pauses and what not like we did in class. I had a printed version in the page of my bible so it looks like I was reading from the Bible.
Anyway this experience was helpful because next time I won't be as shaken up, and I will continue to mark up the verse before hand so I can read the text clearly.
weekly #9
04-10-07
Scripture reading for morning service.
This last week I got to read with Ben in service. We split up the verse and switched back and forward, he read part of the verse then I read part of the verse... before service we rehearsed three times and were for sure prepared and not nervous. but when I came time to actually read I got a little shaky. most specially right before the second time I was to read, while Ben was reading I got real nervous.
It really helped to type out the verse before hand and mark it all up with pauses and what not like we did in class. I had a printed version in the page of my bible so it looks like I was reading from the Bible.
Anyway this experience was helpful because next time I won't be as shaken up, and I will continue to mark up the verse before hand so I can read the text clearly.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
March 20, 2007
David Bell
Weekly Report #8
03-20-27
Meeting with John and observing the Worship service
Today John took us into the old sanctuary and started telling us of how he began in this church and how he chose to stay with the church instead of taking another job that would have given him way better pay. John taught us the importance of "living a sacrifice" and going and doing what God is telling us.
This Sunday I sat back and observed the service (Pastor John had asked us practicum students to all observe a different service, and then we will all talk about them) So he is what I observed:
Before
Soft music
people greeting at door
announcements are projected on screen
people walking around and talking to neighbors
During
as the verbal announcements are going on the youth are chattering
people are fanning themselves with their bulletin
During the church "turn around and shake a hand" time, a majority of people greet and the rest just stand there or sit down.
During worship there was a father swaying his baby to stop it from crying
when it is time for offering, all the little kid start to leave for Sunday school. also there was soft music playing on the piano.
WOW!! that's my service pretty exciting huh? sorry you had to read this.
As a result of this observation I have learned that there are many things that go on during the service that one would not know about unless they observe it like I did... "He's brilliant"
Weekly Report #8
03-20-27
Meeting with John and observing the Worship service
Today John took us into the old sanctuary and started telling us of how he began in this church and how he chose to stay with the church instead of taking another job that would have given him way better pay. John taught us the importance of "living a sacrifice" and going and doing what God is telling us.
This Sunday I sat back and observed the service (Pastor John had asked us practicum students to all observe a different service, and then we will all talk about them) So he is what I observed:
Before
Soft music
people greeting at door
announcements are projected on screen
people walking around and talking to neighbors
During
as the verbal announcements are going on the youth are chattering
people are fanning themselves with their bulletin
During the church "turn around and shake a hand" time, a majority of people greet and the rest just stand there or sit down.
During worship there was a father swaying his baby to stop it from crying
when it is time for offering, all the little kid start to leave for Sunday school. also there was soft music playing on the piano.
WOW!! that's my service pretty exciting huh? sorry you had to read this.
As a result of this observation I have learned that there are many things that go on during the service that one would not know about unless they observe it like I did... "He's brilliant"
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
March 13, 2007
David Bell
weekly report #7
03/13/07
Meeting with John and teck booth observation.
I have been reading all these blogs about the teck booth and I decided it was my tern to check it out myself. I was interesting and a lot of work for me because I do not know lot bout power point and sound boards. There were three guys besides me running the booth. One was on the camera, another on the soundboard, and the other on the computer controlling the slides. My main area was the PowerPoint I observed and listened to what I was being taught. There was a sweet new gadget they were showing me and with it you can pause the screens that are displayed to the congregation, and fix a glitch on the slides so the congregation can still read the screens. A lot goes on when working in the booth, and you really have to know what you are doing and focus on your specific job and be flexible.
Today we met Pastor John in his office, Stephen was there early and briefly told John what we are studying, because John likes to talk about what is going on is class. He started off showing us different albums and styles of music. He talked about different styles and explained worship styles can be the way you wear your neck tie. For example, a neck tie can be blue or red, it can be short or long, but whatever way you wear or tie your tie, it is still a tie. His point being that it doesn't matter how the style (way you tie the tie) as long as the structure (tie) is correct.
as a result to my practicum, I have now experienced for myself what it is like behind the sound booth. I am not sure that this would be my are a preference, but if I am needed there then I will do whatever it takes to get it done.
weekly report #7
03/13/07
Meeting with John and teck booth observation.
