Officials believe a group of thugs broke into the offices at St Agnes Anglican Church, ransacked the office and made off with the safe.
The theft took place sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
It is believed that more than one person as the safe was lifted through a window and over a wall. The crooks apparently entered through a window which had security bars that had been cut and pried apart.
Archdeacon Ranfurly Brown said the funds in the safe were used to assist people in paying their light bills, rent, mortgages, etc.
Police have no leads but are investigating.
