Rector Momberg "Just Say I am Sorry"

Hot News flash from a meeting at the Church this past week:

Looks like someone failed to inform all the necessary persons in the Church about a Funeral at the Church, and there was a breakdown in communications to the person responsible for there being Flowers present.  When confronted about this, the Rector Momberg (instead of stating, "I am sorry that you did not get the communication, I will correct this in the future, you are right in bringing this up and wanting it corrected") took a very argumentative position and a defensive posture on the subject.  With it almost coming to a shouting match and his turning angry.  Come on!  Are you kidding me here?  The Right thing to say was "Yes, you are right, you should have been informed, I am sorry"  but no he has to place blame on others and defend those that made the mistake (if it was not him) and blow it off as a personal attack.  This shows a lack of Leadership that is becoming more and more evident daily, and we need this to end.  We need a Leader, not a Woe is me, Everybody picks on me, Poor Pitiful Me, I am a victim here, to lead this Parish to the next proper level.  We are never going to get to the next level with him in place.  Or with the current Senior & Junior Warden's (his had picked puppets).  In my many years I have dealt with persons that place the blame on other for their failures, and this is a clear sign of denial.  It's Never their Fault it was because of, miscommunication, or you heard me incorrectly, or we did not clearly communicate that out, or a complete denial of ever having that conversation.  When is it going to stop?  When can we rid ourselves of this Rector and get a Priest in that will take the responsibility of a Rector and not create so many layers of committees, and groups, and other Isolationist Practices, that allows him to hide behind and ultimately make no decisions while he milks us for every dime we have in an overpaid Salary, and little to no work on his part.  We are not the Church we were two (2) years ago when he came to All Saints, we are poorer, we have lost parishioners, whole families, standing in the community.  I love this Church, and that is why I am writing this Blog.  We need to do something before it is really too late and there is no way to repair the damage this Rector is doing to OUR CHURCH.  Many of us want him gone, but (sorry to be blunt) many of you are too chicken to stand up for what is right and say what is wrong and work with us to get him removed.  This is as much as your church as it is mine and some of you have been hear from birth, so stop hiding you heads and step up and do the right thing.  Our Current Senior Warden did it with Fr. Jim!  Why can't we do it with this one as he is far worst than anything Jim could have ever done (and I know why The Current Senior Warden pushed him out, and it was not for anything as bad as I have presented here in this Blog on Rector Momberg).  "WHAT SAY YOU ALL SAINTS?"  Are you willing to FIGHT for YOUR CHURCH?  "WE NEED TO STOP ROLLING OVER AND LOOKING THE OTHER WAY" like it is not happening and is not effecting you, because it is.  HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOU TAKE?

This just in from Trinity Episcopal In KS!

I have it on a very good source that the Rector Momberg was involved in unethical practices at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Kansas.  The issue revolved around the misuses of a Rectors Discretionary Fund.  This fund as you all know is one that every Rector has to assist persons of need in troubled times, and is part of the Church Budget.  It is funded from the Pledges given by the Parishioners, and as such comes directly from the membership.  It is a trust placed in the hands of the Rector that he will be a Steward of these funds and use caution and discretion to assure it is properly dispersed.  In the info I have, it has been learned that this Rector Momberg did not use it as designed and was caught red-handed for spending it on other things that were not part of the funds proper directive.  This is in a word "Theft".  In the outside world this constitutes termination, and possible criminal prosecution.  But I guess that was not the case here and he was still called to be our Rector.  I can't understand that we would still call him to be the Rector knowing this issue.  In my book, "Theft is Theft" and once done there is always the chance it will happen again.  This goes to Character and Trust, so with this now known the Character is even more in question, and Trust is out the window.  If the current Senior Warden (who pushed out Reverend Jim) being so hell bent to have this questionable person come to All Saints as the next Rector, then I question the Senior Wardens decision making abilities.  Clearly it was a decision that she ramrodded through to get him here, and that I do not agree with.  We could have & can make a better choice.  We should not have proceeded with his calling after learning of this, and I tell you all "The Search Committee, and Vestry knew of this all along".  I also know of another ethical issue that has happened currently and that involves fraud.  It is known that Fr. Tommy is the Assistant Rector, but did you all know that we have a different Assistant Rector?  Incase you did not know that, let me say that Rector Momberg has presented to multiple organizations outside of this Parish the Assistant Rector of All Saints Church "HIS WIFE!"  How about that All Saints?  Never knew we had a new Assistant Rector did you?  Yup, she has been presented at outside conferences and to a National Organization as the Assistant Rector of All Saints Church in Frederick Maryland.  So, let's see what we have learned here:

