I have a friend who describes the process of having church folk make one's life difficult as "being nibbled to death by ducks".

The ducks, they are a nibblin' lately.

Example: The office administrator for the church also happens to be a member AND the co-moderator of deacons. People are blurring the lines between her roles. It happens.

She has recently been asked, however, too many times during coffee hour at church (when she's off the clock) if she would do this little office-related thing, or to remember that other little thing for the church newsletter while she is getting her three kids situated in the pew, or making sure the littlest one isn't spilling juice all over himself. It's a real problem, and she recently told me that it feels as if she should get paid for showing up to church!

So, last week, she was out of town on vacation, and I had a little "Come to Jesus" moment with the congregation during announcements. I was very gentle, very kind. I affirmed their care and respect for the OA, and asked that on Sundays when she has the "Worshipping Member and Mom of Three" hat on, if they need something from her, they please go to her office (which is unlocked on Sundays for this purpose) and leave her a note that she can find on Tuesday morning when she puts her "Office Admin" hat on. I know for a fact that I was not scolding.

Last Sunday when she was back from her vacation, five members seperately accosted her during coffee hour and each said "We know that Cheesehead said we are not allowed to ever talk to you on Sunday, but would you please do such-and-such for me this week?" She asked them to each leave her a note, as we had planned ahead. And all five refused.

I am so hurt and angry I can hardly see straight.

Lord, help me to understand...