Story and photo by Lisa Carolin
Members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church observed Sunday services outside under tents Sunday, Sept. 6, to celebrate a beautiful day and a milestone anniversary – 150 years.
The church was founded in 1865 at the corners of Fletcher and Waters roads after separating from St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran. A new parish hall was dedicated in 1949 and connected to a new sanctuary that was completed in 1974 and is still in use. Zion’s campus also includes the original historic Zion and two cemeteries.
This past weekend was known as the Reunion Weekend for the congregation.
Pastor Kathy Tulman told the congregation, “Things didn’t end in 1865. Founders of Zion walked on and continued to send forward their children out into the world as gifts, in the same way that you are sending your children out into the world. What’s next depends on what we are doing to prepare for our kids and for our congregation in the future.”
Following the service, all members present walked to the front of the church to have their photograph taken.
“The 150th team chose several family friendly activities designed for members and guests to praise God, reminisce, as well as for fellowship and to create memories,” said member Kay Heller, who estimated that about 300 people participated in activities that included camping, music, games and worship services.”
Church member Walt Faubion attended the Sept. 5 reunion.
“A lot of members are related to each other and some names go way back in history,” said Faubion. “When I decided to come back to the church, this one felt right. It was welcoming and felt like home. They’ve taken me under their wing and encouraged me to be involved.”
What’s the reason for the church’s longevity?
“The central presence of God brought this congregation together and has kept us going strong,” said Heller. “Zion members care for each other, work hard together and reach out to those in need, both in our congregation and beyond our doors, locally and globally. We owe our longevity to the fine, caring pastors who have served our congregation, who helped us to live faithfully and to share God’s love with those we encounter in our daily lives.”
Zion’s celebration will continue for the next year-and-a-half.
“Zion will celebrate its 150-year history culminating in the spring of 2017 as we recognize the 150th anniversary of our original church building as well as the 500th anniversary of the publication of Martin Luther’s ’95 Theses’ and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation,” said Heller.
The church will have monthly activities such as German day and a chili cook-off, and there will be intergenerational mission trips both in and out of state.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church has more than 400 baptized members most of whom reside in the Chelsea, Manchester and Grass Lake areas.