• Accused of and found guilty of misappropriation of Funds as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church Lawrence Kansas. ~ But we still called him to be our Rector.  Way to go Senior Warden & Vestry.
• Has fraudulently misrepresented his Wife as the Assistant Rector of All Saints Church to outside organizations. ~ Fraud is a great thing to have in a Rector don't you think?  Also, who paid for her trips with him to these meetings?  Did he use his Discretionary Fund  to pay for her attending, and her travel as well?  One would wonder!

In closing; I think I have made a very good case in showing this Rector is not to be trusted, as we can question his ethical decisions currently and in the past, and we can add possible fraudulent representation to his skill set.  Again, I Call For His Resignation/Termination Effective ASAP!  "What Say You All Saints?"  Had Enough? I know I and Many Others Have.

"Trinity Episcopal Church of Lawrence Kansas" Is there a Pattern to this Rector?

Interesting that I have done research on our Rectors History at one of his last Rector Positions.  I have learned:


I quote from the Church its self:  


1) "Several members of the parish had expressed concerns with the availability in times of need or crisis of Father Tom. Father Tom had also reviewed a record of transfers in and out of Trinity since January, finding that there had been no transfers in outside of new confirmands. Nine families / individuals had transferred out".


This is an interesting fact that they (Trinity Episcopal) had the same issue we currently have with Parishioners departing All Saints.  Not because of the "NATIONAL CHURCH" as Fr. Momberg states.  It is also stated that there where concerns that the Rector Fr. Tom was never around (available) in times of need or crisis.  So Pattern One and two are established that he has and will continuously drive away Parishioners from any Church and now it is All Saints.  That he is never around when needed or to be available in times of crisis as a Rector should be.  Not a Coincidence I think.  A Pattern of this Rectors History is being repeated hear at All Saints.


2) "By April of 1998, Father Momberg made a statement to the vestry that he recalled and emphasized that when he came to Trinity, he came with the intention of shepherding the parish through the transition from a pastoral model congregation to a program model, using the definitions as outlined by Arlin Rothauge. In so doing he would be a pastor to the parish leaders and an enabler so that the leaders might learn for themselves to be pastors to other parishioners. He had not expected that each parishioner would be able to have a personal relationship with the rector. He also spoke of the feeling of insecurity on the part of the parish staff, affecting every member of the staff, both paid and volunteer. The staff had felt that they were overworked and over criticized."


Ok, Paranoid Much?  This is not the way I think this Church (Trinity) expected their called Rector to be.  They expected the Rector to be a Shepherd to the WHOLE CHURCH, not a select list of hand picked followers (Like the Senior Warden, JR Warden, Committee Chairs, Vestry Members at Trinity or At All Saints as it is the case now) but to the whole Parish.  Again he quotes another writer and Professor of Congregational Development.  Why quote another person and not use your own words and do what is right?  Why is this pattern very visible to me that this guy is not at all interested in Pastoring to the PEOPLE OF ALL SAINTS?  He even showed signs then of conflict with Staff, Volunteers, Unpaid Staff, that clearly have come home to roost (Remember Great Hall Music Director Lynn?) at All Saints.  I know for a fact that Staff has had issues in the same things at All Saints as what happened at Trinity "The staff has felt that they are overworked and over criticized."  This Rings as a True Pattern of Behavior in my Book.


