Beloved in the Lord,
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office was able to use the footage from our cameras to identify an individual and make contact with him. He has been informed that his behavior was unsettling and unwelcome and that he has been “trespassed” from the property (meaning, we would call the sheriff and they would come and remove him). He acknowledged the instructions. The deputy is confident this individual will not be an issue again as our location is not an easy target (because he is known to us and also because what he encountered on Sunday made us an unattractive target).
What does this mean going forward?
The subject who prompted the review of our plan has been taken out of the equation.
The short-term changes still seem prudent while the Campus Safety Team reviews our long-term plans.
What to expect when I arrive at church?
- We remain a vibrant and welcoming worshipping community.
- Entry doors will be locked and staffed with greeters, an Elder, and Safety Team members to welcome everyone for activities. If you arrive more than 30 minutes before an event, you may need to wait briefly while the team gets to their positions. Please be patient.
- Safety Team members are receiving training on how to observe anything that may seem out of the ordinary and assess the situation in a way that remains welcoming and reflects our atmosphere of openness.
In Christ,
Pastor Zielinski