Hello everyone!

Yesterday, we had the chance to gather together and honor Easter together as a faith community. The kids did a cute skit for us, reminding us that the story of Easter is full of more questions than answers.

If you were not able to join us in person or online today during service, you can use the button below to watch our service back this week on your schedule.

Click here to watch today's service.

Security Issue Yesterday

Yesterday, during our service, there was a security issue that I want to make everyone aware of. A man with a backpack came onto the stage during communion and engaged me in a tense conversation with me. There were numerous concerning statements that he made, so I asked him to allow me to dismiss everyone from service so that we could continue talking through his concerns with everyone safely outdoors, which he agreed to. However, he grew upset during that second conversation and ended up leaving the building still very disgruntled.

Security footage was reviewed, revealing that he had entered the building at the very end of service and used the basement access to travel undetected and quickly through the building and into the sanctuary. A police report was filed yesterday afternoon.

Please know that this concern is being taken seriously, and the issues are being addressed promptly. I have canceled my scheduled trip out of state this week to stay and address security gaps to ensure that our worship time this coming Sunday is as safe as possible.

We will begin by having our newly formed building safety and security team meet tomorrow at 6:30 PM in the Fireside Room to review plans and needed security improvements. If you are interested in attending this meeting and being a part of this team, please let me know.

I will be sending a second follow-up email to everyone later in the week, sharing more details and updates on the security measures in place to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable for service next week.

If you would like to talk about your concerns, fears, or emotions about this event, please reach out to me by email or text!

This Week's Announcements

Reminder that next Sunday will be our monthly potluck lunch after service. All are welcome to come and connect for a big meal and time to get to know one another better.

Also, on Saturday after our Wide Welcome Learning Event, we will have a landscaping workday from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, with pizza for those willing to stay and help weed our new xeriscape garden area, plant additional plants, and replant our indoor plants in the Narthex.

Upcoming Events

Next Sunday at 2 PM will be the Second Sunday Concert series by the Finch Family. You can learn more about this month's scheduled concert by clicking here.

This is a free event, and if we have 20 people attend, we will receive a $500 grant to help us build a recycling collection for plastic and cardboard in our Fellowship Hall.

Click here to register for the Faith and Climate Forum

Click here to see all upcoming events on our website.

Upcoming Connection Group Schedule for April

If you are not yet in a connection group and would like to be added to one, please email me and let me know! I will help you get connected.