3) So Rector why not do this now at All Saints? ~ "Father Tom submitted his resignation to the Vestry at the January 10 meeting. He resignation would become effective April 30, 2000. The resignation was accepted by a unanimous voice vote!"  So why do you not do us all a favor and "RESIGN LIKE YOU DID FROM TRINITY!"  Allow us to move on as you did that Church and remove yourself from All Saints as the Rector.  Use that education you got at the St. Luke's Hospital Chaplains Training Program to get the job you truly are called for.  "What Say You All Saints, looks like a Repeating Pattern, and we need to nip it in the bud so we do not have to do what Trinity did.  And I quote:

"A Healing and Reconciliation Council was established in February with nine members to examine and review all issues relating to healing and reconciliation of the parish."  The Lord Knows we will need this once You the Rector Resigns ASAP!

"Shepherd Of The Flock is not wanted by the Flock!"

In the bible, there are many references to the fact that "Christ" was the Shepherd of the Flock.  He even told the Apostles that they were the Shepherd's of his Church.  They were to watch over his followers like a Shepherd is to do with all the sheep.  The work of a Rector is to do the same, no matter what.  In this case if a sheep is lost or falls ill.  The Shepherd is to bring them back, or nurse them back to good health through Honest Paryer.  This is done in the traditional way of Visiting the Lost Sheep or meeting with them to see where he can help and offer his guidance.  In the Case of Illness or Death, he is to be there to comfort and support as the Church Leader through Paryer or other means.

My friends in "Christ" this is not the case of the current Rector of All Saints.  I can give you example after example where this Shepherd did not do any of the above, or where he simply did not care too show, or even speak with the involved individuals or showed up at the 11th hour and did his "Drive By Rector Thing".  There re members in the Parish that have gotten so tired of his antics that they have told persons in the Church "Please do not tell the Rector Father Momberg that so and so is ill or having a rough go of it or is having conflict about coming to this Church" because they do not want him any where close and to have a Faux Presence/Visit.  Is this a way for Parishioners to feel?  If we do not want him at our times of need (Now Tommy, Deacon Tom, or Deacon Kay we do want), is this not a sign that he is not an effective leader or Rector? Why have him as the Rector of All Saints (sucking up a huge Salary etc...) if no one wants him in their time of need, which is a PRIMARY DUTY OF ANY PRIEST?  Rector Momberg, Please Step Down so we can get a REAL RECTOR/Shepherd for this Flock of All Saints.  "What Say You All Saints?"

"Where is the Rectors Annual Report?"

Let's see I am old and I forget things, but I remember that the Rector started his Lecture (I mean report) with a statement to include this:

"My report will be in the form of a traditional “State of the Parish” address at our Annual Meeting. You will be able to find copies of my report around the buildings, and on the parish website (www.allsaintsmd.org). For now, please know that I feel honored and privileged to begin another year with you!"

So, I am curious as to where this copy of his full "Rectors Report" is located.  I have looked on-line as the indication above directs.  But I only see the 10-Steps and nothing else.  WHY?  We need to see the full report on-line or in full documentation form as PROMISED by the Rector.  But wait, this Rector never has been able to keep a promise in the past and continues to change his mind.  Or as he likes to continuously say "There must have been some Communication error" to everything that forces him to MAN-UP and do what's right.  Stop Telling Untruths, give us what you promised in the February 2010 Annual Meeting Rector.  It's put up time and you need to distribute this Lecture (I am sorry "Report") as promised in your opening Statement.  One last thing, for you to say "For now, please know that I feel honored and privileged to begin another year with you!"  We do not reciprocate the feelings, and know that we are looking to number your days with us as you need to Please Step Down As Rector of All Saints.  To allow us to truly find a REAL RECTOR and not a POSER.  "What Say You All Saints?"

"Where do we Stand as A Church?"

