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Ever Write Something That Took Forever Because You Kept Getting Angry About The Subject? [Updated]

Haven't been on here as much as I've wanted these last few months, not because of holidays and schedule or whatnot, but because what I was going to say required me to cool off for a bit before attempting the following story. For those that didn't know, my dad used to be a pastor at a church in Hemet. For those that did know, the phrase "used to be" may have caught you off guard.

We've been in Hemet for three years now, as of the first of this month actually. Dad had been an associate pastor at this church before, but then we were called to go to Riverside where we stayed for 12 years, then were called back to Hemet. We ended up at the same place along with a new youth pastor and, at the time, his fiance (now wife). After a year we got really involved in the different ministries and so forth, but come the end of our first year the church was having some financial difficulties and wages needed to be cut temporarily. Dad's was cut 20%, I was never paid for anything so made no difference to me other than I took up more responsibilities with my job outside the church. No biggie, we took the cut to help the church through a rough spot.

About six or eight months pass and rumors start circulating that the board was wanting to release a few staff members. My dad, being the man he is, went to the source - the board. The board members at that time informed him that there were only a couple that wanted to release the youth pastor and my dad along with the worship leader. A few weeks past and the board had their meetings and deliberations, or whatever it is they do, and the youth pastor and my dad got to stay but the worship leader "stepped down to pursue her master's degree". Yes she is getting her master's in music but I have my own assumptions as to what happened considering that a month later we have a new worship leader, but that's besides the point.

December comes around again and apparently it's salary hacking time because they wanted to cut wages 15%, or around there, I don't remember the exact number for this go 'round. A lot of the maintenance staff and others her were being compensated were either laid off or changed their status to volunteer. Only problem with my dad was that his original 20% cut from the year prior had yet to be reinstated. Again, everyone was told that the wages would be reinstated when things got better. Ya, ok.

February rolls around and my dad is asked to come to a meeting with the board and the senior pastor. We're thinking, "cool, wages are going to be reinstated, or at least some." Wrong, the senior pastor had the audacity to question my dad on why no tithe check had come through the offering. Well duh, God only asks for 10% and we gave 20%, you want us to make it 30% of the tuppences you pay us? Keep in mind that, by now, I'm an IT manager working only 15 hours a week and I'm making the same amount of money as my dad was, who was pulling 60 hour weeks easily. Naturally we were upset but we decided that if we couldn't pay actual cash we'd go ahead and do extra stuff around the church and with other ministries. We did this for the rest of the year. Then the pastor comes to us in October with the guy HIRED to be part of the financial committee and says that what we are doing is an offering and we have to write an actual check to the church. Dad was ticked with this but figured he'd do it. Wasn't sure why but he did, and it turns out it's a good thing he did.

Thanksgiving is coming up and, yet again, rumors are circling that people are going to get laid off. We have new board members at this time so once again dad asks them what's up. They said that it's possible he could be getting cut along with the youth pastor and his wife, who is now pregnant with their first child. Sounds familiar. We continue with our work and the Sunday of Thanksgiving week, mom and dad are pulled into a board meeting after the morning service and were informed that the Friday before was our last week on staff. Cowards didn't even try to negotiate a part time salary deal or anything, they should've asked because dad was willing to do part time work at the church for just our medical insurance (my brother has cerebral palsy, so naturally we want that first) which wasn't much, and get another job elsewhere to pay for everyday living. Happy Thanksgiving to us, we may not even be able to afford to go see my dying uncle like we planned months ago, mainly because WE STILL HADN'T BEEN REINSTATED TO FULL WAGES. Whatever, we figured we'd go anyway, family is very important.

Get back from our trip, good times and uplifted spirits, I go to church to and continue with my stuff. Dad didn't because, well, kinda hard to show up to a church that you were pastoring and all of the sudden have to tell people you're not a pastor anymore. Apparently during Thanksgiving week, unknown to us, the membership got wind of what happened and started making calls. The Sunday I came back, I had found out that one of the other associates, Pastor Dave White, had resigned because of how things are being handled administratively. Services continued as if nothing happened, those who weren't called must've assumed dad and Pastor Dave were out of town for the holiday. 

