Brighton First Installs Security System

Brighton First and Samaritan Counseling staff are trained
in the use of the new church security system. 

On Wednesday the Brighton First staff was updated on the new church security system that will be installed over the next week and phased in over the next month. The system will increase the daily safety in our church building and provide greater ease for church access for events and meetings. 

Brighton First trustees made the decision to install the security system after several occasions when staff and church members have been surprised by people in the church building at irregular times and places. We are blessed that there have been no incidents that were a danger for staff, church members or our preschool children, but we are acting now to lessen the chance of dangerous situations in the future. In addition, this system will reduce the number of times that church doors are mistakenly left unlocked.

I understand the need for these steps. Our church building will be a more secure place to worship, be in ministry, work, and learn. However, I admit that I receive this new addition to our church building with sadness.

I grew up in a small town where the church doors were unlocked during the day. I was raised in the Episcopal church and attended the United Methodist Church youth group. My friends and I could approach either of these church buildings and know that we could pull a door open without hesitation. The unlocked door offered the message "You are welcome here". I am nostalgic for those days.

As I talk about the new security system with church members, I will say that measures toward increased safety signal our care for people. In a safe setting the ministries of disciple making, prayer, outreach and worship can flourish. And I believe these things to be true. 

I pray that in the upside down logic of making our church building more secure to make it more welcoming, our mission to know, love and serve God will be blessed.