We were a Corporate / Resource Size Church prior to this Rectors arrival.  We are not that size any longer.  We have lost 25% of our Parishioners, we are now at the Program Church Level according to the Dioceses info below (if I read the info correctly).  How do we go from being one of the Larger Churches in the MD Dioceses, to a Program Church?  Easy, allow (and continue to allow) the Rector to do the things he and the Senior Warden are doing.  Drive away beloved Families by the rate of 12.5% per year over the last two (2) years.  That is how you shrink.  Now the bigger issue comes into play.  Since we are no longer a Corporate / Resource Church we need to reduce what we pay (Per The Dioceses info below) to reflect the correct pay.  So, as I see it this Rector needs to take a Pay Cut of about $45 - $50,000.00 to be in-line with the current size of this Parish and to be in-line with the Dioceses 2010 pay structures.  Since he is not Leading us using no visible Leadership Skills, an Ability to Drive Parishioners away, No Real Vision for this Church, I say another $15K should do the trick on top of the $45-$50K to keep in line with his obvious lack of Skills and to fairly pay for what we are getting.  Rector -  How about a reduction of let's say $55K to be fair, since you have not lived up to your part of the Contract, as this is what most Businesses do with Contracted Professionals.  You Produce Less you get paid less.  With that reduction we could clear up the carried over $36K budget deficit from last year and have a possible balanced budget!  "What Say You All Saints?"

Clergy Compensation Table

Church Type	Family	Pastoral	Transitional	Program	Corporate / Resource
Average Sunday Attendance	Less than 70	70-140	141-225	226-350	Over 350
Total Assessable Compensation Medians and Ranges
Median TAC	$61,500	$66,600	$84,000	$99,400	$124,400
TAC Range	$49,800 - $83,900	$59,180 - $84,100	$63,800 - $98,300	$86,700 - $108,400	$106,800 - $136,400

PLEASE GO TO THIS SITE TO SIGN THE PETITION TO REMOVE FATHER MOMBERG FROM ALL SAINTS CHURCH!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/481/petition-to-remove-tom-momberg

"Luke 13:1-9"

Ok, I am not a theologian and never played one on TV.  But this reading today hit me hard and placed many things in perspective.


¹There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
 ²And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
 ³I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
 ⁴Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
 ⁵I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
 ⁶He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
 ⁷Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
 ⁸And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
 ⁹And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.


So I ask a simple question:

With all the dung being placed around by this Rector and Senior Warden over the last two (2) years.  Why has this Fig Tree (Rector) not produced any Tangible Fruit in this Parish?  Clearly NONE that I nor others can see!  So, we have given it (his tenure) longer than the gardener gave the Fig Tree to produce Fruit.  It is time to "Cut it (The Rector) down (remove him as Rector); why cumbereth it the Parish?"  In other words "It is time to remove this poor Performing Tree (the Rector Fr. Tom Momberg at All Saints) from our vineyard (All Saints Parish).  "What Say You All Saints?"  Are you up for some uprooting and starting anew with a new Priest that will bear the true fruit we all need in this Parish?

"The Chicken Little Sermons"

We all know the Chicken Little Story, and how he ran around proclaiming that the Sky was falling.  So when I hear Sunday after Sunday (even out side of Lent) that we all doomed.  I liken this to Chicken Little.  Too many Sundays I sit in the Church Service only to hear this Rector Preach a Gloom & Doom Sermon.  Or a Poor Pitiful is me Sermon, then we get a vaudeville show Sermon between he and his wife, that was painful.

Why is every Sermon he Preaches so Dark and gloomy?  We live in a world now that many people have conflict in their lives involving Jobs, Money, Social Injustice, and other daily issues that we need the Church to show us "We are loved, and that Christ is the Path we need to follow" but more importantly to show us through the Gospel Readings Christ states through me all things are possible.  Giving Hope to all that trusts in him and his Father.  Rector you need to lighten up, a constant diet of Doom & Gloom Sermons is a poor diet as it has no substance in which Christ is shown as the way, yet you portray us all as Sinners.  Yes, "WE (I) am (are) Sinners", I get that part but give us the "Light Of Christ" for Peter's sake.  The Sky Is Not Falling, despite what it looks like in your unreal world.  "What Say You All Saints?"

STOP THE PRESSES! Oh My, We Have a Vision!

