BUFFALO, N.Y. — Good Shepherd Temple Church in Buffalo is calling on the community for financial support to help complete several repairs after an alleged scam artist posed as a grant writer and said the church was getting $500,000. 

After 13 years at the helm, the pastors of Good Shepherd Temple Church in Buffalo invested some much-needed renovations to the historic building, including a new roof. Through word of mouth, church leaders partnered with the accused scammer, Christina Gordon.

Last week, State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Gordon was charged with scamming more than $200,000 and using it to maintain a lavish lifestyle. The church paid her thousands of dollars in fees and was upset to learn she is accused of being a fraud.

"I cried, I cried like a baby. I was like ‘oh God please, you know, help us forgive her,’" said Janice Fisher, Good Shepherd Temple Church senior administrative pastor.

"Lesson learned. Do a little more research instead of just taking a person at face value," said Elzie Fisher, Good Shepherd Temple Church senior pastor.

The church has received many calls from businesses and organizations looking to lend a hand, and leaders are calling on the financial generosity of the community to help complete the repairs. The church will host a special community service Thursday at 7 p.m. for those wanting to help.