When it was announced that we will be locking the doors for the Sunday Service, it understandably seemed to take people by surprise. The reactions ranged from a sense of relief to discouragement. For those who expressed discouragement, I got the impression that they felt too little information was shared or that it was an overreaction to what was known. The decision was not taken lightly. Both formal and in-passing discussions were held about locking the doors since the beginning of September. I observed a pattern where those discussing it vacillated between defiant bravery and practical prudence. Over the days and sometimes within minutes people would waver between the two ways of reacting. At best this is an unusual thing for people to be thinking or talking about.

We ARE living in interesting times where large-scale historical events are happening. But thankfully our community here in Mason County retains a resilient and cooperative spirit even among those of us with different political, social, and religious beliefs. Our Crop-Hunger Walk demonstrates the power we retain to build bridges and minimize the flames that some would have
fanned.

Nonetheless, flames are fanned that, with social media, appear more immediate than they necessarily are. Suspicions cannot help but be raised from activities that, even in the best of times,
appear out-of-place. The Ludington Police let it be known to us that they are increasing patrols during church services in the area, and have asked us to make note of unusual activity and save
communications given to us that we are not necessarily asking to receive.

As our congregation is a bit of a religious and political outlier in the area, it was decided by the board with my full support, that the more prudent side would be taken at this point. Since making that decision we have heard through the grapevine that other churches in the area are also taking measures to have a more controlled entry into their services on Sunday. Personally, and through the new ad hoc committee, I hope to learn more about what other churches are doing and what local authorities recommend.

We do not want to give in to a bunker mentality, but if what we do is not too cumbersome, we can also do what we are able to give ourselves peace of mind. As in all things I encourage us all to be
patient and give one another the space they need to work out how best to respond to events and occurrences. With and through the ad hoc committee, we hope to hear from every voice that is willing to share a point of view so that we can work through all this together.