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Angelcat
Registered user
Username: Angelcat

Post Number: 4
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - 4:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I mailed my letter asking to have my membership removed on Saturday.

Just wondering if anyone here has any idea what to expect, how long it mighttake etc. My local church isn't known for being overly organised.

I'm dreading when my friends and family find out. I'm a 4th gneration SDA. My parent have already left the church,but, they left becasue the church isn't following EGW closly enough for them. I've attended there home church for the last 2 years, and have just recently stopped.

I really have only one person I can talk to about this stuff irl. And I am very thankful for her. She was never an adventist, but we still have tons in common.

It's also hard to sort out what the Bible says, and what EGW says. There is so much in the BIble I never knew, as SDA's ignore much of it, it seems.
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady

Post Number: 6046
Registered: 3-2004


Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - 5:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Angelcat,
A suggestion if you do not mind. Start reading the New Testament. Start with the gospel of John, followed by the other gospels, then the rest of the NT. I start with the gospel of John because it tells you how much the Father loves us.
I cannot give any suggestion on resignation letters because I consider myself lucky. My name was removed from the church books back in the 1980s due to lack of attendance.
Diana L
Jorgfe
Registered user
Username: Jorgfe

Post Number: 1404
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - 5:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

When they receive your resignation letter, your resignation is effective immediately and anything the church or the minister does after they receive your resignation is tortable. The Church of Christ of Collinsville, OK had to pay $390,000 in damages because they did not immediately honor Marian Guinn's resignation, but "excommunicated" her and announced it from the pulpit after she had delivered notice.

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=OK&vol=/supreme/1989/&invol=1989OK8

In the Norman Hancock lawsuit (Mesa, AZ 1985)the Mormon church "excommunicated" him after he submitted a letter of resignation to the church. Hancock filed an $18 million lawsuit against the church, saying a person has a right to voluntarily resign from a church. The suit was settled out of court and the settlement sealed. An account online reports that Hancock filed the suit himself, without the aid of a lawyer, after studying the Guinn case. The same account says that church lawyers started discussing with Hancock just how much money he wanted, but he told them he didn't want their money, that what he wanted was to have his name cleared.

If the Seventh-day Adventist church you attended in any way shape or form defames your name after you have served written notice of resignation there are extremely serious legal consequences for them.

Once they have received your letter the pastor or someone he authorizes might might call you or drop by your house unannounced, even if your letter states clearly that you don't want any visits or phone calls. They might say they have to 'meet' with you or 'interview' you. They might have someone else drop by. You should prepare yourself for any such visits or calls and be prepared to respond to them the way YOU want. You don't have to invite them in, you definitely don't have to go to any 'interviews' or 'meetings' and you don't even have to be polite. The minister has a copy of your letter, he has supposedly read it, so he knows you've asked for no contact. Feel free to ask him what part of 'no contact' he doesn't understand. Remember, you don't have to meet with them or accept phone calls from them. It's YOUR choice.

The church administration will probably sit on the letter for a few weeks. If too much time seems to have passed, at any point in this process, give them a call. Call them as often as you like. You may need to involve an attorney, and that can resolve the problem quickly, even in a single day.

Hopefully you'll be one of the lucky ones and they'll handle your resignation in just a couple of weeks.

Gilbert Jorgensen
Daisie_girl
Registered user
Username: Daisie_girl

Post Number: 54
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - 10:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Gilbert, I love the wealth of knowledge that you bring to the table! Very fascinating and insightful!! Thank you for some great facts!!

Angelcat, please take no offense to what I'm about to say, but I am sooo giddy that your letter is going to stir some feathers and hopefully make some people question their own faith! You never know what God can use to help turn other people around too!! I am excited too, that you will be "discorded" from the mother of empty and false religion!!

Just remember, though, even if it isn't on paper, Christ sealed your freedom with His blood - and I mean freedom from EVERYTHING!!

