Forum

As I look at recent events happening on a worldwide basis, it is
becoming apparent that we must consider raising the security level for
the near future. The month's shooting sprees include:

12 killed in Alabama shooting spree:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,508507,00.html

15 dead at German school:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090311/…_school_attack

5 shot in Illinois Church, 1 Dead.
Link to Illinois Church Shooting

In 2008 we had multiple shooting incidents
at churches in March, May and November. We do not know if any of these shootings
provided an incentive to others to copycat the initial shooting from that month or the year.

Also consider the difficult times that we are living in and the personal suffering that
is being experienced by many such as the concern for the economy, job loss, losses in
retirement savings, marital issues and family issues,

As
I review the recent events, I am very concerned that we are not
through with violent events. Past history indicates that as an incident
occurs, other people look at that issue and for some reason decide to
replicate that event. With that in mind, we must be very vigilent for
the next several weeks.

• Put additional staff in the Sanctuary, one close to the front and one in the rear
  at minimum.
• Do not allow unknown people to approach the podium or stage.
• Keep security staff in the foyers and parking lots.
• If you are not using radios for discrete communication, you need to start.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the
  people in them.
• Be on the look out
  for inappropriate conduct and suspicious activities such as people in unusual areas of the church, or sitting alone in a car in the church parking lot or surrounding streets.
• Also, recognize the
  potential areas of concern such as the back parking lots, balconies, back stage areas or baptisteries.
• Watch for people
  wearing unusual clothes that could hide weapons.
• Watch for large
  packages such as duffle bags or music instrument cases that could hide a rifle or
  shotgun.
• Watch for people that appear
  to be very emotional or distressed as well as displaying signs of unrest such as
  sweating or nervously glancing in all directions.
• Watch for people entering
  after the start of the service.
• Consider reducing
  the number of unlocked doors and funnel members and guests through one or two
  doors that are being watched by the greeters and security team members.
• Make sure that you
  have medical staff available if possible.

Above All

Know that God will
watch over us and trust that he puts one of us in place if a wolf decides to attack
our church.

Plan for the worst
possible situation and Pray for Gods best for the church.

Jack