Church Cancels Service After Devastating Theft
A church in Holland, New York, with a small congregation of around 40 people, had to cancel its Sunday service after a robbery occurred. Thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of equipment, including computers, microphones, and speakers, as well as $800 raised for an upcoming Easter egg hunt. The church, led by Lynne Hill, has been a vital part of the local community, and the theft deeply impacted the congregation.
Pastor Lynne Hill was not in town when the robbery took place, but Pastor Richard Clarkson noticed something was wrong when he arrived to prepare for the service. He found that some important items, like computers, were missing, and blinds in the building were closed, which indicated a break-in. Clarkson described the theft as a heavy blow to the small church, especially considering the significance of the lost funds for their tight-knit community.
While the Erie County Sheriff’s Office has not yet identified any suspects, Pastor Lynne Hill has spoken out to raise awareness of the crime, especially since there have been other break-ins along Route 16. She wants to encourage other churches and local residents to stay alert to similar incidents. Despite the setback, she remains optimistic and committed to moving forward with the church’s mission.
Laney Hill, the daughter-in-law of Lynne Hill, started a GoFundMe campaign to help the church recover from the losses. In her campaign, she highlighted the church’s positive impact on the local community, despite its small size. She praised her mother-in-law’s dedication to continuing the church’s work after her husband’s passing and urged people to support the church during this difficult time.
The church remains determined to overcome the challenges posed by the robbery and continue serving the community, offering a place for worship and support for local groups.