I'll be praying that they respect your request and there are no hassles! I'll also be praying that your letter is a source of light in darkness! Seeds will be planted, girl!! I have faith that they can!!
Martin
Registered user
Username: Martin

Post Number: 3
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 2:06 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's good to read your message, Angelcat. Your questions are very similar to mine, with the exception that I'm still wondering what I could write in my letter.

I'll be also praying for you, that everything goes smoothly.

I'm sure it takes a lot of courage to send the letter, but it probably is an important step in the process of breaking all those bonds that tie us to something that we do not feel comfortable with any longer. It may seem small, but I feel that it's something huge for us!
Jorgfe
Registered user
Username: Jorgfe

Post Number: 1408
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 5:59 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here are links to a few that I have added to my list:

http://beyondadventism.com/content-transition/resignation-letters/index.php

Gilbert Jorgensen
Dennis
Registered user
Username: Dennis

Post Number: 1539
Registered: 4-2000


Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 9:27 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Interestingly, when I submitted my resignation letter more than eight years ago, the popular and talented senior pastor promised me a personal visit which I looked forward to. However, his worst fears were true, he never showed up nor called. Instead, I contacted him on three different occasions to make sure they would honor my request. He obviously suspected that I was ready for any theological discussion. Not long thereafter, his ministerial credentials were withdrawn due to serious sexual sins.

Dennis Fischer
Angelcat
Registered user
Username: Angelcat

Post Number: 6
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 6:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you all so much for answering, and for the prayers.

It would be ironic if aynone showed up to visit when I asked them not to,considering I asked the visitation committee to visit over 2 years ago and they never did.
River
Registered user
Username: River

Post Number: 3801
Registered: 9-2006


Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 8:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

To: Adventist Church general conference
And local Adventist church.

Please withdraw my name____________ from your church rolls, I am formally resigning as of *date*.

I formally request that you do not contact me because of this matter as I am now attending possum hollow Pentecostal church and we are swinging from the rafters.

I have begun to speak in tongues and I no longer understand English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
We have killed every pig in the county and I still can’t get enough hog.

I go to church three times every Sunday, 9 AM we go to the Possum Hollow and roll in the isles, 2 PM we go to the Baptist to shout, 6 PM we go to the Methodist and sprinkle.

If you don’t understand all this, in plain language, I QUIT.

Sincerely _______________.

If anyone else don't know what to write feel free to contact me, I am even smarter that Gilbert, although I haven't let on as I didn't want to hurt his feelings or disturb his cat.
River
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady

Post Number: 6057
Registered: 3-2004


Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 8:26 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You are back in full force River. I am sitting here laughing as I type.
I thank God for your sense of humor.
Diana L
River
Registered user
Username: River

Post Number: 3802
Registered: 9-2006


Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 9:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

For a small fee I will write all your letters of resignation and you will all get recognition from the whole congregation. Trust me! I'll make you famous!

How does a dollar a piece sound?
I don't accept confederate currency from you southerners but I will take chickens in trade. Just tie their beaks together before you put them in the mail box or the mail man will hear the clucking and think it's Adventist mail and reject it.
Very sincerely.
River
Angelcat
Registered user
Username: Angelcat

Post Number: 7
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 9:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the laugh river.I especially liked the part about killing pigs,seeing as ham is my new faveourite food.
River
Registered user
Username: River

Post Number: 3803
Registered: 9-2006


Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 9:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If justification for compilation to your congregation has resulted in stagnation and lack of creation and communication call River at 555-quit.
Jorgfe
Registered user
Username: Jorgfe

Post Number: 1412
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 9:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

River, you made me laugh so hard that tears came to my eyes!

You could start a "Resignations by Mail" service!

Do you by any chance live in Nigeria, and have $95 million that you would like to split with me?

Gilbert
River
Registered user
Username: River

Post Number: 3804
Registered: 9-2006


Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 9:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It just so happens that my sweet old Aunt died and left me millions that I need to get out of country, I would be happy for you to accept a certified check for 1,0000000000000000000000 dollars in U.S. Currency and you send me just 2,000 U.S. for the handling fee and feel free install the check in you own bank for exchange.

