About us

  [Jesus said:] “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20) 

 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26–28)

…let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb. 10:24-25)

The Lord creates and sustains faith in us by means of His Word and Sacraments so that we may receive forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation. These are what define us as Christ’s Church. So that our faith would endure to the day of Resurrection, we ground the life of our congregation in the Word of God lived and received in liturgical worship by:

• Providing a rich weekly Divine Service with the Lord’s Supper.

• Providing regular opportunities for Bible Study & spiritual growth.

• Centering our social life & events around our liturgical life.

• Aiming for full attendance for each family.

• Planning for members’ regular visitation and communication with the pastor & elders.

• Planning for visitation & care for “withering” members and families.

• Providing an integrated study route for lifelong catechesis.

 ...speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15–16).

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10).

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:16)

…let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:19)

 In the Church God joins us as one family and one body so that we would serve one another in love. By being attentive and attending to each other’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, this loving service also protects the faith He has created in us by His Word and Sacraments, so that faith would endure to the day of Resurrection. Accordingly, we foster strong & enduring relationships between all members & families and use our unique gifts to support and build up each other and our households by:

• Sharing meals regularly.

• Providing for a regular congregational social life, centered around our liturgical life.

• Offering skills & resources for mercy work within Zion’s family.

• Accommodating logistical needs of families and people of all ages and ranges of ability. 

 …present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. (Romans 6:13b)

…I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Our faith in the truth of God’s Word is lived out in holy and active service in our congregation, homes, and community. Each of us serves within the distinct roles—vocations—God has given us as Christian men and women with the strengths, talents, resources, and opportunities He provides. Each generation mentors the next to understand and live in their vocations in light of God’s Word. Through our faithful service in vocation, God makes our congregation, homes, and community more whole, wholesome, and holy. Such service fosters, cultivates, and protects faith that endures to the Day of Resurrection. We live out our vocations at Zion by: ·

• Recovering and emphasizing distinct Christian vocations, especially within the family.

• Cultivating distinct intergenerational men’s & women’s gatherings and activities.

• Utilizing men’s & women’s gatherings to train up boys & girls in their Christian vocations.

• Providing means for community engagement in mercy work and Christ-grounded education. 

 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:12-13)

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10b)

…he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. (Psalm 78:5b-7)

All that we do as a congregation is to serve this ultimate purpose: to together endure in the faith to the Day of Resurrection.  We actively cultivate our community and build our congregational structures to support this purpose and actively prune practices that hinder it, recognizing that these may change over time. We recognize that the most potent practice that supports the faith that lives from Jesus’ Word and Sacrament, builds up the body of Christ, and strengthens service in our Christian vocations is the discipline of lifelong catechesis and strong family devotional lives. We cultivate our community and congregational structure to thrive in every generation, resilient throughout changes to culture and resources, by:

• Training congregational leadership to understand and defend orthodox doctrine and practice.

• Fostering a culture that pursues lifelong catechesis and rich family devotional lives.

• Prioritizing retention of youth by caring for whole families.

• Building enduring organizational structures and practices.