Prayers for my safety (maybe)

[Critters2]

Hi, all

It's been a strange day, and I either need consolation, or prayers (positive energy, good thoughts, an effective spell--I'm not choosy) for my safety. When I came into my office there was a message to call a colleague. I do, and she tells me a parishioner (of hers) was "assaulted" in front of my church last night. Not much more detail than that, and says I should be careful, but I shouldn't tell anyone else. ..?...I think, "Hmmm, that's odd." Since I not only work in the church but live on the grounds, and since I was out late last night taking out garbage but didn't notice anything, I decide to call the cops and ask whether I should be concerned.

I talk to this detective, who keeps saying they're investigating "what, if anything, happened". So I think to myself, "The cops don't think a crime happened." And I go to work on my sermon.

At lunch time I walk over to the church building (my office is in the "parish house" behind the church) for a Women's Fellowship meeting. While we're there, the owner of a local store comes in and announces that a rape took place between our church building and the church next door.

Now, I am most curious. When I get back to my office, I call the chief of police, with whom I serve on the local "Character Counts" board. I tell him of the two stories I've heard so far. I point out that the rumor mill seems to be at work. I ask him for clarification. He again suggests that they're not sure anything at all happened, and says I needn't be anymore careful than usual. He then jokes that my dog (a beagle whom he's seen and knows isn't at all aggressive) is "probably all the protection you need". I again decide there's nothing to be worried about.

So, I turn on my computer, and the first e-mail in my inbox is from yet another local pastor--serves at a church a block away--telling me that there was a rape in the alley--literally in front of my garage, from his description--last night, and an attack on a disabled man on my block a week ago.

So, I don't know what to think. I was very calm about this, but I feel myself slowly growing toward a panic. I'm thinking of buying pepper spray, and will be careful. I'm trying not to freak out. I'm also wondering what warning, if any, I should give my parishioners.

I live in a town of 18,500 on a major interstate about 90 miles from a very large city, with suburbs in between. This has been a center for agriculture, with 2 large grain elevators, and a factory town, but is beginning to grow. I live right downtown, but have never worried about my safety--traffic noise is the biggest problem usually. There's talk of a growing heroin problem, but I wouldn't know it if not for the newspaper and community meetings. So, generally, I feel safe.

Or, I did.

I mostly needed to vent, but the police chief asked me not to talk in town in any way which would feed the rumor mill.

so, of course, I thought of U...DU!!

Did I mention it's been a strange day?

[ZombieNixon]

1. Hmm...that is weird.

Really, I'm not sure what to say, but I can put in a good word with the Flying Spaghetti Monster if it'll make you feel better. ;)

[Critters2]

3. Anything the FSM can do would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[LaurenG]

2. Wow

That whole story just doesn't jive right does it? I don't think the police chief would say he didn't think anything happened if it did would he?

I'll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way. In the meantime just be cautious. :hug:

[Critters2]

4. I know

it's all very strange. Thanks for the good thoughts!

[flvegan]

5. Try not to come/go alone, at least.

Until this is cleared up, and any guilty parties locked up.

Stay aware, and stay safe!!!

[Critters2]

6. Thanks, flvegan

I'll be careful. And good to see you...I was afraid you had left.