I've been debating what to say about this for a couple of weeks, I just decided to sort of throw it out there because I'm trying to figure it all out.

After 18 years of working at our church's weekday preschool, my wife was let go about three weeks ago. She began as an assistant teacher and ended up running it and teaching kindergarten. She has an excellent reputation in the Christian (and public) schools around here. Her file at work was thick with letters from 1st grade teachers and principals praising the readiness of her graduates to move up to the next level. The kids and their parents loved her. A few years ago the church went through a couple of major upheavals - we constructed a hugely expensive new building (~ $30million) and the head pastor was fired for sexual misconduct. Debbie managed to keep the school going through all of that and even expanded classes and enrollment.

Her dismissal was entirely about money and internal politics. There is new leadership which is spouting off about going in a new direction. Without even talking to my wife, they decided she wouldn't be able to make the transaction and canned her without warning. There was quite a dustup over the whole thing - a number of people with clout, including two church elders and a bunch of upset parents kicked up a very real fuss. I'm not sure it's over yet. To her credit Debbie held her head up through the whole thing and acted with class, dignity and integrity, and showed some steel that I don't think some of those guys even knew was there.

She has some severance, and will get some unemployment, in fact she already has an interview scheduled. We'll be OK, but I have a real struggle with how they handled this. The church's slogan is "love God, love people, serve the world." Frankly, I don't see it. I've written two letters neither of which has been answered.

I still believe in God, Jesus and most of what's in the Bible; although I'm not a literalist. But after this, I don't believe in church. I have always been the one who jumps in when somebody and these boards says that all religion is the same and says no they're not. I can't do that anymore. I am not sure where this is taking me. I've working on a massive rewrite of my novel, mabye its therapy. The place where Debbie is interviewing is some sort of (I think) Hindu new-age spriritual off shoot. It looks interesting.

I'm sorry you both have to go through this, which is not just financial upheaval but emotional, as well. It's a place you both believed in, and you put your backs where your hearts were.

I'm usually disappointed when I join anything. Love the concept, admire the community, but hate the bullshit.

Good luck to Debbie on her new venture, too.

How disheartening when people who are supposed to be on your team turn on you. What a betrayal. I'm sorry your wife lost a position she must have enjoyed and I hope her job search takes her to interesting things. The Hindu thing sounds cool.

I'm sorry you both are going through this upheaval. I hope your wife will find a job she absolutely loves. 18 years is a long time. Spiritual journeys are rough. My experience is they yeild growth and generally turn out well once you muck your way through them. I wish you insight on your journey and peace on the other end.

Sheryl