A member of the Crystal Lake Evangelical Free Church has shared the following email with me:

Subject: Important Information for EFCCL Attendees

Dear Member or Regular Attender,

We need to inform you that on March 25th the church staff found a tissue box in our ABF wing that contained a bomb threat referencing Easter Sunday.

While the police believe that this is most likely a hoax, and we agree, it is both wise and prudent to assume that it may be real.

To that end, appropriate preventive measures will be taken on Easter weekend including possibly having a explosive ordinance canine go through the building prior to anyone entering the building on Easter, having increased security present, and of course encouraging awareness on the part of all members for anything that might appear suspicious. The staff and elders will have an increased and more visible presence that weekend.

Additionally, the church will be under tighter security with more external
and internal doors locked and this coming Sunday, all evacuation plans will be updated, and Pastor Tim will conduct a “soft” fire drill on Palm Sunday to be sure the children know what to do in case of an emergency. This final part is something we need to do annually and is good practice for any potential emergency.

This threat is most likely intended to disrupt the real purpose and focus
of the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection, but we want everyone to be informed so that you can pray and make an appropriate decision for their family. We are again reminded that there is evil in this world, but must remember the words of 1 John 4:4,

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

  Please pray for God’s prevailing protection over our church and for His mighty power to triumph during our Easter celebration.

David L. Cook
Senior Elder/Church Chairman

District 47 built Hannah Beardsley Middle School next to the church on East Crystal Lake Avenue.