[tombm3]

Ok, not exactly the same but issues are brewing. I've been playing guitar in our P&W group for like the past 5 years. No problems, kids come and go from school and what not.

Well last week a group of four were "practicing" after service. Again, not a big deal and I guess I didn't see anything obvious or unusual. Ok, flash forward to today. I had the day off and decided that if anyone was at the church I'd stop by and drop off my amp and guitar. I figured it would make it easier for Sunday morning.

While I was setting things up the minister mentioned that I did know that we (typical praise band group) weren't playing this Sunday. I was floored. Nothing was said to me before this time. I received the email bulletin like always and nothing appeared different or changed. He actually went into his office and made a call and came back and said, yup, you don't have to play this Sunday. As it turns out, I'll only need to play every other Sunday for the rest of the Summer. Uhmm, excuse me? I don't NEED to play every other Sunday. I WANT to play every Sunday like we have been doing.

So, I try to play it cool and continue to set up my amp and leave it there. Obviously I took my guitar home with me. When I get home, I have an email from the group leader. Very matter of fact and not personable. (Exact words, names changed to protect the innocent)

"We will only be responsible for music on communion Sundays for the
next few weeks - John organized another group to give us a
little break. They will be starting this week. Sandy told me
earlier this week, and I hadn't gotten to you all yet (Sorry Tom!)."

Yeah, and if I hadn't gone in today I would really be upset bringing my gear on Sunday. Nobody asked for a break. Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions but obviously someone knew about the change. I believe I am taking this too much to heart because this is my only gig. (non-paying btw) I don't have a band or get out with a bunch of others. Now someone is taking away half of the playing enjoyment I have had over the past few years.

Sorry to vent here guys and gals. I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve. I'm sure my pastor could read me like a book. We shall see how things work out on Sunday. I'll have to remember to bite my lip.

Any thoughts or advice?