Pastor Angela Hammer
Opening Liturgist

Pastor Kent J. Krause
Pastor Mary Margaret Ruth
Lectors

Pastor John Smaligo
Preaching Minister

Pastor Pamela Carnes
Presiding Minister

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church welcomed all pastors and congregants who joined us for our 175th Zion Anniversary.

The preaching pastor for this event, former Zion Pastor John Smaligo, served local churches and also served as the Lancaster County Council of Churches Executive Director before accepting the January 2002 call at Zion Lutheran. He was pastor until October 12, 2008.

Pastor Smaligo spearheaded multiple programs to bolster the well-being of the community and to help those who were in need—meal programs, foreign outreach, youth programs, etc.

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is a beloved Christian hymn with lyrics celebrating God’s steadfast love. That’s why Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church chose its title for the theme of its 175th anniversary celebration.

“We started thinking about God’s faithfulness to us as a congregation,” says Mary Chesters, anniversary committee chair and 18-year church member.

The East Petersburg church has a slew of anniversary celebrations scheduled. They kick off Sunday and continue on Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23. A variety of events will take place each Sunday to honor the church’s long-standing history at its original location, 1905 Broad St., East Petersburg.

Church History

Founded in 1847, the church had just 16 members at the time of its inception. By 1960, membership grew to 425. Today, there are 208 members.

“The building underwent several remodeling projects over the years, from its first electric lights to the addition of a choir room in the 2000s.

Today, the three-floor brick building includes the sanctuary, office, classrooms, library, choir room and fellowship hall. A cemetery and memorial garden are located behind the church.

Church historian and 31-year church member Kim Gable did extensive research about the church.


“She created a wonderful historical museum in our library with photos and pictures to chronicle the past 175 years,” Chesters says.

The Zion Clothing Bank is available every Monday from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or by appointment—call the Parish Office at (717) 569-1359. Donations are greatly appreciated throughout the year.

This is a no-contact option to ensure the safety of all participants. Zion partners with other local churches and groups from our area to prepare and serve the meals.

Rizzetta's Tones will be performing a free will offering concert at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church—December 11, 2022. This Celtic and folk band is a quartet comprised of 'fraternal twin' hammer dulcimers, silver flute, high & low whistles and guitars. The band often heightens it productions with button accordion, autoharp, Greek bouzouki, mandolin, ukulele, as well as doumbek, cajon, djembe, and other percussion instruments.

All four members take turns singing lead and background vocals on songs—both poignant and humorous. Their repertoire includes music from Ireland, Scotland and the United States, drawing as well from the traditions of Finland, Brazil, France, Macedonia and many other lands.

Forging new arrangements and writing their own material, Rizzetta's Tones presents audiences with a pleasing twist, while respecting musical traditions.

We welcome all to join us for this special, free and no-reservation event.