State police investigate possible embezzlement of church funds in Birch Run, Michigan

Personnel from the state police Bridgeport Post are investigating a possible case of embezzlement at the Christ Lutheran Church, 8101 Poellet, in the Village of Birch Run, said State Police Sgt. Kristin R. Winterstein Monday.

She said the investigation began in September, but she declined to share any further details of the investigation.
Rev. Dr. Richard D. Hillenbrand, who the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Web site lists as a Frankenmuth resident and the church’s pastor, said he will not comment on the matter until the investigation is completed.
The congregation has 373 “confirmed members” and an estimated weekly-worship attendance of 130, the Web site says.