I am being ver honest.
Sincurly your.

Nugen A. Platterpuss
Christo
Registered user
Username: Christo

Post Number: 80
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 10:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

River,

your faith, and sense of humor provoke me to jealousy.Glad you are back.

Chris
Jorgfe
Registered user
Username: Jorgfe

Post Number: 1413
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 11:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://www.scamorama.com/ is a site dedicated to stories about these sites. It also includes stories of people who actually got the scammers to send them money!

Hehe!
Joyfulheart
Registered user
Username: Joyfulheart

Post Number: 357
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 - 6:30 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Angelcat,

Hi! I don't think I've welcomed you, yet. I'm so glad you posted!

I'm praying for you! My family wasn't Adventist and leaving was still so hard. I lost most of my friends and lies and gossip abound. I've even been mentioned in sermons! Talk about notoriety!

We're all here for you. We not there in person, but we're here nevertheless - and we all understand what you're probably experiencing. Come here to vent and pour out your heart. We are the body of Christ, too and we'll be here for you.

Most importantly though, Jesus - if you let Him will become so real and close to you. Turn to Him and let the Holy Spirit be your comforter. He knows you better than anyone and will stick closer to you than a brother. That's a promise from the Word of God!

Again welcome!

Joyfulheart
Joyfulheart
Registered user
Username: Joyfulheart

Post Number: 358
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 - 6:42 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey, if I had played my cards right, I could have been a multi-millionaire. I've gotten so many of those e-mails.

River, I don't exactly need a letter in my situation since they don't want me back - I know too much and am a follower of Dale Ratzlaff and Desmond Ford, (actually, I'm just a follower of Jesus and Bible believer) but it might just be fun to send one anyway.

You may have just given someone an idea for a home based business...
River
Registered user
Username: River

Post Number: 3806
Registered: 9-2006


Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 - 8:33 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Joyfulheart my dear, I'll make them want you back, then make them want to get rid of you again. Trust me!

Just send me a dollar and I will prove my prowess in these areas of undertaking dear.

Trust me. :-)

Lannie may have to send two dollars as never beens are a difficult case, but never let it be said that River fails at the task at hand.
Your most sweetest and sensitive fiend (Uh, I mean friend)

River
Toria
Registered user
Username: Toria

Post Number: 492
Registered: 2-2006


Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 - 10:56 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Jeremiah
Registered user
Username: Jeremiah

Post Number: 414
Registered: 1-2004


Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 - 8:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes, looks like River is back in full force! This thread has been hilarious so far!

I actually know a Nigerian who isn't a scammer. He lives in Nigeria and wants to study abroad. Unfortunately there is no way that I could prove to anyone else that he isn't a scammer. He's Pentecostal, and very serious about his Christianity.

My over-the-phone request to drop my membership was handled promptly, and I didn't make any threats or anything! A few months later, I happened to be at a meeting where the conference president was the speaker and he asked me if I actually had wanted to be removed from membership. I told hin yes and thanks for being so quick about following through with my request. I told him I was one of those who left for theological reasons and that I was very happy to be Eastern Orthodox Christian. I said that being SDA is like being the scientist trying to figure out what a dinosaur is like based on the bones they dig up, while being Orthodox is like meeting the live dinosaur. He thought that was an interesting way to put it. I told him that it's very difficult for an Adventist to make the transition to Orthodoxy. He and I were able to leave the meeting on good terms.

Jeremiah
Joyfulheart
Registered user
Username: Joyfulheart

Post Number: 360
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 - 9:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hey River, i'm just wondering how in the world you plan to make them want me back. They said they would call the police if came back!

That is a letter I really want to see! You have quite a lot of talent - or is that a spiritual gift being used for us here. My dollar is on the way. :-)

Looks like everything's back to normal on the forum. Thank you Lord!

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