Looking Up | Reaching Out Campaign


FAMILY TESTIMONIALS


An Eternal Investment
Dan and Susan Buchtrup

It’s hard for me to believe that some fifty years ago, Pastor Grother held me in his arms to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism here at Zion.  Even more amazing is that some of you were there to welcome me into the Lord’s family on that special day! 

My parents, having a strong faith in Christ, believed it was important to share that faith foundation with their children – all five of us.  Sundays were always an important day of the week; a day of fellowship and gathering with our church family, bringing us closer to God and to each other. Many friendships were made here at Zion and have been a source of strength and support through the years. 

Zion would again become an important part of my life when I was united in marriage to my dear wife, Susan.  Now, even though Susan and I went to high school together, it wasn’t until my senior year at WMU that I was reacquainted with that cute, brown-eyed girl that I tried so hard to impress in our high school biology class.  Remarkably, Susan had become a member at Zion a few years earlier, so we both had ties to this church.  Shortly after we married in the summer of 1985, our careers took us to California, away from our family and friends.  This was a real test of faith - we were newly married, with new careers, and in a very unfamiliar place.  Thankfully, God lead us to Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Irvine, California.  There, like our experience at Zion, we found that committing ourselves to joining the church and being in the company of the Holy Spirit was very uplifting.

Twenty years ago, we made our way back to Kalamazoo.  We came back to Zion for so many reasons.  Why do you attend Zion?  For Susan and me, being here with you, hearing the word of God and professing our faith together helps us to reflect on the shortcomings of our past week and prepares our hearts and minds for a new week ahead.  As written in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.”   Zion is that place… to be in the midst of God. 

With our commitment to grow our ministry at Zion, we have before us an opportunity to make a difference in so many lives.  Together, with God’s help, we will continue to keep Looking Up and Reaching Out to others.  Thank you to all who have made this eternal investment in Zion. 
Dan and Susan Buchtrup



What
Zion Has Meant To Me
Candy Buetow

The Buetow family has been members of Zion for about eighteen years. When I was asked to speak about what Zion means to me, my first reaction was to say no.  This was definitely taking me way out of my comfort zone!  So I prayed about what I could say.  God’s answer was not immediate, but He did help.  Eventually He helped me pinpoint exactly what it was that has kept us here at Zion all these years.  The obvious answer was music, because that is my passion.  It is an important part of giving praise to our Lord and enhancing our worship services.  I hope you were able to attend the Christmas Cantata and brought a friend with you.  It was a great opportunity for outreach! 

Zion is unusually blessed with talented musicians, and I began to think about what God has taught me from serving in the choirs.  I came up with many life and biblical lessons: singing in harmony is easier when you listen to each other; or there can only be one director; or God does not listen to the beauty of the voice, but to the beauty in the heart of the voice being raised to Him.  Many voices raised to his glory still bring chills to my spine. That is why Zion is so important to me…it is the people…my church family. Is my church perfect?  No, but I see Christ’s light shine through so many of our members as they have helped me grow closer to the Lord. 

Many members have provided examples of the fruits of a Godly life.  I have watched Pastor Grother visit shut-ins and provide meaningful messages, guidance and love well into his 90’s.  Pastor Seeber has shared his personal grief and struggles, and how to give praise to God even in difficult times.  And then there are so many other members who have taught our littlest ones, played for services while physically hurting, the faithful Braille volunteers, and the choirs who give so much of their time in rehearsals.  I could go on, but it would be difficult to mention all the people who have touched me.

So what makes Zion so special?  It is Christ’s love shining through its members. Colossians 3:15-17 says:  “…And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts 

I thank the Lord for putting me out of my comfort zone to ponder about my church family in Christ.  Praise the Lord!! 
Candy Buetow



Zion’s Impact On Us
Nancy and Dennis Dressler

Nancy and I joined Zion thirty years ago.  We have been richly blessed by Zion’s members and staff.  I could talk about the Christian education my children have received, our many friends who stood by us when we suffered loss or difficulties, or when you loved us when we did not deserve it.  I want to tell you how Zion helped me answer the question of when am I going to retire?  I have thought long and hard about “retirement”.  It was not until I reflected on my baptism, partaking in Holy Communion and hearing God’s Word proclaimed at Zion that I finally figured out the answer.  So now I can tell you when I am going to retire – NEVER!