Wednesday comes and everyone was asked to come to an emergency meeting and "prayer night". I show up ticked off for obvious reasons but I was wanting to hear what was going to be said. Dad showed up to give his piece when the time came, along with the youth pastor. They went over the financial information for the year and said that cuts had to be made, so "Pastor Mike has been let go and Pastor Chris (youth pastor) has had his wages cut by 71%, and Nancy (senior pastor's wife) has been released also." First thing I thought was, "71% sure is an exact percentage, weird" and then I remembered something. Pastor Chris and his wife were renting a room from the senior pastor while they were finalizing things on a house they just bought, she's a teacher so the cut wasn't as bad for them since they had a dual income whereas our family didn't. Mom stays with my brother and I pay for my stuff. I did some quick number crunching and wouldn't you know it, the remaining salary of Pastor Chris is darn near to the amount for rent and some food and that's it. Interesting yes? After people heard that dad was released they got quite upset and they aren't dumb either. One lady towards the end of the meeting, I don't know her name, got up and asked the senior pastor what he took as far as a cut in pay. His first response was "Nancy has been released.." which would bring their household income down, followed by his wingman stating "Pastor didn't take a cut in salary because, with Pastor Mike being released he must take on twice the responsibilities." Are you kidding me?! We've been cut 20% for over two years and he has yet to take a cut?! The number show that anyone related to him hasn't been cut either, as a matter of fact, the person who brought it up in the office was fired.

Needless to say the service following the meeting wasn't exactly what it normally was for an evening service, but I played and went about my evening. The following Sunday morning, the senior pastor gets up in front of everyone before he started teaching and apologized for the poor decisions being made and said that God told him that he needed to"offer Pastor Mike and Pastor Chris 50% of my salary, with 40% going to Pastor Mike and 10% going to Pastor Chris." He meant an 80/20 split of the 50 but he's not good with numbers, go figure considering he's the executive. Anyway, the entire congregation gives a standing ovation and old people all over the church hugged and kissed me. I thank them for not pinching me, that's at least one thing they stopped doing.

I go home and tell mom and dad what happened and their jaws literally dropped, the senior pastor doesn't do things like this. So Monday dad was called back in and he picked up right where he left off. The following Sunday rolls around and people are excited he's back and all that jazz, then dad was asked to come in to a meeting after service. Once again we're thinking they'll be discussing the actual numbers and hours and everything that goes along with the new wages. I wait around till after the meeting because of a few things I had to take care of. I wait in my car and see mom and dad come out of the meeting, then I get really concerned because dad's face is about as red as Rudolph's nose. He informs me that the "board" took back the salary offer. So basically the "board" vetoed what God wanted? Really? The vote wasn't even close to unanimous. Four board members were against holding back the wages, 6 were for it, and 2 abstained. To me, if God says something, we don't need to take it to a vote, you just do it. They said that pastor would be put into financial hardship if he took that big of a cut. Lies, he was making over three times what my dad did and we were able to make it just fine, even with all the added medical expenses of my brother. I honestly think he was intimidated or jealous or something of my dad and wanted him out of there. Kind of like a Saul and David thing when people were singing about David and whatnot. Good job Saul.

After I found out about that I was slightly pissed off. After praying and thinking and talking with a few close people who's opinions I hold close, I decided I'd be leaving the church. I wouldn't be playing the drums, I would be taking the drums with me since the church had been using my personal kit for the last three years, I'd give the website code over to someone else, no more running sound as a backup nor the powerpoint stuff, and no more FREE IT work. I informed the leaders in the departments of my decision and exactly why and that Sunday would be my last service.

Tuesday, the senior pastor comes to our house with some paperwork and begins accusing my dad of stealing from God by not tithing. He said that HE couldn't give up 50% of his salary (didn't he say that God told him to do it? Oh ya, he did) to someone who doesn't tithe. I heard this with my own ears because where they were talking was on the other side of my bedroom wall and I was getting ready to go to work. I couldn't believe it. Dad asked him to show something proving that after all we've been through and even the little meeting they had about writing a check, that he wasn't tithing. Mom handed dad the checkbook ledger and the senior pastor gave him the giving report. Wouldn't you know it, both matched up exactly. So where's the problem? He wouldn't give a clear answer, kinda like a politician. I didn't get a chance to hear the rest because I had to get to work but I know he didn't stay much longer after I left.

