4/12/26 Announcements
Due to a technical issue this week, our weekly worship service was streamed but lacked sound. We apologize to those who watched online and were hoping to view today's conversation recording. We will make sure the setting is corrected for next week.
Security Changes
We shared this news earlier in the week in an email communication, but I am sharing it again today to make sure everyone has seen this important announcement:
We will be installing rolling, retractable steel gates in all three of our stairwells. These will be rolled out and locked on Sunday mornings to limit any access to our basement during that time. These gates will not block access to any fire exits and will be folded up and locked during the week so that no one can use them to block stairs when Montessori is in session. These have been ordered and will be installed before the service this Sunday.
We will have an unarmed security guard on our property on Sundays from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM. This individual will watch for any suspicious activity or persons. They will keep an eye on the UU entrance and our entrance before and during services. This will begin this Sunday. This security guard will ask to look inside large bags or backpacks to ensure that no weapons are being brought into the building. I want to prepare you for the possibility that this may be asked of you if you carry a large bag.
I also want to inform you that in March, our Vision Council passed a new weapons policy stating that no lethal weapons are allowed on property, with the exceptions of active law enforcement and those who have a valid concealed carry permit and have requested permission from the Vision Council to carry in the building. Once permission is granted, a copy of their ID and a valid concealed carry permit must be submitted to the office. Please do not conceal or carry on property without completing this procedure to ensure the safety of everyone in our space.
Starting immediately, the glass door on the north side of the building (near the library) will not be left unlocked at any time, including on Sunday mornings. Instead, we ask that everyone please enter the building through the main doors facing 44th Ave. I recognize that this may mean some people will need to plan to walk further than they have in the past to enter the building. I would ask that those who are able-bodied and able to walk further please park farther from the front entrance or use the south parking lot to help improve access for some of our members with limited mobility.
Once service starts, we will lock two of the three doors in the Narthex. Only the doors closest to the doorbell will remain unlocked throughout service.
We have added deadbolts to two doors that we discovered during numerous walkthroughs this week to be vulnerable. One is off the kitchen, and another is off one of the upstairs Montessori classrooms. These will both be installed and in place before service on Sunday.
Finally, we are working to obtain quotes for an upgrade to our security camera system, which has been in need of an update for some time. Our leadership is exploring our options to improve our system over the next 30 days.
We feel that the combination of these steps will help improve the safety and security of our gatherings on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. If you have questions or concerns about any of these changes, please feel free to reach out to me by email, or we can set up a time to meet in person.
Today's Announcements
1. If you were not able to join today's Pride Planning meeting during our potluck meal and would like to be involved in planning our presence as a faith community at Pride this coming June, please let me know. I will be happy to include you in follow-up emails and future planning.
2. This coming Wednesday, our Religious Trauma Support Group will be meeting in the library at 6:30 PM. This group connects on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.
Upcoming Events
If we have 20 people register and attend this event, we will recieve a $500 grant to use towards building a recycling collection station for our Fellowship Hall!
To register for the spring Enneagram Class Click Here
Joys and Concerns
Please keep Curtis Young in your thoughts and prayers this week as he travels to Cuba to be part of a medical mission trip. Pray specifically that their religious visas are approved in time and that they are able to travel. In addition, pray for their team's safety as they work to bring needed medications to communities in Cuba.
Click here to see all upcoming events on our website.
As always, if you need anything this week or there is any way that I can support you- please reach out to me.
Blessings,
Christie
