Well, there is a good possibility that, after Jan. 01, 2010, the "bipolarpastor" will become either the "bipolar-expastor" or the "bipolar part-time pastor". A small group of people from the congregation have pushed for years to have me removed. They were never successful - nothing trumps God's call - and discovered if they made the position art-time, I would have to leave, since I need the benefits of a f-t pastor.

It's obvious this has been in the works for awhile. First, it was decided not to yoke with Wolcottville, which would have saved us $17,000. Now, amazingly, the giving is down, to the point where the money necessary for a f-t pastor isn't there. I'm almost certain these people have gone so far as to ask certain people to leave the church, and be ready to return once I'm gone. I do know they have asked a retired elder how they could get rid of me, and one of the group has been going around to members asking them to stop suporting me.

These folks have been confronted, and they deny that any of it is true. However, anyone with half a wit can see right through this scam. I just pray that the District Superintendent (my boss) can see through this charade. The connectional system that holds up the UMC structure is a political mess, and what's good for the Kingdom isn't always done in lieu of what is good for the "church system". They've lost their way, and I really don't think they even know it.

Our financial wellbeing (yeah, right) depends on how this all plays out. If the job goes to p-t, I lose insurance for the both of us and an income. They will keep me on p-t, at $20,000, and I will take it, but I'll only be going to church once during the week and on Sunday mornings. Also, my visitations will have to be curtailed significantly.

Please pray that Connie and I can be accepting of God's plan for our life together.