Nancy McKee-Jolda, Minister In Training

We are pleased to have Nancy McKee-Jolda as our “Minister InTraining” until May 2008. Nancy working on a Master’s of Divinity at the Pacific School of Religion. When you come to visit us you will see Nancy’s smiling face warmly greeting you. Nancy’s spiritual gifts are the ability and desire to listen to others, to support and encourage them as they move toward wholeness.

Before entering seminary, Nancy was a learning specialist by profession, working with children who have neurological learning challenges. In 1994 Nancy founded Community Reading Buddies a program which adults and teenagers read to the immigrant children. Today, the program operates at two sites in East Oakland, engaging teens and children in an experience of mutual learning. In addition, from 2002 to 2005 she ran a weekly family reading hour at the Salvation Army Shelter for Families in East Oakland.

As part of her Field Education experience, we have formed a Teaching Parish Committee to assist Nancy in meeting and evaluating her goals as our student minister. These goals fall into the areas of pastoral care, worship, congregational systems, and religious education.

When asked “Why ministry?” Nancy responded:

• I have always been drawn to stories of people who were moved and strengthened by their faith to work for peace and justice in this world. Care for the physically or mentally ill, for the poor and vulnerable, for people denied human and civil rights, for the health of creation..We find the call to share what we see with others, to respond to what we see..
• I have seen the significance faith and church life have for the people of my family. It truly makes a difference in our lives.
• In fall of 2005 my mother suddenly became very ill, and I cared for her until her passing 2 1-2 months later. She and I, along with other family members, had been caring for my father who had Alzheimer's. At Mom's death I became the main care-taker for my father. Eight months later he had a stroke and passed away. Throughout this time my church family was a steady source of support and love. They gave me their strength, their generous heart, their tears and laughter. They helped my family and I walk that journey in the company of God.

In between school and church, Nancy likes to cook, garden, and visit with friends. You can see Nancy and Rob, her husband, at the local farmer’s market on Saturdays purchasing fresh produce and visiting with friends. She loves long walks, especially at the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, and tells us she loves to play the piano.