LA CROIX CHURCH SHOOTING UNSOLVED

The congregation of La Croix United Methodist Church prayed Sunday for the individual or individuals who three days earlier had fired shots at the church.

Police and church leaders remain at a loss to explain why anyone would fire 10 rounds from a .22-caliber handgun or rifle at the church at 3102 Lexington.

Seven shots struck the church, shattering the front-door glass and damaging the front entrance area. An eighth shot damaged a parked van belonging to the church's music director.

The Rev. Ron Watts, pastor of the church, said the congregation was in an upbeat mood Sunday despite the damage."We prayed about it in church at our three services," said Watts. "We prayed especially for the person or persons that did it."We prayed that they might come to know God and his love and goodness," said Watts.

For church members, Sunday also marked a day to give thanks in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday. "We were very thankful that no one was hurt,' said Watts.

Music director Chris Nall was in the church when the shots were fired about 11:25 p.m. Thursday. He was in his windowless office in the back of the church and wasn't injured.

Watts said bullet-damaged panels on two doors still have to be replaced, along with a glass panel at the front entrance.