That Sunday comes and the "pastor" gets up in front of everyone and says that "Pastor Mike will not be allowed back until he reconciles himself with the leadership of this church and with God" because he "is not a team player and doesn't believe in what we're teaching." Are you freaking kidding me?! You actually stood in front of the people, behind the pulpit, and flat out lie to everyone?! You dare come against my dad, when he's not even there, and start slamming him after everything he did for you?! Not a team player? When you were gone for a total of two months, who stepped in and took your responsibilities? Who was the one that brought up the Wednesday morning service for the seniors and actually got it to grow in no time flat? Who was the one making all the phone calls and house visits to all the sick and dying people? Not a team player? He did your job! Don't even start with the doesn't believe in the teachings crap. You were taking notes in his class, I saw it with my own eyes! 

After the morning service was over I took my drums down and went home. Not my fault you have no other drummer to rotate in, you can figure out your computer nonsense yourself now. All I care about is leaving the lies and pride and watching where I step on that platform. I like my shoes to stay clean and not smell like, well, the nursery's trash after feeding time. Merry Christmas to me.

I've only been on that property once since then, last week, and that was to help dad clean out his office. I couldn't help but laugh when we opened a box that came in the mail and it was a new financial road map series he had ordered for the church. The person the pastor got rid of was the one who was trying to get the church financially upright again. Have fun with your interest only payments morons, it increases next year too. Enjoy paying your back bills as well, and you'll need to find people to replace the ones who are leaving, I've been directly contacted by some of those who are leaving and you need them.

Apparently today or sometime recent, the senior pastor announced that he'd be giving half of his salary (sound familiar?) to the general fund. Odd, I thought he couldn't afford to do that? God must have told him the wrong thing to do the first time. As far as Pastor Dave, no announcement that I'm aware of has been made about his resignation either. People might put stuff together if they see the two strongest associates were let go/left at the same time. The Bible may refer to us as sheep, but we aren't that stupid.

So to you, Randy Jones, I have lost all respect for you. I don't believe anything you say, you have lost my trust and you will not be gaining it back. I will not be speaking with you, anywhere. You will have to answer to God for your actions but don't come to me with your "kind words". It's all fake and I do not care for facades in the slightest. You have hurt me, my family, and most importantly the church itself. All I can figure out in this whole thing is that this had nothing to do with money. I believe it is like Saul and David, people chanting "Saul has killed his thousands and David his tens of thousands". It's a pride thing and going by Proverbs 16:18, watch yourself. I've heard rumblings of people saying that my dad was going to take your spot and the church would flourish. As flattering as that may be, that was never why we came here. God called us to this valley, He has not told us to go anywhere else, and we will do as God commands. God didn't release us from Valle Vista, man did. Do not contact me at all, I'll still be in contact with your children, my friends, and your family, but you personally, I will not speak with you.




[Update]

Here's the audio clip of the first announcement. The only thing I did to the clip is take out the sermon, but left a little lead in to it. Otherwise I'd have to upload a file that's over an hour long and I don't want to do that.
(If you're using Internet Explorer and the audio player isn't showing, leave a comment)

Talmidim - For Today

I've been playing this song over and over and over everywhere I go. I can't get enough of it. It's from one of my favorite bands, For Today, off of their latest album entitled "Portraits". Had to share it with you. Check out the song here.

Lord of glory, make us worthy to possess your name. Lord of glory, make us worthy to possess your name. And give us a new name. And call us your people, God. And give us a new name.

(Ezekiel 36:26-28) – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave to your forefathers; you will be my people and I will be your God.”

Lord of glory, make us worthy to possess your name. Lord of glory, make us worthy to possess your name. And give us a new name. And call us your people, God. And give us a new name.

And through all of this, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, no fear, no insecurity, no doubt, no hesitation that will ever, ever stop us. Because we are the sons of the living God, because we are the children of the Almighty, because we are the residents of the kingdom of heaven, and we are soldiers in an army of the immortal. And when we speak life, life happens, and when we speak healing, healing happens, and when we speak truth, truth happens. And when we go take what we found to a dead world, we’ll see it come to life again, and when we take what we found to a hopeless world, we’ll see hope come back. We’ll see the heart of our world start beating again, and we’ll see the color come back into people’s faces. Absolutely nothing will ever stop that. Mountains will move before us, and oceans will part before us, and the dead will raise before us. And the world will know that our God is the God that heals, and our God is a God that lives, and our God is a God that loves, and like anything that anyone has ever felt before, because we are fearless, and because we are His hands, and because we are His feet. Forever, and ever. 

