Dear Miss Manners,
I am Pastor of a congregation that is dissolving for reasons I won't rehearse again here. We held our final worship service a week ago. Today when I arrived at the church to finish packing up my office, I saw a sign tacked to the front door. Under a beautiful photo of a sunset were the words: God Bless You! We are saddened to hear of the closing of this church. If you are looking for another church in this neighborhood, please visit _________ Church currently meeting in the Easter Seals building at (address). Our prayers are with you.
Now--maybe I'm a little over sensitive at this point, but am I correct in seeing this as the equivalent of asking the widow for a date on the ride home from the funeral?? Or am I over-reacting??
Peeved in Portland
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13 comments:
Dear Peeved in Portland, I'm not Miss Manners but I do have a comment to make. Although the intent of the other church was probably made for pure reasons I can see how it would feel like asking a widow out on a date on the ride home from the funeral. Some people lack poise and grace. And you want to turn to these people and say, "I'm sorry, is my back hurting your knife?"
I'm sorry to hear that your church as split and pray you find peace in another home soon.
Umm more like asking the widow out while standing beside the casket at the viewing I think.
I applaud the moxie but if I were one of the members of your church that place would likely fall to the bottom of my list immediately
ever so thinly veiled opportunism. hmph.
erm
this is awful even if well intentioned.
can I ask though what recommendations if any did your church give for those who lost their spiritual home. It must be devastating for you all. and my heart goes out to you.
and my prayers too.
What Leslee said.
That was a tough day for you, wasn't it? I'm so sorry.
Have members of your congregation told you where (or if) they will be looking for another church home?
And what about you? Stated supply duty? Interims while you wait for another call? Or some time in the pew of another church yourself?
hhhmm....That is just tacky.
I'm with Mindy.
That's just REAL tacky.
Real tacky.
Tacky, tacky, tacky....
Yup, tacky. Probably well-intentioned, but still...
I'm interested in Quotidian Grace's questions also. What is next for you?
Horrid!
Some people are just clueless.
Dear Peeved in Portland.
Send those folks to finishing school!
We'll all chip in for it!
PPB
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