Hey. I'd really appreciate some prayers right now.

I have worked for my church for the past 15 years. I work as the youth and children's worker there, and it's quite tough work. The church is in inner-city Nottingham, and crime is high. Nottingham is known as the murder capital of the UK! Consequently there are many issues I face and work with, and the kids can be very difficult. I have chosen to live and serve here, along with my family, although it means extra pressure and strain on us. It is something I feel God has called me to, and I'm happy to follow his lead. It is what I'm passionate about and though I've done it for so long, for very low pay, God has put me here to serve the kids, and the community where I work. I love it.

However, 6 months ago a new vicar arrived. From the start, he was full of new ideas and vision. 4 months ago, he told me he wasn't sure he could work with me in the future. He has been continually critical of my work since he arrived. He says I have no passion for the job, that I have low expectations of the people I work with, and loads and loads of other stuff.

Now he is trying to change my role, and I feel like I am being forced out of my job. I have sought legal advice and been told I have grounds for grievance and if I am made redundant without been given a chance to do the new role, then I have a legal case. I know I am being bullied here, but I dont want to go down the legal route if I can avoid it. This is a church, a vicar, I work for, and as Christians, I want to resolve this lovingly and not through the courts.

I found out this morning that they are issuing me a written warning (disciplinary) for something I did last week (which in no way deserves this - all I did was sent a letter to parents telling them that the kids work was changing, and they said I had no right to do this!). No-one discussed this with me, or gave me a chance to explain, and this has been done without people knowing the facts. Anyway, suffice it to say, work has become really difficult.

Although I don't feel God is telling me to leave, I dont' know how much more I can take. My IBS has come back, I have eczema on my face (1st time ever) and I'm losing all my confidence in myself. There is a limit to how much I can handle, and I see no other option but to quit. I cannot take this bullying and need to look after myself and my family. I'd really value your prayers on this. It has been a very tough few months. I don't want there to be ill-feeling or animosity between me and the church, and I really don't want to let the children who I work with down. And because I love my job so much, it is really hard to walk away. I just don't see any other way out. So please pray. Really appreciate it.

Thanks x

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Helen

Mum to ...
Rachael Kinza (25/07/01), Matthew Isaac - DS & Autism - (14/06/03) and Hannah Cerys (14/06/05) - my gorgeous kids!

praying for you Helen in this difficult time. big hugs for you and all the kids you have helped along the way. may God lead you in these tough decisions and make the path clear for you along the way. aj

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Momma to Janna Macie (CAVCanal/Mitral Valve Repair-T21-02/02/05)
Wife to Joseph (TOF & still thriving)


"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance." St. Francis of Assisi

"God has not always answered my prayers. If He had, I would have married the wrong man several times." Ruth Bell Graham

Helen, many prayers coming your way. Having met you in person....and knowing your love for your work.....I know how hard this situtation must be for you.

Many prayers...for you and your beautiful family!

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Lisa - Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel (Ds) 6-7-05
Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

It is a very difficult situation. I have come across similar situations. A change in leadership of the church changes everything and not necessarily for the better. I am praying for you!!

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Karyn
Mum to Nikki (Jul 89), Stefanie (Sep 96), Joel [June 98] and Talitha (DS) (Nov 05) AVSD/PDA repaired 23 March 06

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:14

I'm so sorry to hear this is happening. How frustrating for you. Many prayers that God makes it very clear to you exactly what He desires.

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"There's a release in knowing the truth no matter how anguishing it is. You come finally to the irreducible thing, and there's nothing left to do but pick it up and hold it. Then, at least, you can enter the severe mercy of acceptance." Sue Monk Kidd

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can make a difference, in fact it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Meade

Ann, married to Tim, mom to Sally, Mark, Jane, John (12/02, DS), Paul and Alice

www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnbremer

This is really a tough one. With all due respect it does not seem like the Vicar's actions are lead by God. It's a catch twenty two, stay and fight the good battle, or leave and take your sanity. I guess only you know what you can live with. Either way, with God leading your actions there really is no wrong decision. I will pray hard for God's will to be done. I will also pray for peace for you and for the Vicar.

Helen, I will pray for your situation. I do know God will lead you to whatever he feels will best suit you....and no matter what you do, you will do awesome.....you have done incredible/selfless work over the years and it has made you the awesome person you are today....no vicar will change you! HUGS AND PRAYERS

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Joey 3/8/97
Megan, DS 11/8/03
Olivia 7/6/05

just wondering how things are going Helen and if you've had to make a decision yet on your work? hope that all is going well. many prayers for you, aj

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Momma to Janna Macie (CAVCanal/Mitral Valve Repair-T21-02/02/05)
Wife to Joseph (TOF & still thriving)


"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance." St. Francis of Assisi

"God has not always answered my prayers. If He had, I would have married the wrong man several times." Ruth Bell Graham