Prepared, Not Scared
Dearest Siblings in Christ,
I write this month with a heavy heart and a wounded spirit as too many innocents have been victims of violence perpetrated in public and what should be safe spaces. As much as I would like to believe that such an incident would never occur at Minneola, it is only prudent to have the conversation and so, I want to make you and this entire community aware of the conversation Council is currently having and that we will be asking you to join in this fall.
At June’s Council meeting, your leadership discussed Safety Procedures and with Lee Sjolander leading our conversation we discussed different precautions and scenarios possible for our community to take specifically on Sunday mornings. We do not want this to become an anchor around our neck that limits our ability to be welcoming and open to God’s children, so we will shift slowly this summer which will lead us into additional changes to be discussed at our Fall Congregational meeting.
This summer we will be procuring a trauma kit to have in our church building that will be available for any significant medical issues. We are also purchasing Julia Cook’s book, “I’m Not Scared…I’m Prepared!” used in elementary schools nationwide. This book will help us have shared language and reinforce what our kids already know. With these and some additional shifts to come over the next few months we will have the conversation, we will prepare ourselves for the possibility AND we will continue to gather to praise and worship God each Sunday.
Siblings in Christ, I write this not to scare you, but so that together as a community, we can be as prepared as possible. We are living in a trying time, and I am grateful for the conversation and intention your Council leadership is taking around the safety of our community in this place. I pray we never experience such an event, but no matter what God is with us and together we will care for each other and this community because “nothing can separate us from the love of God through Christ Jesus.”
-Pr. Hannah
