Thursday, October 12, 2023 

Elkdale Family,

Near the end of our mid-week gathering last evening, an unidentified woman entered the main building through the north portico, stole a diaper bag from the nursery lobby, and exited the building through the south portico. The incident, from entry to exit, took less than two minutes. 

Even as we give thanks to the Lord for his protection of our children and workers, we acknowledge that this was a breach of existing security procedures. It reveals we must not only be more diligent in following existing procedures, but must also refine these procedures to increase the security of our campus. 

The church staff and deacons met together last evening and discussed these matters thoroughly. We have developed a series of action steps that we are working to implement. I want to make you aware of three of those steps we are implementing immediately. 

Adult Grow Groups

Beginning Wednesday, October 18, 2023, all Adult Grow Groups will meet in the main building rather than in the adult building. GriefShare will meet in Room F400, the Men's Class will meet in Room F402, and the Women’s Class will meet in the Choir Suite. No groups will meet in the adult building. 

Entry Points

On Wednesdays, we will utilize two entry points for the main building: the north portico entrance (from the Highland Avenue Parking Lot) and the south portico entrance (from the Sixth Avenue Parking Lot). Both entrances will be locked after all groups have begun meeting.

Safe Shepherds

A safe shepherd will be posted in the hallway outside the nursery entrance beginning at 5:00 PM and remaining until 7:30 PM. The purpose of this safe shepherd will be to ensure children are checked into the nursery in a safe manner and then to secure the nursery once check-in is complete. The safe shepherd will facilitate the opening of the nursery for parents picking up their children to ensure the security of the nursery at all times. As both the north portico and south portico entrances will be locked after groups have begun meeting, a safe shepherd will patrol inside the building for security and to provide entry to Grow Group participants arriving late. 

At the recommendation of the pastors and deacons, further security measures are being investigated and will be implemented as soon as possible. 

Our desire is to provide the safest environment possible for those gathering for worship each week. We ask for your understanding and cooperation in these efforts. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact me at nicholas.gandy@elkdale.org. We are recruiting men to serve as safe shepherds. If you would like to know more about this ministry or are willing to serve, please contact me or the church office at (334) 872-3456. 

Sincerely,

Nicholas Gandy

Senior Pastor