Outreach and diversity show vitality

By Linda Linonis

Zion Lutheran uses old and new ways to reach out.

NEW MIDDLETOWN — Though Zion Lutheran Church has a 160-year history in the community, Pastor Larry Klinker admitted, “We’re the best-kept secret around.”

The pastor acknowledged that, for the most part, the days of people seeking out churches are gone. “We have to go to the people,” Pastor Klinker said. “We try to focus on the whole person ... spiritual, emotional and physical.”

The church is doing just that in its participation in community outreach and diverse activities at the church.

Recently, Gail Holquist, a member of the Altar Guild; Fran Heinl, church secretary; and Melanie Curatola, church organist; and Pastor Klinker met to discuss the church anniversary and its history.

Zion joined with Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Springfield and St. John Lutheran Church in Petersburg to form Trinity Lutheran Church Parish. “We share a purpose,” Pastor Klinker said, noting that the churches jointly sponsor vacation Bible school as a project. And, the churches are exploring ways to do ministry together.

“The vacation Bible school was a great success,” Heinl said, noting it attracted about 50 children.

For the community, Curatola said, “We have a clothes drive in the fall and spring. Free clothes are available to all.”

Holquist added that the giveaway often attracts between 50 and 75 people.

“Through Springfield Township Community of Churches, we support the food pantry by donations and money,” Pastor Klinker said. The food bank is located at Emmanuel Lutheran.

Community members will see familiar faces from Zion Lutheran as church members ring the bells at the New Middletown post office and Sparkle market for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.

“We pass out candy canes ... we have fun and laugh,” Heinl said. It’s another example of the church being involved in the community.

Zion Lutheran engages in traditional and nontraditional ways to help people on their spiritual journeys.

Pastor Klinker said the church offers an outdoor labyrinth and a canvas one for inside the church. He noted the indoor one is used during Holy Week. “It’s walking prayer and meditation," he said. “The labyrinth is a great tool for spiritual development.”

A drumming circle for all ages meets at 7 p.m, on the first Thursday of the month.

Curatola said this music ministry is a unique way to get people involved. Participants play bells, triangles, shakers, tambourines and an assortment of drums. “We have to have new ways to support people on their spiritual journey,” Curatola said, noting that music often is a good means to draw people.

A Slow Movement Group meets at 3 p.m. Wednesdays for what is described as “rhythmic exercise and guided meditation.”

More standard offerings include Tuesday Morning Bible Study at 10 a.m. with participants from Zion and St. John’s, a catechesis study that took place September through November and will resume in April, a spirituality night and services of healing in October and the Easter season. Best of all, the group said, activities are free.

Heinl said the church also has a rotation Sunday school. The lesson is studied in depth through art, storytelling, games and crafts. “It’s a six-year program,” the pastor said, noting there are no repeats during that time. “Bible stories also are tied to the lectern,” he said.

Zion also has a parish nurse who offers blood-pressure screenings on the first Sunday of each month and makes home visits.

The church recently marked Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 22, at which it received new members. “We have an attendance of about 100 to 120 of regulars,” Pastor Klinker said.

“We see new faces ... we’re working to reach out to the community.”

Pastor Klinker said Zion is engaged in Natural Church Development. “The Natural Church development model operates with a sense that the friends and members of the congregation have the answers, gifts and directions that are necessary for us to grow in the area of passionate spirituality,” a recent church newsletter noted. Pastor Klinker said part of this is “need-oriented evangelism.”

“The church can grow naturally if it pays attention to things that might be hindering it,” he said.

Holquist, who has been a member since 1965, said she came to the church through family when she was first married and relocated from Youngstown. “The people are warm and friendly,” she said.

As a member of the Altar Guild, she and other women care for the altar cloths and put up seasonal banners. They also make baptismal napkins for families.

Heinl said the congregation was “welcoming.” Another element that means a lot to her is the pastor’s explanation of parts of the liturgy. “It reminds you of why we’re here,” she said.

She also pointed out that Advent services had special meaning. “Worship gets darker and there is quiet time. It’s a counter to the culture of people rushing around,” she said. Lights are dimmed for a longer period of time each Sunday in Advent to reflect this time of meditative prayer.

Curatola said Advent songs such as “Come Lord Jesus” are in tune with the season. “This time is about preparing,” she said and the music ministry reflects this.

She said one of the church’s treasured traditions is candlelight services at 7 and 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve when “Silent Night” is sung.