The Previous Engagement

I joined my new church in June. I had been going regularly since February, and finally decided to join. It's a small church with maybe 40 regular members. It's nice, and I enjoy going.

Well, one week the pastor mentioned some dinner he was having on July 27. He said that he would like people to volunteer as hostesses. He suggested (in front of everyone) that I be a hostess, and the lady Daisy that sits behind me be a hostess. He mentioned that it was a fancy dinner, but as hostesses we would be allowed to go for free. The dinner cost 100 dollars for everyone else. I talked to his wife after church and told her that I would do it. (I figured why not? It was free, and I wouldn't mind hanging out with the upper crust type of people for a change.)

I missed the first meeting because I was in TN with my grandparents. Throughout the weeks, the pastor was saying that he would like everyone at church to attend, and if you didn't have the 100 bucks, go talk to him and he would find a way to get those people there. I didn't say anything thinking that as hostess, my ticket was covered.

I got a call about a hostess meeting on Monday at 7. I show up for the meeting to find out that not only is it a hostess meeting, but it's a political campaign and tons of church people were there(the pastor runs two churches). My pastor is running for Delegate, and this dinner is basically a fundraiser for his campaign. I'm SO not into supporting political candidates except for voting for President. I also found out that I have to pay 100 bucks for my ticket. Everyone that is involved has to pay. So I'm sitting at the meeting feeling like I've been bamboozled. I don't even know this guy (my pastor), nor his platform, yet he wants me to pay 100 bucks AND work at the dinner. If I'm paying, I should be able to sit and act like one of the fancies. I am supposed to wear a black "tea-length" dress, and a yellow corsage. I'll wear one of my theater dresses, but I'm not sure if it is "tea-length."

You know I'm all about principles and so I think I'll go and hostess, and then I will leave the banquet. As much as I would like to support my pastor, I don't want to spend 100 bucks on something I don't believe in. I'm sure he's a fine fellow and would do a good job for the people in MD, but I feel like I was scammed.

I left the meeting early to go to Ryan's party, and still didn't get there until 8:30. I thought about sucking up the 100 bucks and just becoming a sheep for one night, but honestly, I would rather buy those Febreze Noticeables than pay for a piece of meat and some potatoes. I'm so torn.