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  Tough Easter for Parishioners Whose Pastor Died

My Fox Phoenix
April 26, 2011

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/faith/tough-easter-for-parishioners-whose-pastor-died-04242011

[with video]

It was a somber Easter morning at a valley church Sunday, where parishioners’ attended their first Sunday service following the suicide of their pastor.

Grieving people found an open door at the Trinity Baptist Church this Easter -- the first Sunday capping off a weekend of tragedy.

Police said the church's pastor, Nick Minerva , barricaded himself inside the church, then shot and killed himself.

On Sunday, church leaders passed along the news to followers who did not know.

“While we don’t condone the events that happened, we believe God is sovereign, and we will work through it,” said Tobi England, a friend of the Minerva family.

Police had served Minerva a search warrant after he allegedly lured a minor online.

Last summer, police said Minerva began chatting with who he thought was a 14 year old girl. He was really talking with detectives.

Police said Minerva had inappropriate conversations online and even exposed his private parts on a Web cam.

“It’s definitely difficult. You understand that -- a lot of innocent people that are affected. We want to give the family a chance to pull through this,” England said.

England led Sunday's service. Though he did not speak directly about Minerva's death, he said the Easter lesson was about teaching churchgoers about healing.

Police believe there are victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call Chandler police.

The Trinity Baptist Church plans on finding a new permanent pastor soon.

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Related Story: Police believe a fire at the Trinity Baptist Church in August 2010 which destroyed the kitchen and fellowship center was set intentionally.

 
 

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