Lord of glory, make us worthy to possess your name. (x6)

It's Alive

It's been a bit since I've posted something, and for good reason. My main computer went down and all I've had to work with is a little netbook. I could've posted with it but got tired of looking at that little screen for as long as I have to at work, much less at home just messing around. So I've slowly been buying parts and have finally put together my new rig. If you don't care much for computer specs that's fine, you can skip to the bottom for a joke my uncle sent me.

Chassis: Antec NineHundred
Soon to be a Cooler Master Cosmos, it's on order

Motherboard: Asus P6T Deluxe

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 2.67GHz
Picked up the 920 because of rumors about new i7's coming out around Q1 next year and couldn't see the sense in spending twice as much for a processor now when new stuff will be the same price this time next year

RAM: 6 GB of Patriot DDR3 1600 MHz

HDD's: System Drive - 300 GB Western Digital Velociraptor (10,000 RPM)
Secondary Drive - 1 TB Seagate Barracuda

GPU: NVidia GTX 280

Optical Drives: Samsung DVD burners w/Lightscribe Model: SH-223 (2x)
Adding a blu-ray drive once they drop a bit more for internal installations

Sound Card: Creative Labs X-Fi Xtreme Gamer

Network Card: Bigfoot Xeno Pro NIC

Monitor: LG 24" LCD
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh: 2ms

Speakers: Bose Companion Series II

Mouse: Logitech G5

Keyboard: Razer Arctosa

Operating System: Windows 7 RC
October needs to come soon, I have my retail copy on order

So there you have it, that's my rig set up as of now. Once the holidays and my birthday have past we'll see what changes occur. Until then, it's time to get some gaming done!



For those bored by all that tech jargon, here's the joke I promised. I cleaned it up a bit but the punchline is still there.

A cop stops a Harley for traveling faster than the posted speed limit, so he asks the biker his name.

"Fred" he replies.

"Fred what?" the officer asks.

"Just Fred" the man responds.

The officer is in a good mood and thinks he might just give the biker a break and write him out a warning instead of a ticket. The officer then presses him for the last name. The man tells him that he used to have a last name but lost it. The officer thinks that he has a nut case on his hands but plays along with it. "Tell me Fred, how did you lose your last name?"

The biker replies, "It's a long story, so stay with me. I was born Fred Dingaling. I know -- a funny last name. The kids used to tease me all the time, so I stayed to myself, studied hard, and got good grades. When I got older, I realized that I wanted to be a doctor. I went through college, medical school, internship, residency, and finally got my degree, so I was Fred Dingaling, MD. After a while I got bored being a doctor, so I decided to go back to school. Dentistry was my dream! Got all the way through school, got my degree, so then I was Fred Dingaling, MD, DDS. Got bored doing dentistry, so I started fooling around with my assistant and she gave me VD, so now I was Fred Dingaling, MD, DDS, with VD. Well, the ADA found out about the VD, so they took away my DDS. Then I was Fred Dingaling MD, with VD. Then the AMA found out about the ADA taking away my DDS because of the VD, so they took away my MD leaving me as Fred Dingaling with VD. Then the VD took away my Dingaling, so now I am Just Fred."

The officer walked away in tears, laughing.

Wages of Sin - War of Ages

We've reached our destination yet we've failed you
Dragged through our consequences in our wake we fall

Rise to the satisfaction
Hold to the pain we bear
With our demise we rise in all our glory
Rise to avenge our past
Rise as hearts ret glare
Rise with every heart beat
Rise!

Why have we used our pain as an excuse to fight so boldly
Here I am use me in every moment I have left
We fall

For those of you who hide in the shadows of our forefathers
We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed
Perplexed but not in despair
Persecuted but not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed!

Push through this final hour, truth lies within destiny
We bow in your presence, bring forth the fallen world
Stand for what's been promised, we've reached our destination
Throughout life we waver and falter and now we wage war

Hold me in your arms, how patiently we wait for our own death
We wait for you oh Lord to come and fill the emptiness inside me

Why have we used our pain as an excuse to fight so boldly
Here I am use me in every moment I have left