The congregation of Collins Grove United Methodist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, is grieving after the tragic loss of a beloved choir member, 65-year-old Arthur Lee Gilmore, who was fatally shot inside his apartment.

According to a statement from the Greensboro Police Department, Gilmore was found with a gunshot wound shortly before midnight. As of now, no arrests have been made, and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

The shocking news has left the tight-knit church family reeling. Rev. Carl Manuel, pastor of Collins Grove UMC, shared his heartbreak on Facebook, calling Gilmore’s death “gut-wrenching” and asking for prayers for the church community.

“I am still in a state of shock because he stopped by the pastor study on Sunday and told me he was happy to be a member of the church,” Manuel wrote. “Brother Gilmore was a quiet man who sang in the choirs of the church for years, one who would shout every Sunday thanking God for what He has done in his life. He knew his way in God’s house.”

Manuel later told local news station WFMY that losing Gilmore feels like losing a family member. “It’s going to be a sad day at Collins Grove UMC Sunday,” he said. “When I lose a member of my church, it’s like losing a family member.”

Gilmore was well-known in the Greensboro community, where he worked in city maintenance. Audrian Melton, a 40-year member of the church and chairman of the United Methodist Men’s group, remembered him as a hard worker with a gentle spirit.

“It hit home,” Melton said. “It wasn’t like a stranger; it wasn’t like a bystander. It was more. It was gut-wrenching. It was tough and emotional.”

Despite the deep sadness his death has brought to the church family, Rev. Manuel shared a powerful perspective rooted in faith. Reflecting on Gilmore’s life of worship and service, he said, “For me, it just tells me that Jesus needed another choir member in Heaven.”

As they face a painful Sunday ahead, the members of Collins Grove UMC are holding onto the hope that their Brother in Christ is now singing joyfully in the presence of the Lord he loved so much. In the midst of grief, they cling to the promise of eternal life and the reunion that awaits all who believe.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Greensboro Police Department as the investigation continues.