A strange email from a ministry leader and wife of a staff member laying the blame on the Pendergasts for the hostility and the excommunication just two days before a mediator would find the elders had acted unfairly in their treatment of the Pendergasts. The writer and her husband never did appologise for the acustory tone nor did speak again to the Pendergasts for at least a year and then only the day before the Pendergasts were excommunicated a second time. They angrily placed the total blame for the mess on the Pendergasts daring to go to law. The writer would write again in blunt terms in October 2004 when the Pendergasts asked to meet the Ladies Time Out Executive to discuss the hostile and isolation techniques being used against Jennifer.

The husband and staff member had earlier blamed the origin of the disagreemant on poor communication between the Pendergasts and two pastors responsible for the Marriage Course ministry. From a document review the error appears clearly to be on the pastors part.

While these emails (especially the part about the childen who were quite close to the Barry & Jennifer) hurt the Pendergasts they at least are grateful that at least one staff member had the guts to register her feelings and likely those of the entire leadership team.

On Monday, December 8, 2003, at 06:56 PM, Catherine Taubensee wrote:

Dear Barry and Jen,

I just wanted to send you a note to say that we miss you. Last night
our family attended the Christmas performance by the SCCC choir, and
afterwards, at bed time, J......... made this comment. "Mom, I was missing the
Pendergasts tonight because I was thinking about last Christmas when we sat with
them in the front row at the Christmas concert. It makes me sad that they
think our church is so bad." This brought tears to my eyes.

Please understand that we have not said much to our kids, other than
that there are some issues that need to be worked out. The kids have
prayed for you often.

I know that you think we are on "the other side" of your dispute, but
isn't it sad that even as we put up our decorations and sing about 'peace on
earth', there has to be battles over who's right and who's wrong? I
there any point to it all? Doesn't it just continue to hurt everyone
involved? It is a fact that until you lay down your weapons and forgive, this
will continue to cause you both pain. Unforgiveness will affect every area
of your life and your ministry.

God is present and working at SCCC - that is evident in so many ways.
Please, please stop working to cause disunity in God's family. You are
using bitterness, hate, and revenge to fuel your crusade, and God
cannot work in those circumstances.


We will continue to pray that you will be willing to communicate in
love, forgive and be willing to receive forgiveness, and that you will become
peacemakers this Christmas season.

Love, XXXXXXX