I remember when I told my family that I was going into the ministry. My mom said, "But you'll only work one day a week!" We all know that isn't true but, even if it was, today felt like an entire month packed into one day. And I still have to go back for the Church Christmas party tonight.
One of the families paid for and had installed new carpet in the nursery. However that didn't sit well with one of the "Banes" or her daughter. Of course, the issue wasn't the lovely new carpet, rather it was misdirected, misplaced anger over the merger. The daughter was not speaking to anyone today. Which didn't sit well with another parishioner who challenged her about it and said if she wasn't there to worship she should leave so the rest could worship in peace. During the Passing of the Peace the daughter totally snubbed me and turned away. She, also, left the sanctuary prior to the Eucharist.
Have you ever stood in the pulpit, preaching the Word of God, and felt like you were being crucified in the minds of some sitting out in the sanctuary (which didn't feel like a sanctuary today)? Have you ever wondered why it only takes one or two to ruin the mood of a church worship experience? Have you ever come home from church with a splitting headache?
No wonder Jesus went off by himself to pray so often.....people are a pain in the %$*.
6 comments:
Yep to all your semi-rhetorical questions! Been there! and it IS AWFUL.
It gives some "dimension" to the reading about "not peace but a sword."
I have this theory...that people in churches come closer than anywhere else to what they most need/lack, and so the pain is worst here, hence the truly rotten behaviour...
I shall keep you in prayer as you deal with the "Banes." I have "Norns" -- a distinction, not a difference.
I agree with the affirmatives across the board. Today the complainer sat, rolling her eyes, looking as bored as could be...
..but after the service, a college kid came to me and told me that it was an excellent sermon and very relevant to his experience...
Oh, and as for the headache, why do you think Sunday afternoons were made for napping?
Isn't it funny that the people who need to really, really listen to the sermons never do!!
Thief--couldn't nap, to many kids in my house.
been there. so sorry. so, so, sorry. aie.
came home to an icky e-mail myself.
sigh.
hope the headache has lifted.
and just read about the advent wreath catching fire! yikes!
Oh you poor thing...horrible all round.
Prayers for a sudden outbreak of Christmas love in your congregation
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