PALMER -- Charred carpet, pews, and prayer books is just some of the damage to the Community Lutheran Church in Palmer.

The pastor, along with other members of the parish, discovered the sanctuary filled with smoke on Friday morning.  Miraculously, the fire burned itself out, leaving the structure of the church intact.

It appears that whoever set the fire forced their way in through the back door.

Members of the church say they thank God the building didn't burn down, and they want to see the arsonist caught.

"This morning in church we prayed for justice," says Pastor Doug Norquist.  "We're saddened and shocked, and there's also going to be anger involved, but we also know that God loves whoever did this, and so we were praying for them as well."

Pastor Norquist adds that the fire was most likely set sometime between Wednesday evening and Friday morning.

Michigan State Police are investigating the case.

An insurance adjustor will be at the church Monday to determine the monetary cost of the damage.