EDITORIAL: May local church thrive amid thefts

The past couple of weeks have been pretty shocking. Stories abound in the Daily Pilot about flashers, molestations, ID thefts, drunk drivers.

But here’s, perhaps, the topper: News broke last week that Newport Harbor Lutheran Church had been pilfered of more than $300,000.

A majority of the missing money was earmarked to pay taxes for the church, according to Pastor John Embree. While the church took a hit, it is not in danger of closing.

“We will survive. I think God needs a church and a ministry here,” Embree said.

Embree and other church leaders have been meeting with the 200-member congregation to answer questions and ease concerns about the loss.

“Every day, you open up the paper and are shocked at what you see,” said one congregation member.

Indeed.

Cheryl Granger — who lives in New Hampshire — faces charges of embezzling $320,000. She pleaded not guilty to eight felony charges with multiple sentencing enhancements related to her three-year stint as the office manager and bookkeeper at the church.

If convicted, she could be sentenced to nine years in prison.

Only time, and our judicial system, will tell whether Granger is guilty or innocent of the charges. Meanwhile, many in the church have been jarred to the core.

“What we’re talking about is trust,” Embree said. “It really shakes congregations.”

Let’s hope that the shaking does not result in breakage. That would be a shame. Times like these try the patience and faith of churchgoers, but isn’t that the true test of faith?

Believing even when in disbelief. Forging a bright tomorrow out of a gloomy today. Resurrecting hope. We’ve seen other congregations tested in this way; many came through and thrive to this day.

This is yet another “Is nothing sacred?” moment.

Here’s hoping the congregation of Newport Harbor Lutheran Church finds the sacred within the profane.