You might remember my prayer request regarding a couple of board member's wives deciding that my workroom, which I used 120 days last year, would be better served as a "Bridal Room" for a total of 7 brides to get dressed in this year.  Actually, 7 weddings is a big year for us.  The most we've ever had before was 5 in one year. 

I was going into my workroom one day when they were coming out.  They looked mad or something, so I explained that vbs was in 2 weeks and things were crazy in there.  So essentially, they lied to get the room.....they actually told the board it wasn't being used when I TOLD them how much I used it!  When I talked to the board, the wives said "Why use that room all year for a kids program that lasts one week?"  Obviously, they've never been to vbs.  After all, how important can a ministry to 284 kids be?  54 kids getting saved can't possibly be as important as 7 women getting married --- right?

Well, the board was majorly split on the decision ( since some couldn't go against their wives) so they decided to try to meet all needs and make it a multi-purpose room:  a bridal room for the weddings, and I could use it the rest of the time.  My ladies missionary group would also use it for their 12 meetings a year -- basically for the counters to put snacks on and the sink for water, etc.   I didn't think it would work, but I was willing to deal with it.   

The stipulations (by the board) were that they would use carpet someone donated, mirrors someone donated, and they would leave my counter and sink in there.  Other than that it was simply paint, and a couple of extra outlets for curling irons, etc.  Well, those wives decided that they didn't have to follow those stipulations (after all they ARE the "decorating committee").  They used Church money to buy pale green new carpet, new mirrors, drywall and new lighting.  They ripped out my counter/cupboards and sink and installed a new fancy vanity with brushed nickel and gold faucets.  They bought a stark white fancy stool thing for pictures with large rolled arms, no back and a skirt.  Does this sound like a workroom to you??  Nope, me neither.  B

y the time I found out that they were going against the board, the work was half done.  I went to the board chairman.  He had a fit.  He told me to use the room anyway -- wet black paint and all.  Let them have their hissy fit, then everything would come to light.  I couldn't do it.  It's irresponsible to destroy something new just to prove a point.  We were going to expose the whole thing at a congregational meeting, but I got sick.  I thought that indicated I wasn't supposed to do it.  So.....I went to Pastor.  I told him they lied, and the whole story.  It is a board run Church, but he does have a lot of pull.  He immediately checked out what all the other space in the basement was used for.  Bless her heart, our youth pastor's wife volunteered to give up a room she had been using for Wednesday night as long as she could keep one bookcase of DVD's in there.  I agreed to it --- what else could I do?  But, the room is only 1/3 the size of the other one, maybe even less than that. 

I thought it was all a done deal.  I'm packed in this tiny room, and they have their fussy bridal room. AND, the board chairman is so sick of them doing as they please without any repercussions that he resigned his chairmanship and isn't going to run for the board again!!  The devil sure won that one....Forrest is one of the most Godly men I've ever met. I NEEDED it to be over with.  I was dealing with my mom breaking her leg, me breaking my arm, and my health.  I couldn't take the stress anymore. 

Anyway, my missionary group (PFC) is still supposed to be able to use it, AND since the weddings are done for the year, we are supposed to be able to put things in it that are just waiting for vbs:  boxes of craft supplies, buddies, etc. 

Now the problem.  Co-director Darcie put two boxes of vbs t-shirts she was selling in there on the way to choir.  And PFC used it the first time for their meeting.  Now those women have went to the new board chairman, Joe,  and accused Darcie and I of PAINTING in that room !!!!  I can not believe that someone can be so evil !  Darcie told Joe the entire story.  He believes us, thank the Lord!  But, he wants to bring up the whole issue at the congregational meeting this Sunday because these wives want NO ONE using that room but brides.  They even had the audacity to put a lock on the door!  Joe said that they have went against the board or congregational vote a couple of other times and it's time that it's stopped. 

Please pray for us this week.  I absolutely MUST be at that meeting on Sunday and unfortunately the stress has caused me to have a terrible flare up.  I feel like I've been hit by a truck.  It zaps my strength and energy, too.  I have trouble getting out of a chair.  I was thoroughly depressed Sunday:  we have a sunken living room -- down one tiny step, and one regular step from the foyer and dining room.  I couldn't get out of the living room!!  I literally didn't have the strength to step up onto the step to get out.  I had to wrap my arms around the railing post and pull myself up onto the step.  This is honestly the worst it's ever been. 

I need to be healthy on Sunday.  Or at least healthy enough to present the facts that I'm involved in.  Please pray for grace, humility, and strength for us all.  And, most of all, please pray that the ministry that GOD WANTS for our Church ----whatever it is ----will prevail.

Thanks in advance.  It's wonderful to be able to come to a group of godly people that aren't attached to my local Church for prayer and advice. 

In presenting your case, make sure that you also acknowledge the purpose of a bridal room and that the conflict comes in as to how to share the space.  State that there is not enough rooms in the church for every purpose to have their own room all year round and everyone has to share.  You are happy to work things out, however, you do not see how the "decorating committee" is working toward all the ministries of the church when they are clearly taking away from the children's ministry.  It is unfair for a committee to take away a space of a ministry without offering a possible new space.  You should not be pushed out of any rooms.

God bless your church!

Adrianne

Connie - we are lifting you and your church in prayers. 

I read your post with interest, since we had thought to make a brides room when we move into our new bldg several yrs ago.  However, after thinking it through, I felt the room could better serve other purposes (it's in our SS wing - so sunday school, puppet practice, etc.). Others agreed, and we decided that we can offer space for the bride to dress if necessary, but that is not our primary focus.

Sounds like a lot of disunity among church members.  Praying that they will feel the need to unify with the body or find another body to unite with, so you can do what you need to do.

Well anyway, space does have to be shared and it's a shame that church people can't get that.

Lifting your health in prayer. I know what stress can do to a body. I've been struggling too. Praying all will work it's way to a good resolve on Sunday.