Pastor Steve Schmeling is shaking his head after learning money was stolen from his church on Sunday.
"There were people in the building the whole time," he said. "It's kind of a mystery."
I happened after the Sunday morning service. Schmeling says the collection plate was passed around as usual, and then set aside until after Bible class. According to a police report a member of the congregation put the donations in an envelope and then in his mailbox. When they went to count it, it was gone.
"I'm not really angry, but at the same time I feel bad it happened," Schmeling said.
Now, the church is out anywhere from $2500-$3,000. It's money that would have been used in the community.
"There certainly is a need and we're seeing more and more of that with our food pantry here at Zion. People seem to be very thankful for it," Schmeling told 13abc.
The crimes is just one of several in the area. Investigators are looking into a total of 21 church break-ins in Lenawee, Hillsdale, and Monroe Counties in Michigan and 6 in Fulton County.
At this time, police have no indication the theft at Zion is related to the recent rash of break-ins at other area churches. Either way, Schmeling says it's an unexpected crime that won't dampen their holiday spirit.
"We're going to be concerned but we're also not fretting. We know that the Lord is in charge of the ministry and he'll help us through," he said.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:51:06 GMT
Three brothers from Morceni disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Tonight their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will
Three brothers from Morceni disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Now their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will be part of a new series call John Walsh Investigates. The episode airs Wednesday night at nine.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:35 AM EDT2013-06-19 04:35:13 GMT
BREAKING: DETROIT (AP) - Chrysler decides to go along with government request to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps.
Chrysler abruptly agreed to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps Tuesday, reversing a defiant stance and avoiding a possible public relations nightmare over fuel tanks that can rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:33 AM EDT2013-06-19 04:33:49 GMT
Up and down Federal Street, pink ribbons are now wrapped around trees, poles and cars. They are a solemn reminder of East Toledo's missing baby girl. 18-month-old Elaina Steinfurth was last seen on June
Up and down Federal Street, pink ribbons are now wrapped around trees, poles and cars. They are a solemn reminder of East Toledo's missing baby girl.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:43:03 GMT
Congratulations to the winners of our Father's Day Photo Contest! Katie Osborn sent us the winning picture of father and daughter playing in a sprinkler. She says the little girl talked her dad into cooling
Congratulations to the winners of our Father's Day Photo Contest! Katie Osborn sent us the winning picture of father and daughter playing in a sprinkler. She says the little girl talked her dad into cooling off in the water.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:11:45 GMT
Rossford police are asking for your help identifying a pair of suspects. Investigators are looking for two suspects involved in a theft at the True North on Buck Road. Surveillance cameras captured the
Rossford police are asking for your help identifying a pair of suspects. Investigators are looking for two suspects involved in a theft at the True North on Buck Road.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:11 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:11:36 GMT
Toledo firefighters are on the scene of a house fire in Toledo. The fire broke out at a home on the 1100 block of Avondale just after 11:30pm Tuesday. Dispatchers tell us heavy flames are showing.
Toledo firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire in Toledo late Tuesday night. The fire broke out at a home on the 1100 block of Avondale just after 11:30pm Tuesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:55:39 GMT
Sylvania Township police are investigating the third incident of vandalism at Olander Park in the past two months. Firefighters arrived at the park Monday night to see a small building completely engulfed
Sylvania Township police are investigating the third incident of vandalism at Olander Park in the past two months.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:51:06 GMT
Three brothers from Morceni disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Tonight their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will
Three brothers from Morceni disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Now their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will be part of a new series call John Walsh Investigates. The episode airs Wednesday night at nine.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:39 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:39:48 GMT
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State University is proposing to charge juniors and seniors more than other undergraduate students. Trustees on Friday will consider raising tuition by 3.6 percent
Michigan State University is proposing to charge juniors and seniors more than other undergraduate students. Trustees on Friday will consider raising tuition by 3.6 percent for juniors and seniors but only 1.9 percent for freshmen and sophomores.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:35 AM EDT2013-06-19 04:35:13 GMT
BREAKING: DETROIT (AP) - Chrysler decides to go along with government request to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps.
Chrysler abruptly agreed to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps Tuesday, reversing a defiant stance and avoiding a possible public relations nightmare over fuel tanks that can rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:33 AM EDT2013-06-19 04:33:49 GMT
Up and down Federal Street, pink ribbons are now wrapped around trees, poles and cars. They are a solemn reminder of East Toledo's missing baby girl. 18-month-old Elaina Steinfurth was last seen on June
Up and down Federal Street, pink ribbons are now wrapped around trees, poles and cars. They are a solemn reminder of East Toledo's missing baby girl.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:43:03 GMT
Congratulations to the winners of our Father's Day Photo Contest! Katie Osborn sent us the winning picture of father and daughter playing in a sprinkler. She says the little girl talked her dad into cooling
Congratulations to the winners of our Father's Day Photo Contest! Katie Osborn sent us the winning picture of father and daughter playing in a sprinkler. She says the little girl talked her dad into cooling off in the water.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:11:45 GMT
Rossford police are asking for your help identifying a pair of suspects. Investigators are looking for two suspects involved in a theft at the True North on Buck Road. Surveillance cameras captured the
Rossford police are asking for your help identifying a pair of suspects. Investigators are looking for two suspects involved in a theft at the True North on Buck Road.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:51:49 GMT
Toledo Police are searching for a suspect in an afternoon shooting. It happened just after 3:00 p.m. on Jervis near Bloomfield. Officers tell 13abc a woman called 9-1-1 and told dispatchers someone shot
Toledo Police are searching for a suspect in an afternoon shooting. It happened just after 3:00 p.m. on Jervis near Bloomfield.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:39:16 GMT
He was born with a condition that limits his sight, but it's not stopping a local 6th grader from competing on a national level. Jalen Ballard is representing Ohio in a national Braille competition.
He was born with a condition that limits his sight, but it's not stopping a local 6th grader from competing on a national level. Jalen Ballard is representing Ohio in a national Braille competition.
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