Dear Zion church family and friends,
As I write this, I am reflecting back on the events of the last two weeks. First of all, I can’t thank you enough for the warm welcome to Zion. Just looking out into your faces on my first Sunday, I could see in your smiles, genuine kindness and the love of Christ.
Then after the services in your friendly greetings I could sense God telling me that we are going to enjoy serving together in ministry. Zion Lutheran is not only a congregation rich in history, but also rich in faith, joy, and the love of Christ.
God has brought us together at this time to form a creative partnership in the Gospel and to bring a new energy to the needs both within our congregation and in our community and beyond.
On Saturday, September 18, ten congregations in our Northeastern Ohio Synod ELCA met at Zion for the Dandelion Project. Our team of six from Zion will gather with this group eight times over the next two years for presentations and working sessions on congregational vitality and renewal. Like a dandelion that sends its roots deep and spreads its seed far and wide we, as a church, will answer the call to be rooted deeply in God’s Word and spread the Gospel far and wide.
I believe God called me to Zion to bring the Gospel not only on Sunday morning, but into each life situation you encounter. One of the joys of being a pastor is celebrating special occasions with you like weddings, anniversaries, and baptisms. But please know that I will also walk with you through difficult times: when your health is threatened, when you need counseling or encouragement, and when a loved one is suffering or has died. Please don’t hesitate to call or stop by. I am never too busy to listen and to pray with you. Thank you for trusting me and inviting me into your life as we walk the way of Jesus.
Watch for coming announcements about “Meeting Pastor Marty” home gatherings. We plan to meet outdoors for now. My goal is to build connections with you, listen to your ideas for Zion Lutheran, and share together our hopes for the future.
Serving Christ with you,
Pastor Marty