LOVELAND, Colo. -- A man who walked into church on Good Friday asking for money, ended up getting arrested after he threatened violence, and told officers he had a concealed weapon, police said.

Brett Gresham, 38, entered the Saint John the Evangelistic Catholic Church around 10:30 a.m. and asked a church employee for money to help him get back to Texas. Gresham appeared upset and allegedly repeated demands for money, according police.

"He said if he didn't get the money there would be violence," said Sgt. Benjamin Hurr, spokesman for the Loveland Police Department.

Hurr said the statement alarmed a receptionist and police were called as the Gresham waited in the entry of the church.

Nearby officers responded within minutes and questioned Gresham. Hurr said Gresham was cooperative and told investigating officers he had a loaded semiautomatic handgun in his waistband.

"That handgun was taken and he was placed into custody," Hurr told 7NEWS.

Church leaders expressed relief that the situation did not escalate to anything dangerous.

Rev. Joseph Hartmann, pastor at St. John's, said he and the staff member said prayers for the suspect and his apparent struggles.

"We prayed for healing. We prayed for thanksgiving, for safety on his part, as well as ours," Hartmann said.

Hartmann said the suspect was not a member of the church.

The incident did not affect Good Friday services and programs at the church.