As you know (Life Church people) that we were scheduled to serve our community through Barnes and Noble gift wrapping today (12/17) and Wed. (12/19). However, it got canceled due to overbooking on their part. The person in charge of community networking (referring to B) from Barnes and Noble booked 3 groups to the same shift.
When I got there to set up @ 8:55am, the door wasn’t open (B & N opens at 9:00am) so I had to wait outside but there were several people already siting by gift wrapping section with everything ready to go. I was puzzled! The door opened at 9:00AM upon entering, I found out what happened… OVERBOOKED!
I don’t know how they got in but the 1st group came 15 min. before the door opened. The 3rd group came about 45 minutes after me.
The person in charge of the 3rd group (which I will refer to him as T) found out about the overbooking and got real mad. In the back of the store, T and I had a talk with the store supervisor like person. T was mad and made some unpleasant comment about B for making this mess. What are we to do?
According to the supervisor, LIFE CHURCH was on the “master” calendar to serve on 17th (at least today). So I guess we had the “right” and I could have insisted to stay and do the gift wrapping. That means, Barns and Noble had to ask the other two groups to leave (they were older than me and served in Barnes and Noble longer than us). I also realized the other two groups were using this opportunity as a fund raiser.
I have told T and the supervisor that Life Church will back out this year. Here is the reason why, I added, “Life Church wanted to serve the community. Thus, whether it is Life Church or other organization, the main purpose of serving the community is taken care of. So we are glad. Since many of them are here already, we will cancel our spot. However, if there is any empty shift later on, do give me a call (as I gave him my name card). I can’t guarantee that we will fill in but we will do out best.” With that I wished them Merry Christmas and left!
I am not sure what I should have done… but I feel as though I did the right thing. When money (even fund raising for the good cause) is involved, people can get little too sensitive. Let’s not become sensitive over this wonderful Christmas season.
I am glad that Life Church wasn’t planning to be out at B & N for $$ but because we love God and wanted to serve our local community! Good job, Life Church! I am proud of you!!!