A few of you have talked to me about the near tragedy last week in Michigan involving violence in a church setting. For me it felt close to home watching the video of a room evacuating with the same VBS background we’re about to put up.

It was also an opportunity to be grateful to our church security team for keeping us safe. - This past Sunday, as many of you were settling into your seats with coffee in hand, greeting friends, or helping your children find their classrooms, there was a team of servants already at work - our church security team.

You might not notice them every week. That's actually by design. Like Nehemiah's builders who worked with one hand and held a weapon in the other (Nehemiah 4:17), our security team members worship with watchful hearts, balancing their own spiritual nourishment with their calling to protect our congregation. They show up early, search the church grounds for any threats, they stay diligent watching cameras and vehicles, they spend hours each month training and discussing better tactics to keep you safe. (Our elders reviewed their 44-page manual impressed with the attention to detail – I think they thought of about everything.)  

I've been reflecting on how their ministry mirrors the heart of our Good Shepherd, who said, "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). While we pray we never face serious threats, these men have volunteered to stand in the gap if that moment ever comes. They arrive early, stay late, and maintain vigilant awareness - all so that you can worship freely and our children can learn without fear.

Their service reminds me that the body of Christ functions best when each member uses their unique gifts. Some teach, some lead worship, some greet at the door with warm smiles - and some keep watch. All are necessary. All are worship.

So this week, if you see one of our security team members, take a moment to thank them. Pray for their wisdom, their discernment, and their families who share them with us each Sunday. They are an answer to our prayers for peace and safety.

God is so kind to us, and I’m thankful that so many of this church family uses our gifts to build the body of Christ. Thanks for being a part of it!

Pastor Sam

P.S. If you feel called to explore serving on our security team, please reach out to Sal. We provide training and support for those interested in this vital ministry.