Friends,
As many of you in attendance last Sunday saw and heard, our church was the target of a protest from a small group of individuals. While we have had peaceful protestors in the past, I think its fair to say we have not ever experienced the negativity or the hate that landed in our parking lot last weekend. Our congregation believes and affirms that the grace and love of God exists for all people, even those who don't see or believe as we do.
Jake has spoken to our law enforcement friends, and they are familiar with this protest group. While there may be some areas where these protestors crossed inappropriate lines last week, they are within their rights to protest on the public sidewalks and rights-of-way adjacent to our property.
The security, safety, and comfort of our congregation is paramount. In coming weeks, you will see a return of our dedicated "blue crew" as well as continuation of our 3rd party security from Monarch Security Services.
As a congregation - here is what we would ask each of you to do:
1) Please do not speak to or engage with the protestors in any way. This is what they are looking for. They want a reaction that makes their protest relevant. They are seeking a controversial conflict.
2) Many have suggested that we offer these protestors food and drink as Jesus would do. While we commend the act of kindness, the reality of this group is that they do not want to see what is in our community. We are not going to change their minds about who we are. Again - we are simply asking you to stay away from them.
3) Please do not post or discuss this protest group on your social media feeds. That gives this protest an audience which is exactly what they want.
4) On Sunday mornings if they are present again, feel free to park in our South parking lot and use the South doors. Since the protestors are not allowed to come onto our property, this entrance is further away from the public right of ways where they are allowed to legally protest.
5) Please pray for these individuals. God can change the hardest of hearts, so lift these people into His hands.
Much Love,
Morgan MacKenzie
(VLT Chair 2021)