I have been reading all these blogs about the teck booth and I decided it was my tern to check it out myself. I was interesting and a lot of work for me because I do not know lot bout power point and sound boards. There were three guys besides me running the booth. One was on the camera, another on the soundboard, and the other on the computer controlling the slides. My main area was the PowerPoint I observed and listened to what I was being taught. There was a sweet new gadget they were showing me and with it you can pause the screens that are displayed to the congregation, and fix a glitch on the slides so the congregation can still read the screens. A lot goes on when working in the booth, and you really have to know what you are doing and focus on your specific job and be flexible.
Today we met Pastor John in his office, Stephen was there early and briefly told John what we are studying, because John likes to talk about what is going on is class. He started off showing us different albums and styles of music. He talked about different styles and explained worship styles can be the way you wear your neck tie. For example, a neck tie can be blue or red, it can be short or long, but whatever way you wear or tie your tie, it is still a tie. His point being that it doesn't matter how the style (way you tie the tie) as long as the structure (tie) is correct.
as a result to my practicum, I have now experienced for myself what it is like behind the sound booth. I am not sure that this would be my are a preference, but if I am needed there then I will do whatever it takes to get it done.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
February 20, 2007
David Bell
Weekly Report #6
02-20-2007
Meeting with Pastor John and Greeting
Ok so this week's meeting was about about power point, I haven't got to do it yet, but some how we got to talking about power point. Pastor John really like to talk so I think he just brought it up on his own. He knows we have to write blogs and always makes sure that we have enough material to write about -he is really good at that.
Anyway back to power point: Pastor John explained that there is a lot to think about when typing out the songs or verses for the "big screen." He says that we need to make sure that font we pick is "old person sensitive", meaning that it had to appeal to their eye, because sometimes even though it is up there those with lesser seeing abilities might not see it clearly.
Also you would have to make sure that every space and line is not to big for the screen and doesn't get cut off on the sides. Last he mentioned that the font must not be too small, and yet it can't be too big.
This Sunday I got pass out bulletins and greet the People that come in to church. So, as I was coming getting ready for the church comers I knew that I would have to be happy and told myself that I will try my hardest to keep smiling the whole time, so I make the people welcome.
This was fun because I didn't have to do all the work!! what I mean is they all knew what to do they would come to me shake my hand, say good morning, take a bulletin, and be on their way. "WOW" that was easy and it was fun, but not as fun as for the guy who sands outside in the cold and opens the door for everyone, I mean he has a no fun job and yet he smiled more than I did, I think that it was just so cold that his face was frozen like that... who knows.
In conclusion to this week I learned that there are a lot of thing to check when putting the power point together, and experienced Welcoming in the congregation.
Weekly Report #6
02-20-2007
Meeting with Pastor John and Greeting
Ok so this week's meeting was about about power point, I haven't got to do it yet, but some how we got to talking about power point. Pastor John really like to talk so I think he just brought it up on his own. He knows we have to write blogs and always makes sure that we have enough material to write about -he is really good at that.
Anyway back to power point: Pastor John explained that there is a lot to think about when typing out the songs or verses for the "big screen." He says that we need to make sure that font we pick is "old person sensitive", meaning that it had to appeal to their eye, because sometimes even though it is up there those with lesser seeing abilities might not see it clearly.
Also you would have to make sure that every space and line is not to big for the screen and doesn't get cut off on the sides. Last he mentioned that the font must not be too small, and yet it can't be too big.
This Sunday I got pass out bulletins and greet the People that come in to church. So, as I was coming getting ready for the church comers I knew that I would have to be happy and told myself that I will try my hardest to keep smiling the whole time, so I make the people welcome.
