Zion Lutheran Church 1896 to 2011
This is the little church were I grew up...
Baptized, Confirmed and Married here.
This weekend, Emily went home to attend the Sunday Services with mom...
to Celebrate 115 years as a congregation...
combined with a Closing Worship Service.
Remember our water situation?
Besides swallowing up the family farms, it has turned our little town of Churchs Ferry into an island.
This is the man-made dike that has been keeping water from our church,
but sadly, before long, this will not be enough.
As the president of our congregation read our history,
many of us listened with a tear or two.
Worship, sitting with my mom and my grandma.
Sunday School...and the Christmas Programs, followed by the much anticipated treat bags that included an orange, peanuts and a little candy.
All-day Bible School...we all brought a lunch pail and put it in the pew in the church entry.
All ages played games in the church lawn after eating our sandwiches and fruit.
Bible lessons in the morning and after lunch were accompanied by arts and crafts projects.
In high school, we were called to teach the younger children during Summer Vacation Bible School...Luther League...Youth led Worship Services...
All of this took place in the Old Church Building.
The education wing was built in 1967...
It was beautiful...we had classrooms and a fellowship room for potluck dinners.
And in 1976, our new church sanctuary was built.
The old stained glass windows were incorporated in the design of the front of the new church.
I alway thought it was so beautiful.
Doris has been our organist for over 40 years...
leading us in all the old familiar hymns.
The church was full for it's last celebration.
After the service, many of us lingered...
for reflection...
A potluck dinner followed...a time for fellowship...
good food...laughter and tears.
This isn't goodbye...
We'll see you again...
In another place.
A new beginning.
Take care,
~Natalie