Please use the signs we provide. We will not be using signs that have graphic images or negative comments. All messages are to be positive and family friendly. We also will not be using signs that support a particular candidate, although “Vote Pro-Life” is okay.
There is to be no yelling, chanting or verbal battles with passers by. Remember you are ambassadors for Christ! If someone tries to engage you, simply smile and quietly pray for them. If they want to debate the issue of abortion you don’t have to. You can simply say, “I am here to pray not to debate. I will pray with you if you want”. If you do choose to debate with someone, DO NOT engage in yelling. If you feel the conversation is becoming heated, again tell them you are there to pray and not debate. Remember that we are Ambassadors for Christ so let the words we exchange reflect that role.
Bring a cell phone. Numbers for me and the other coordinators are on a card in the vigil box. If you are being harassed or if there is any type of incident, call 911. We have spoken with Sgt. Pleasant at Anne Arundel County Police Department and they have made clear that they are there to protect us, too!
Do not block the passage of anyone walking by. Do not block the entrance to the Park and Ride. Stay on the sidewalk and do not step into the road.
If you are approached by a police officer, be polite. So far they have been extremely supportive so this shouldn’t be a problem, but in the case of a rouge officer remind them that we are exercising our 1st amendment rights and that we have told the AACPD about our vigil. If they ask you to keep moving, comply, but get their badge number and we will report them. If you have any problems, call Kelly Stauffer or Steve Abler (phone numbers are in the plastic box).
In the case that the next person in the schedule doesn’t show up please put the vigil box and signs in the bus stop on Ritchie Hwy (NOT on Jones Station), underneath the bench.