Dear Editor,

The day finally came here at Utmost United Methodist Church. We have had to change all locks. It was hard enough to realize years ago that the church had to be locked. The current rash of plundering has caused the trustees to take this dramatic action.

No one is sure how or when the security breach occurred. But over time, our investment in expensive electronics and equipment made this move necessary. Otherwise, our insurance company would increase our rate. The trustees did extensive research in the types of locks we need. After the search and a cost/benefits analysis, a key card system was adopted. Although expensive up front, it allows us to keep accurate records of not only who has key cards, but also who, when, and where the building is accessed.

As you might imagine, Will Notley opposed the move. "We don’t need to spend that much money in some fancy lock system," he said. "We could buy padlocks at the hardware for a whole lot less."

Our pastor, Rev. Mostly Wright said, "As the hymn says, ‘New occasions teach new duties...’ Now it is our duty to be good stewards of these facilities with which God blessed us."