Beloved of the Lord,
“Fear not!”
So the angels greeted the shepherds in the fields. “Fear not!” because Christ is born.
Tuesday evening the Elders and Campus Safety Team met to discuss our current procedures re. entry to the building during worship and events at church. This was because on Sunday, at the end of early service, an individual arrived at St. Paul, entered the building, walked from the back of the sanctuary to the front and exited to the right, back through the fellowship hall and left in their vehicle.
The individual left the church without incident, and for that we can give thanks to God. This is always the best outcome we would strive for.
I’m confident that if the individual had posed a threat or acted in a threatening manner, he would have been met by appropriate resistance from any number of those present.
Medina County Sheriff deputies responded and gathered statements and video footage. We are grateful for their response and collaboration.
The Elders and Campus Safety Team are putting implementing some changes right away while also working for a long-term plan for risk management including weather, fire, intrusion, etc.
What will you notice when you arrive at St. Paul?
- 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 the meantime: Fear Not!
Do not let a spirit of fear or anxiety overshadow the joy of the gifts which Christ has for you in His house. Satan would love to use events like this to drive a wedge between God’s people and His gifts, especially as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. Do not let speculation or imagination of what might have been cloud the reality of what did and did not happen.
I have the utmost confidence in our Lord’s care for you His people and those whom He has placed in positions of responsibility.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me, Rev. Streeper, or an Elder, and we would be glad to help.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Zielinski