This was fun because I didn't have to do all the work!! what I mean is they all knew what to do they would come to me shake my hand, say good morning, take a bulletin, and be on their way. "WOW" that was easy and it was fun, but not as fun as for the guy who sands outside in the cold and opens the door for everyone, I mean he has a no fun job and yet he smiled more than I did, I think that it was just so cold that his face was frozen like that... who knows.
In conclusion to this week I learned that there are a lot of thing to check when putting the power point together, and experienced Welcoming in the congregation.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Valentines Week
David Bell
Weekly Report #5
02-11-07
Sunday Worship
Remember Last meeting that we had with Pastor John? No, okay well he gave each of us practicum students (Ben, Steve, and I) clipboard and had us write our own worship service the correlated with the theme here at Brook Haven -which is Mission. So we had about fifteen minutes to write down ideas and such; WELL!!! this is the exciting part, Pastor John used several of our ideas in the service Sunday! That make me feel good to know that we have good opinions and we are learning. So I bet bet you are just super excited to hear what idea of mine he used, so I am going to tell you. Call me a little kid but we sang "Jesus Loves the Little Children", that made me happy. Also the congregation did a reading from the hymnal.
That night I went to a Special service for youth and it was amazing, there was dancing and screaming and I could feel the Holy Spirit in the building. I was to there kid of like a leader, I make sure that the youth got there okay and found seats. I was also to help liven up the kids. So I took them to the front and we jump with the rest of the crowd.
It is very encouraging to know that my ideas were used in the service even though it was something as little as a song.
Weekly Report #5
02-11-07
Sunday Worship
Remember Last meeting that we had with Pastor John? No, okay well he gave each of us practicum students (Ben, Steve, and I) clipboard and had us write our own worship service the correlated with the theme here at Brook Haven -which is Mission. So we had about fifteen minutes to write down ideas and such; WELL!!! this is the exciting part, Pastor John used several of our ideas in the service Sunday! That make me feel good to know that we have good opinions and we are learning. So I bet bet you are just super excited to hear what idea of mine he used, so I am going to tell you. Call me a little kid but we sang "Jesus Loves the Little Children", that made me happy. Also the congregation did a reading from the hymnal.
That night I went to a Special service for youth and it was amazing, there was dancing and screaming and I could feel the Holy Spirit in the building. I was to there kid of like a leader, I make sure that the youth got there okay and found seats. I was also to help liven up the kids. So I took them to the front and we jump with the rest of the crowd.
It is very encouraging to know that my ideas were used in the service even though it was something as little as a song.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Febuary 6, 2007
David Bell
Weekly report #4
02-06-07
meeting with Pastor John
This week Pastor John gave us a clipboard with paper a a pen. He left us in the sanctuary for 15 min with the instructions to create our own worship service correlating to this months series on "missions".
As I was left to think about this I thought about how we are discussing this same subject in class so it should be easy, right? I was stumped in the first couple minutes I didn't know what to do, until I relaxed and realized that it is not supposed to be a complicated assignment. sometimes I try to hard, because I want it to be perfect, but really I just need to relax. So first I thought of the theme, "Missions, hmmm, ok".
My service:
Special music (ethnic-like)
announcements
recognition of different flags
offering
foreign speaker
songs/congregational recital in hymn #557
pray and close
Pastor John critiqued and gave advice to our worship orders, and as a result he said it is good that I had some songs after the speaker because there is some leeway there in case the speaker goes over time..
Weekly report #4
02-06-07
meeting with Pastor John
This week Pastor John gave us a clipboard with paper a a pen. He left us in the sanctuary for 15 min with the instructions to create our own worship service correlating to this months series on "missions".
As I was left to think about this I thought about how we are discussing this same subject in class so it should be easy, right? I was stumped in the first couple minutes I didn't know what to do, until I relaxed and realized that it is not supposed to be a complicated assignment. sometimes I try to hard, because I want it to be perfect, but really I just need to relax. So first I thought of the theme, "Missions, hmmm, ok".
