How do I grow a pair and say no?

[wambam]

On Sunday, I stayed after church for a 15 minute "training" session to help out with the service. I went in thinking that I would learn something from it and maybe one day actually help out with this. The guy was really nice about it and taught me a lot. But then at the end he really put me on the spot and said "Can you do it next Sunday for high mass on All Saints Day?" I sputtered for a minute and reluctantly said yes because I felt like I had to say yes. 

I really don't feel comfortable doing this. I've barely been going to this church for a month and to participate in such a high profile service just doesn't feel right. How do I tell this guy I can't do it without looking like a total flake?

[rightmeow]

DH and I volunteered to help with services. The first couple of times, we had seasoned veterans help us. Could you at least ask for help?

[wambam]

Oct 28, 2013 8:57:39 GMT -5 rightmeow said:

DH and I volunteered to help with services. The first couple of times, we had seasoned veterans help us. Could you at least ask for help?

Yes, there will be people to help. But I have never been to a high mass. Ever in my life. So it seems irresponsible to participate even with help.

[wambam]

Oct 28, 2013 9:03:35 GMT -5 namasteak said:

Was this acolyte training perhaps? Was it the acolyte master who asked you, a priest or just someone looking for a sub? If it was the AM or a priest I'm sure they wouldn't have asked if they didn't think you could handle it. But if you are truly uncomfortable then let them know! I'm sure they won't mind

Yes, acolyte training. It was the head acolyte who asked and he had a cancellation.

[wambam]

Oct 28, 2013 9:02:25 GMT -5 cjoy said:

What do they want you to do?

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Either carry the Bible (which I'm not allowed to hold like a real book and I am scared to death to drop it) or carry a lit candle.

[jennysmitten]

You will be fine. You will have help and are just carrying stuff. You'll be fine!

[rightmeow]

Oct 28, 2013 9:06:04 GMT -5 wambam said:

Oct 28, 2013 9:02:25 GMT -5 cjoy said:

What do they want you to do?

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Either carry the Bible (which I'm not allowed to hold like a real book and I am scared to death to drop it) or carry a lit candle.

Ah ok. I misunderstood. I thought you meant help setting up before services. I didn't want to fuck up the communion stuff, so it was nice having help.

I think you can do it! Can't mess that up

[wambam]

I understand that I am perfectly capable of carrying things. But I really do want to observe high mass before I jump into helping with it.

So-and-so,
Thank you for taking the time to teach me more about the liturgy yesterday. I am excited to learn more. Unfortunately, I don't feel comfortable participating in high mass this Sunday. I would really prefer to observe a high mass before I jump in. I hope this doesn't cause you too much trouble.
Thanks and I will see you Wednesday,
Wambam

Does this sound okay?

[hisno1girl]

Oct 28, 2013 9:17:06 GMT -5 wambam said:

I understand that I am perfectly capable of carrying things. But I really do want to observe high mass before I jump into helping with it.

So-and-so,
Thank you for taking the time to teach me more about the liturgy yesterday. I am excited to learn more. Unfortunately, I don't feel comfortable participating in high mass this Sunday. I would really prefer to observe a high mass before I jump in. I hope this doesn't cause you too much trouble.
Thanks and I will see you Wednesday,
Wambam

Does this sound okay?

That is perfect. He'll understand. He'll  also remember and probably ask you the next time

[isabel]

Oct 28, 2013 9:17:06 GMT -5 wambam said:

I understand that I am perfectly capable of carrying things. But I really do want to observe high mass before I jump into helping with it.

So-and-so,
Thank you for taking the time to teach me more about the liturgy yesterday. I am excited to learn more. Unfortunately, I don't feel comfortable participating in high mass this Sunday. I would really prefer to observe a high mass before I jump in. I hope this doesn't cause you too much trouble.
Thanks and I will see you Wednesday,
Wambam

Does this sound okay?

I think this is great. There's no reason you should do this if you don't feel comfortable and I think observing first makes more sense anyway. 

[jane6672]

Oct 28, 2013 9:07:06 GMT -5 cjoy said:

Oct 28, 2013 9:06:04 GMT -5 wambam said:

Either carry the Bible (which I'm not allowed to hold like a real book and I am scared to death to drop it) or carry a lit candle.

You got this. It's carrying stuff.

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How would you know, you muppet?