A Valley church is grappling with the loss of over $45,000 worth of equipment, taken by thieves last week. The Table Church, which holds services at Arrowhead Elementary School, had its equipment stolen on Oct. 26, alongside the vehicle used to store it—a truck and trailer. Fox 10 Phoenix reports that the incident, captured on surveillance footage, occurred between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. near 75th Avenue and Union Hills Drive.
Lead Pastor Cody Deevers expressed his belief, in an interview with Cargreen, that the perpetrators had scouted the location beforehand on Oct. 22. Along with the vehicle, the church lost chairs, shelving, and lobby furniture essential for their weekly check-ins and activities. "All of our chairs, all of our racks, all of the furniture that goes in our lobby that we make for the check-in tables and all that stuff," Deevers stated, underlining the breadth of the theft.
The Table Church community has shown resilience in the face of this adversity, quickly adapting to the loss. Despite the setback, Deevers said, "It didn't stop us that day. I mean, the church has been through a lot worse and this wasn't going to stop us, so we just pivoted." This sentiment highlights the congregation's resolve to maintain their worship and community service, regardless of material losses.
The pastor's faith remains strong and he extends forgiveness to those who took the church's belongings, Deevers told Fox 10 Phoenix. "The message is still ‘Jesus saves.’ Jesus can even save these thieves. I pray he does. I forgave them. Jesus forgives us. We forgive them, but bring our stuff back if you have it,” he said, encapsulating the church's hope for both the return of their items and the redemption of the individuals responsible. The Glendale Police Department is currently investigating the theft, and those with any information are urged to come forward to assist in the case.