My service:
Special music (ethnic-like)
announcements
recognition of different flags
offering
foreign speaker
songs/congregational recital in hymn #557
pray and close
Pastor John critiqued and gave advice to our worship orders, and as a result he said it is good that I had some songs after the speaker because there is some leeway there in case the speaker goes over time..
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
January 30, 2007
David Bell
weekly report #3
01-30-07
Our weekly meeting with Pastor John Sunday I unexpectedly performed in the worship on stage. Pastor John, last minute, had me play the Congos along with the drummer for backup fills. Practice is the night before and if you don't go to practice you can't participate in the Sunday morning worship, but since I had a track meet that night I could not go to practice. when I was up on stage I had a negative attitude, not so much I was mad but that I didn't want to be there because I didn't know the songs, (my church plays a lot go Hymns and I am still learning them) and I think I woke up on the wrong side o the bed that day. But anyways as I was up there I remembered that it does not matter about me it is about helping and serving others. I even though I stood there for some of the songs and pretended I was playing, I knew that I have to have a better attitude because, yes the congregation is watching me, but so is God.
Today at our meeting, Pastor John prayed for us, and then walked us to the sanctuary. He asked us "what about this church would keep you coming again?" (knowing that all three of us call Brook Haven our college church). we all three had different answers: Ben said the atmosphere, Steve said the greeters welcome made him feel good, and I talked about the how much I like the building and being up on the balcony; I am attracted to things like the building and architecture- it just feels home-like to me.
Pastor John told us that the church is not about where it is located, what color it is, how many people attend, who has the best comforted pews, or anything like that, but it is about weather or not the power of the Holy Spirit is evident. Also the two top reason people come to church is for 1) fellowship, and 2) good preaching.
As a result to the situation Sunday morning, I will remember that it is not for me but for the Lord.
weekly report #3
01-30-07
Our weekly meeting with Pastor John Sunday I unexpectedly performed in the worship on stage. Pastor John, last minute, had me play the Congos along with the drummer for backup fills. Practice is the night before and if you don't go to practice you can't participate in the Sunday morning worship, but since I had a track meet that night I could not go to practice. when I was up on stage I had a negative attitude, not so much I was mad but that I didn't want to be there because I didn't know the songs, (my church plays a lot go Hymns and I am still learning them) and I think I woke up on the wrong side o the bed that day. But anyways as I was up there I remembered that it does not matter about me it is about helping and serving others. I even though I stood there for some of the songs and pretended I was playing, I knew that I have to have a better attitude because, yes the congregation is watching me, but so is God.
Today at our meeting, Pastor John prayed for us, and then walked us to the sanctuary. He asked us "what about this church would keep you coming again?" (knowing that all three of us call Brook Haven our college church). we all three had different answers: Ben said the atmosphere, Steve said the greeters welcome made him feel good, and I talked about the how much I like the building and being up on the balcony; I am attracted to things like the building and architecture- it just feels home-like to me.
Pastor John told us that the church is not about where it is located, what color it is, how many people attend, who has the best comforted pews, or anything like that, but it is about weather or not the power of the Holy Spirit is evident. Also the two top reason people come to church is for 1) fellowship, and 2) good preaching.
As a result to the situation Sunday morning, I will remember that it is not for me but for the Lord.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
January 23, 2007
David Bell
Weekly report #2
01-23-07
Sunday night practice, and then my weekly meeting with Pastor Jon.
Sunday night I went really well, Ben and I were the only college-student aged there. I thought that playing the drums was going to be an easy, and practice was going to go smoothly, just like any other time I have played for a church. But t Brook Haven there is more to the worship band then just Drums, Guitar/Bass, and piano, no, they have a whole orchestra. Not really a whole orchestra, but a many Brass instruments and two violins. So that was a twist for me. Anyway it was a good experience for me because the elders liked to talk and made me feel welcomed.
Practice was a little rushed because church is right after, and they just stared practicing the night of, that night. The service went well, before we all went up we prayed for the Pastor and for the congregation.
