A new word and church security

I thought I would snap a shot of the almond tree in bloom. 

So they're saying we might get 4-8 inches of snow. It will likely be early tomorrow morning. Today has been icy, with a few snow flurries that didn't stick. We even received something, none of us, have ever heard of - A first for here - 

Have you ever heard of Graupel? 

It's called Graupel. I saw it this morning, and at first thought, it was hail,  only it was quiet.  Like little mini snowballs. 

It's been doing this off and on, all day. A first for here and we learned a new word.

The coastal towns of Crescent City and Eureka had a good amount of snow and they are at sea level! 

 Southern California issued a blizzard warning! In my almost 69 years, I have never heard of such an event outside of the mountains. Not at low-level elevations! We get snow once every 2 years or so - maybe a day if that. It's always greeted with enthusiasm. 

So maybe in the morning, we'll have 4-8 inches of that snow. Gosh, I hope so. I will be so disappointed. 

It sure is cold though - and there is a breeze. 

Yesterday I went to annual training at my church for those of us who are greeters, ushers, and security.  We went over what we are to do, during fires, earthquakes, etc. Then they talked about Bomb threats and Active shooters and those topics were a first. I guess we do a lot more than just smile, open doors, and greet. They showed us how to access a situation, where the panic buttons are, showed us the 2 AEDs are at, and how to lock the big doors - they have a door clip on them and when to lock them and when to unlock them (like fires)  My husband was asked to join the security team. So I don't know what "they" know but something is going on. The head of security is a retired police officer from our town. So he would know. 

It is a sad reality, that our world is not safe and there are those who may want to harm others. I feel really good knowing more than I did the day before. I feel empowered. At least now, if something should happen, I know what to do and of course, we have many on duty so I wouldn't be doing all of this alone. 

I'm a protector-type personality. I should have been a cop! Or better, in the military but back when I graduated high school, it wasn't offered nor encouraged. That's probably one of my biggest regrets in life - that I wasn't able to serve my country or my community. 

So the best I can do, at my age is to serve my church - and protect the innocents -living out John 15:13. 

Does your church have security or security measures?