The fenced-in play area next to Grace Presbyterian Church on Royal Palms Parkway in Palm Coast is a sanctuary for energetic children during Sunday service.
But the centerpiece is gone, after the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said someone stole the children’s playground equipment, specifically an outdoor wooden swing and slide playset last week.
“It’s difficult financially. It’s difficult emotionally and this time of year probably makes it a little worse," said Grace Presbyterian Church Pastor Mark Pearson.
Although it was donated to the church two years ago, it’s worth $1,000.
“We prayed for them and for us that we would forgive them and that God would forgive them and show them mercy and grace," Pastor Pearson said, while explaining that he broke the news during the children's sermon.
“It does not change the joy that we have in Jesus Christ. However, explaining that to children is pretty difficult," Pastor Pearson added.
Outside of the play area, tire tracks are still fresh from where the pastor believes the getaway truck sped away last week on either Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, the congregation is praying the thieves’ return the playset or replace it with something better.
“That they would make this right and certainly not have this on their heads when judgment time comes," Pastor Pearson said.