MADISON, Ohio -- An Ashtabula woman who stole money from a church apologized Sunday to its members in a unique way.

Painsville Judge Michael Cicconetti, known for giving unusual sentences, gave Anna Marie Cothrum the chance to spell out her apology in pennies.

Cothrum was convicted for stealing a donation jar from the Central Congregational Church in Madison.

Instead of being angry, the church embraced her.

"We're more interested in being loving and gracious and forgiving because we've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We all make our mistakes," said Pastor David Brown.

Several members of the congregation stood in support of Cothrom

"We're not here for punishment. We want forgiveness. I mean, our sign says we forgive and things. So we just figured we stand out here, too. I mean, one person is gonna serve a punishment because of us, because it was at our church. We're going to be out here, too," said one member.

Cothrum avoided a stiffer sentence in exchange for spelling out her apology. It reads, "I stole coins from this church."

"I greatly appreciate them standing out here with me. You know, nobody said they had to. They want to do it in their own free will, so I have no problem with that," Cothrum said.

For apologizing in pennies, Cicconneti lowered her jail sentence from 90 days to 10 days.