In response to last week’s tragic attack on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, Pastor Alex has written a pastoral letter addressing safety and welcome in worship. The letter acknowledges the real fears many carry in the wake of gun violence at houses of worship and points us back to God’s promise that “we have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The letter outlines steps Muhlenberg has been taking to ensure the safety of all who gather here, including a Harrisonburg Police Department security audit, the creation of a Safety & Security Committee, diligence around what doors are unlocked on Sundays, updated building locks, numbered entrances for EMS response, and protective window tinting in the MAC.

At the same time, Pastor Alex makes clear that our trust is not in locks or guards but in Christ. We will not respond to fear with fear, nor meet violence with violence. Instead, we remain committed to being an Open, Authentic, Relational, and Serving community, uncompromising in our welcome: “We welcome all because God welcomes all.”

Join us this Sunday, Oct. 5, 9:45am-10:45am, in the Nielsen Room or on Zoom!