Persecution is alive and well in 2008

Have you ever had the feeling that something was going on behind your back? I've had that feeling at work for the past 3-4 weeks. I thought it had something to do with one of my staff considering transferring to another location. That was just a very small piece of the puzzle.
While I was on vacation last week, there were at least 2 managers in my department asking questions about me. This was confirmed, separately, by two sources. (neither of which was interviewed) I made an appointment with HR to ask what was going on - this was my life and my career someone was messing with!
Turns out, someone in my department, filed a complaint with HR that my "religious behavior" was offensive and they felt threatened by it/me. I am not a "bible thumper" by any means. I have been at this same office for 9 years. During that time, I have invited coworkers to our Christmas Tea, as well as our Family Fall Festival or other special occasions. I do not post anything in the common areas of our facility; I keep all of my "religious material" in my private office.
Since HR can not break the confidence of who filed the complaint, I can only speculate what is going on. As I mentioned before, I have been in this office for 9 years. I am no different in the way I act today, then I was when I was hired. Because of that, I still feel it stems from the employee transferring. The doctor that she supports is very "high maintenance" and is quite upset that she is loosing her nurse. The doctor first tried to get 3-4 other doctors together to file a complaint that I treat employees poorly and force them to transfer. In my nine years, I have had 2 employees transfer to other locations (both were in corrective action due to poor job performance) When the other doctors wanted nothing to do with this scheme I believe she (the doctor) either filed the complaint herself, or coached another nurse to do so.
I have been seeking the wise council of several friends, and am still seeking how God wants to me proceed in this matter. I am not sure there can be a pleasant ending no matter what I decide to do. I could be forced to remove all "religious material" from my office and still keep my job - an option I am not happy with; and because this complaint will always be in my file, if I ever try to proceed with corrective action on any future staff member, they could bring this issue up. I could quit, but then I wouldn't feel vindicated, especially since I feel this stems from a personal vendetta.

Posted in: on Sunday, January 27, 2008 at at 10:35 AM 1 comments  

First Serves

I first heard this term at a Willow Creek conference. They used it to describe their church members trying out ministries to see what fits the best. It gave everyone the opportunity to try different things (ministries) without a long-term commitment, and without any negative feelings when the member moved on to try something else. It gives people the freedom to explore their gifting.

JCC utilizes "first serves" for special occasions - such as Christmas, Easter and large events like our Family Fall Festival. First Serves are a vital part of these events. With multiple services offered and a larger attendance at these events, our regular teams need the supplemental help gained from these individuals. We couldn't do it without them!

We love it when a first serve makes a connection and finds a ministry that fits and joins the team as a "regular". Last night I received a call from the leader of our 8:30 Greeter Team. He informed me that he followed up with several of the first serves from Christmas and wanted me to know that four of them have decided to serve regularly! Not only is that exciting, what was even better news was that these new additions want to serve as greeters at our 10:30 service - an area that has really needed some new faces!!

Posted in: on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at at 3:03 PM 1 comments  

Resolution Update

I am really enjoying my daily devotional - "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. I've actually only missed the weekends. "Lazy Mode" kicks in - since I am not obligated to get up (like I do on a work day) at 5:30AM - I sleep thru my morning quiet time!
I bought a DVD - Yoga for Beginners - well, what can I say? I can't even be classified as a beginner! I couldn't complete the first pose - sitting cross-legged on the floor! I am facing the sad, sad reality that I am really out of shape. I am now hunting for a DVD to help me stretch and increase my flexibility.
Unfortunately, the walking hasn't started at all. I have nothing but lame excuses. Since the walking hasn't started, neither has the weight loss. I am considering a little extra help in this area - can anyone say pre-packaged diet food????
So far, the cruise is still on - although my deposit got re-directed to an unexpected repair bill on my rental unit in TN. I'm not sure how long I will be able to keep it a secret though. One of the port stops in Alaska had a note that vaccines are required. I am familiar with vaccines for port stops in foreign countries, so I found this a bit surprising. Something for Nancy Drew to investigate.

Posted in: on at at 2:55 PM 2 comments  

Daily Journey Ministry

Daily Journey Ministry was started over 10 years ago. It was Butch and Ann Whitely's vision to equip the church members with the resources and tools needed to have meaningful communication with God daily.
Butch, Ann and their team have spend hundreds of hours together and in prayer to shape this ministry. Through this time, the team has put together several workshops and classes.
One of their workshops - Quiet Time - will be held on January 26th with a follow up session on February 3rd. This is a great class for not only new Christians to establish a quiet time, but for "older" Christians to be exposed to additional tools to improve and refresh their quiet time.
Our Senior Pastor - Mike Burns - has told the DJM team that "Every single decision, every important major decision I have ever made, I have made in my quiet time when I have been alone with God."
Recently, Ann shared with me the DJM brochure that she has been working on for some time. I can tell how much thought and prayer went into this project. The brochure highlights the DJM purpose, vision and mission statements. Also listed are the teams' core values. It is easy to see that the team takes these core values to heart. They are dedicated to what God is doing at Journey, within their team and within themselves.
I am especially encouraged by the value of "Ministry Support". It states "We commit our time, energy and resources to enhance the service opportunities God has given us at Journey, including providing classes, materials and working at the DJM counter. Butch, Ann and team - you exemplify this core value! I am privileged to serve along side of you!

Posted in: on Monday, January 7, 2008 at at 8:34 AM 0 comments  

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