Armed man robs worshipers at Maryland church

United Methodist News Service
WASHINGTON—An armed gunman interrupted the evening service New Year’s Day at Mount Zion UMC in Bel Air, Md., and robbed worshipers of an undisclosed amount of cash and valuables.
Shortly after 6:30 p.m. the man, wearing a ski mask and dark clothes, burst into the church and began waving a gun around, said the Rev. Craig McLaughlin, pastor.
The gunman seemed nervous and yelled a great deal, McLaughlin said. He ordered three brothers, ages 6, 8 and 11, and their father to collect purses and wallets.
At least eight of the 50 people present were robbed.
After ordering the congregation to the front of the church, the gunman fled. A handful of people called the police on their cell phones.
Police estimated the incident lasted about 10 minutes.
Before the police arrived, McLaughlin led the congregation in prayer, asking that God would change the heart of the robber.
Speaking to local and national reporters, members of the congregation expressed shock and disbelief and said their church would have provided the man with assistance if he had asked.
Mount Zion is known in the area for its generosity, tithing at least 30 percent of its income to outreach efforts. The congregation has built and maintains an orphanage in Namibia.
In the week following the robbery, some United Methodists in the area have expressed “fear and concern,” said the Rev. Barry Hidey, pastor of nearby Bel Air UMC.
Some churches are taking precautions, like training ushers in security procedures, asking church members to leave valuables at home and suggesting they make their offerings by direct deposit, if it makes them more comfortable.
“The best defense against harm is to have a busy, active church, filled with people who talk to others and meet and talk with people they do not know,” Hidey said.
The Rev. C. Anthony Hunt, superintendent of the Baltimore-Harford District, praised the way the Mount Zion congregation demonstrated discipleship following the robbery.
In a letter to the pastors in his district, Hunt shared that there was also a burglary at a parsonage in Baltimore over the Christmas weekend.
“I believe these incidents point to the tremendous pain incumbent in our world, and thus the need for the Resurrected Christ in times like these,” he wrote. “I encourage you, during your times of worship this weekend, to lead your congregation in prayer for all of those affected by these (and other) forms of violence.”