Today at my meeting with Pastor John he talked about planning, communication, designing, and displaying worship. If I haven't mentioned yet, Pastor John is in charge of all the worship, (maybe that was required to get the worship Pastor, I don't remember) and that it is imperative that we plan ahead, and have good communication. he said that he sends three friendly reminders prior to those who are participating in the worship, for example a member who might be sharing a testimony or singing a special song would get an email, a card in the mail, and a phone call reminding them of there upcoming worship.
As a result I learned to plan ahead and communicate in a positive and effectively way.
Weekly report #2
01-23-07
Sunday night practice, and then my weekly meeting with Pastor Jon.
Sunday night I went really well, Ben and I were the only college-student aged there. I thought that playing the drums was going to be an easy, and practice was going to go smoothly, just like any other time I have played for a church. But t Brook Haven there is more to the worship band then just Drums, Guitar/Bass, and piano, no, they have a whole orchestra. Not really a whole orchestra, but a many Brass instruments and two violins. So that was a twist for me. Anyway it was a good experience for me because the elders liked to talk and made me feel welcomed.
Practice was a little rushed because church is right after, and they just stared practicing the night of, that night. The service went well, before we all went up we prayed for the Pastor and for the congregation.
Today at my meeting with Pastor John he talked about planning, communication, designing, and displaying worship. If I haven't mentioned yet, Pastor John is in charge of all the worship, (maybe that was required to get the worship Pastor, I don't remember) and that it is imperative that we plan ahead, and have good communication. he said that he sends three friendly reminders prior to those who are participating in the worship, for example a member who might be sharing a testimony or singing a special song would get an email, a card in the mail, and a phone call reminding them of there upcoming worship.
As a result I learned to plan ahead and communicate in a positive and effectively way.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
January 16, 2007
David Bell
weekly report #1
01-16-07
Meeting with Pastor Jon. Today Ben and I drove over to Brook Haven Wesleyan and met with Pastor Jon around 9:30, which we will meet him every Tuesday at that day and time. Pastor Jon sat us down in the sanctuary and told us all about his life and where he went to school and how God called him to be in the ministry and work at Brook Haven.
Pastor Jon really opened up to us and shared a lot of insight and I appreciate that a lot because I can open up easier when I know the other was willing. He also questioned us about our life and got to know us.
The meat of our first session was all bout getting to know each other and have a brief overview of what is to be going on in our practicum. Pastor John explained that the best way to succeed is to get ahead and take these things seriously. He encouraged us to take that step and be motivated with a passion. I really absorbed what he said and am excited to start... I will start this Sunday night; we will have practice for night church that night.
Even though it was just a meeting I felt God there with us in the sanctuary. With being in college I am always surrounded by people and distractions, and forget how awesome it is to be in a room surrounded by silence. It reminded me of when I would go backpacking and sit round the bon fire and talk to my friend in nothing but crackling fire. That's just one of those moments for me when I remember God's Presents.
As a result I hve a clear idea of what is expected for me to do in this practicum…
weekly report #1
01-16-07
Meeting with Pastor Jon. Today Ben and I drove over to Brook Haven Wesleyan and met with Pastor Jon around 9:30, which we will meet him every Tuesday at that day and time. Pastor Jon sat us down in the sanctuary and told us all about his life and where he went to school and how God called him to be in the ministry and work at Brook Haven.
Pastor Jon really opened up to us and shared a lot of insight and I appreciate that a lot because I can open up easier when I know the other was willing. He also questioned us about our life and got to know us.
The meat of our first session was all bout getting to know each other and have a brief overview of what is to be going on in our practicum. Pastor John explained that the best way to succeed is to get ahead and take these things seriously. He encouraged us to take that step and be motivated with a passion. I really absorbed what he said and am excited to start... I will start this Sunday night; we will have practice for night church that night.
Even though it was just a meeting I felt God there with us in the sanctuary. With being in college I am always surrounded by people and distractions, and forget how awesome it is to be in a room surrounded by silence. It reminded me of when I would go backpacking and sit round the bon fire and talk to my friend in nothing but crackling fire. That's just one of those moments for me when I remember God's Presents.
As a result I hve a clear idea of what is expected for me to do in this practicum…
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