You have got to be kidding me with this one right Rector?  I mean, to say "Our Vision is Jesus!" Can I clue you in on a little secret, come close now I do not want you to misunderstand or say I miss-communicated this to you "BUT OUR VISION HAS ALWAYS BEEN JESUS!" What poem book did you get this from?   After two years at our Church, earning a huge unjustified and overpaid Salary, this is the best you can come up with, "Our Vision is Jesus!" I want my money back, as my dead Grandmother could have come up with that in less time and for far less money.   It is such a revelation, Not!  You see about 2000+ years ago the Son Of God (Jesus Christ, came into this world by way of the Virgin Mary) came down to Earth, and became man to save us and Die on the Cross for our Sins. Since then the ministry he started (with 12 other holy men) "Christianity" has had but one Vision "Be Like, and follow Christ Jesus in every thing we say, think and do. To seek the kingdom of Heaven and our eventual reward of being with the trinity (God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), God the Holy Spirit) for eternity!" So two years of not having a Vision, and all of a sudden out of the Heavens Above, it hit you like a Lighting Bolt, "Our Vision is Jesus!". What was it a slow bolt from China?

People of All Saints, this is another attempt at Blowing Smoke, Diversions made to have you look away from the actual issues here, Quick Look over there is that Jesus? (I am sorry), can you find the Queen of Spades and win $10. Call it what you like it is just plain old Smoke and Mirrors to look like he (and I am sure the Senior Warden) is actually got our Vision down pat. Interesting fact, he would never tell any one he had a Vision for All Saints, or if he did, he was not ready to share it with us or something like that in the past.  We at All saints Expect, no wait, we demand that a clear Vision from our Rector be one that clearly, let me repeat my self in case you did not read it right, C L E A R L Y shows where this Church is going to be in the next 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 years in respect to:

• Christian Formation with some one (not the Rectors Wife) in tune to our true needs.
• Our Spiritual Journey that all must make and the opportunities being offered to all who seek that Journey.
• The Youth of Our Church (our future) and growing that Program
• How we will GROW (not shrink) our Parish Family, as you the Rector have accomplished on your own so far in the past two (2) years?
• What we are truly doing to supply the Current Parish Members and Future Members those things they seek in a Church Home.
• Our commitment to the Community of Frederick, and the Anglican Communion which we are all a part of.

These are True Visions, not the dribble the Rector has taken two (2) years to come up with. Jesus Christ is the Foundation on which this and all other Christian Churches are built. The items listed above are the True Visions of All Saints in getting to the next level. What Say You All Saints? "God's Shalom?"

Why are we paying for a Musician?

Not sure who paid for this person to play (what might be confused for appropriate music) in the Great Hall Service today 2/28/2010.  But they should stop as they clearly have no clue what they are doing! Is the phrase "Oh Daddy (Rector/Senior Warden) you paid way too much for that performance!" ringing any bells?  The music was not enjoyable, and at times the instrument used was so annoying that I and many others would rather have listened to a howling cat than what this person was playing.   It was also inappropriate to have this sound played during the reading of the Psalm and during the Prayers.  What a joke!  We need to ask for our money back, or have the Rector reimburse the Church for this Poor Choice.  You all know if Lynn was still here we would not have had this poor music inflict that much pain at one service.  "What Say You All Saints?"

Per Canons of the Diocese of Maryland the Vestry of All Saints needs to process CANNON 4-120 Of the Dissolution of the Pastoral Relation

Ok, I have had a few Cups Of Coffee today and yes this is another Posting. However, I think we need to call on the twelve (12) Elected (by the Parish Membership) Vestry Members to inact:

CANON 4-120 Of the Dissolution of the Pastoral Relation

Per the Canons of the Diocese of Maryland we ("The Members of All Saints Parish who elected you the Vestry") call on the Vestry of All Saints to start the Process to disolve the Pastoral Relationship between Fr. Momberg and the Parish/Vestry of All Saints Episcopal Church in Frederick Maryland in the Diocese of Maryland. Ok now it's out there, let's Get-R-Done!

Tell Us Rector "In Truth what happened in PA & KS!"

To Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church - What Actually happened at:

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church

4701 Old French Road

Erie, PA 16509

814-868-9704

In February 1986, the Rev. J.L Hamblin was installed as Rector and continued in that capacity until August 1989. The Rev. Thomas A. Momberg served as rector until February 1995. In the records there was much more detailed info on past Rectors but yours and your predecessor are so short. Why is that Fr. Tom?  What were the reasons you departed or (if asked) to Step Down?  We do not think it was to take an Assisting Position in another Parish, since that would be a career step backwards. Please tell us what did happen in PA?  This time no smoke and mirrors.

How about at this Church Rector Momberg? -

Trinity Episcopal Church

1011 Vermont Street

Lawrence, KS 66044

785-843-6166

What happened here, again what were the reasons you departed or (if asked) to step down as Rector? We do not think again it was to take an Assisting Priest Position in another Parish, since that would be a career step backwards. Please tell us what did happen in KS? This time no song and dance routine to throw us off.

So, let me ask this - Is it just me or is there a pattern here that should have been fully investigated by the search Committee, which might have shown a real reason not to call this person as our Rector. Thus Saving All Saints Parishioners the pain that we have come to bear over the last two (2) years?  "What Say You All Saints?"  Your Thoughts?

A Review that needs to happen! (Not Behind Closed Doors!)

Late one evening - I (was brushing up on my light reading) reviewing the Diocesan WEB Site and came across many documents that show how things should proceed in the interaction between the Rector and the Parish/Vestry.

SECTION G - MUTUAL MINISTRY REVIEW

The Rector, Wardens and Vestry agree to an annual discussion and mutual review of the total ministry of the parish, in order to:

1. Provide the Rector, Wardens and Vestry opportunity to assess how well they are fulfilling their responsibilities to each other and to the ministry they share. Let us the People of All Saints Tell you ALL how well you are or not doing, step up and be held accountable!
2. Establish goals for the work of the parish for the coming year. Not happened yet and per the Current Rector he is not willing or ready to share his vision except to say "God's Shalom". This is not a Vision!
3. Isolate areas of conflict or disappointment which have not received adequate attention and may be adversely affecting mutual ministry. If this had happened then this Blog Site would be history, and all the Parish Family Members that have left would come back with others not departing as they are in droves!
4. Clarify expectations of all parties to help put any future conflicts in manageable form. See #3 above! This Rector is not and has no Management/Leadership Skills to attempt this, as it has been clearly shown time and time again.
5. A mutually agreed upon third party shall be engaged to facilitate the mutual ministry review process. Ok!  But in an open forum having a independant third party involved and not the Rectors Spiritual Advisor (Rev. Smoot (sp?) Sorry) that was in for the White Washed version last time. We need this so they can see and hear the issues first hand and not get a white wash version from the Rector and Senior Warden. We ask "Do you the Rector and Senior Warden have the fortitude to stand up to this kind of scrutiny?"

Funny thing! There is a big process for a Rectors Review to happen annualy. But no where is it shown to state "In Seculsion"! This Rector needs to have a Review by those that count, "US" not a Stacked Vestry, with a Senior Warden that defends him with out (what is obvious) question, but an honest and open revew of this Rectors tenure with this Church Family. What say you All Saints? What are they hiding? Where is your voice? When do we say ~ "Enough is Enough!

What is our ROI (Return On Investment) for having this Rector?

This was sent to us by another concerned Parishioner of All Saints: (we will post them All Pro Or Con)

"As we have not seen any ROI over the past two (2) Years or more that he has been with us. Let me expound: As we all know this parish as many in the Episcopal Communion are seeing a slight reduction in membership. This Parish was on a downward slide years ago with the last Rector, and the many changes that occurred during the Interim as well as the National Church have contributed (very little) to that decline. But the Overall impact of the National Church has so much less impact on local Churches, and in fact most local Episcopal Churches are showing a growth, contrary to our decline. But we have not seen any growth sine we got the new Rector. In fact we have seen a larger decline and in (many) circles it is discussed that he is not helping matters at all but in fact causing further issues, with his being at All Saints."

What Say You All Saints? Let's Hear Your Voice!