How we’re keeping Chapel Hill safe
Considering the recent tragedy in Nashville, we wanted to reassure you that Chapel Hill Church and Chapel Hill Preschool have been taking significant measures to enhance security since 2017, as directed by the Session. There are too many things to list, but examples include active shooter training for our staff and key volunteers, lock-down systems for our classrooms, key-card security doors in the children’s areas, additional security radios for security, kids’ ministries, and student ministries teams, additional CCTV cameras and security lighting, new medical equipment, and other enhancements that are best unpublicized.
We also have a great relationship with the Gig Harbor Police Department. You will notice when you come to worship on Sundays that we have off-duty police officers and a strong security team present. In addition, we have just added more than 10 new security team members, including several law enforcement officers, to further enhance safety. We currently have a paid staff member providing security in the Family Wing during preschool hours.
Perhaps the most significant change will take place after Spring Break when we plan to have a uniformed, armed security officer on the premises during work hours and especially when preschool is in session. And of course, the C doors will always remain locked except during preschool drop-off and pick-up times.
New initiatives and protocols
Looking ahead, we intend to install higher security fencing for the children’s playground outside our building. Most importantly, we are revising our kids’ check-in protocol to protect the Family Wing and nursery, which is our most vulnerable area. Beginning Sunday, April 30, we will move the kids’ check-in from Door C to the nursery hallway near HeBrews. This will ensure that the entire Family Wing, from Door A to C and including the nursery, is secure.
We understand that this move may inconvenience those who park in our limited mobility parking spaces by Door C. If you have an unexpired disabled parking permit, please let us know, and we will give you a security card to access Door C on Sunday mornings. Think of it as our version of TSA PreCheck! To receive a security card, please contact Brit Allen via email. We need everyone else to enter the church through Door D or E, a small inconvenience to ensure greater safety for our little ones. Families with kids can also enter through Door D or E and walk to HeBrews to check in their child.
As you can see, our team has been working diligently to make Chapel Hill Church as safe as possible for our most precious and vulnerable gifts from God, our children. Thank you in advance, my Sweetheart Church, for putting your interests second to their needs.
Pastor Mark