 
Zion has helped me figure out that no matter what age, state of health, or lack of hair, my full time job is to be a child of God.  I have had many part time jobs as Director of Admissions, DCE, and consultant.  But those jobs do not define me for I have been a husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle or friend.  My full time job  is to be a child of God.  I will do my best to never retire.

Isn’t this the same job God gives you?  I no longer see you as a teacher, nurse, retiree, secretary, engineer, accountant, or student.  Seeing you as a “child of God,” changes how much I respect, appreciate, and love you.  So what does this full time job mean for today and tomorrow?  I am called to be the very person and child of God that I can be.  I will probably fail at that, but I am assured of God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

The neatest thing happened to me trying to figure out “retiring”.  It has given me a great opportunity to witness to my faith.  When people ask me this question and hear “Never” as the answer, I get this strange look, and then they want to know why.  I believe that being a child of God is a full time job and that I will never retire from doing that. 

The same is true for you.  People are always asking, what do you do, or what are you going to be after you finish school?  When you see yourself as a child of God, it gives you a great opportunity to share your faith.  I am thankful that God planted us at Zion, and that you have helped me answer the question of when am I going to retire?  My answer is NEVER!  I hope each of you will see your life in the same way. 
Nancy and Dennis Dressler


Our Journey of Faith
Jim Huberty

Phyllis and I joined Zion in 1988 transferring from Prince of Peace Lutheran in Portage.  We went from a small church to Zion, a large church.  We were seeking anonymity.  After six years as an Elder, six more as President-Elect, President, Past President, then Vice President of Property, and serving on other committees, I concluded that anonymity is over rated.  Phyllis and I also work in the Braille Ministry.  She is a member of the Altar Guild and the State Hospital Ministry.  For 15 years we have been members of an evening Bible Class.

Our son, Jamie and his wife (Lauren) and their three children (Phoebe, Matthew and Anthony) worship at Zion.  Lauren and Matthew are integral parts of the Bare Bones Puppet Ministry.  When “Bare Bones” performs at assisted living facilities, the children puppeteers bond with the residents and vice-versa.

In mid-January this year, we flew to West Palm Beach to help my mother celebrate her 90th Birthday.  Fifteen years ago we almost lost her.  She had visited us, flew home and was hospitalized the next day.  My brother and I flew down to be with her.  She had stopped breathing, and was on life support.  That evening I went into her 2nd bedroom, pulled out the Bible and just opened it. There was no bookmark, but there was the Lord’s Prayer.  I still don’t know the chapter and verse I read, but I know the Holy Spirit was there.  

Zion’s Capital Campaign will enable us to expand our outreach, strengthen our ministry and sustain our congregation.  For those who have committed to this ministry, THANK YOU!  For those who haven’t, we look forward to your joining us in the near future. 
Jim Huberty



Where Can I Serve
Janis Dinda

Dinda’s have sung in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served at Zion since my grandparents, Paul and Irene came to Kalamazoo in 1921.   Beginning with my father, Keith, thirty Dindas have been baptized at Zion.  We’ve had confirmations, weddings, (though my parents eloped!) and funerals.  In times of joy and sorrow, Zion is home. The Choir Loft and Sunday School classrooms were the usual places for my family’s service.  But, where would I serve? 

While Dad grew up at Zion, my mom, Jackie, was born and raised in Woodland, MI.  My parents met at WMU in 1946 at Gamma Delta, Zion’s College Youth Group, or as Mom put it, “the Solid Grounds of the day”.  Mom was baptized and confirmed at Zion on Pine Street.  My parents brought us to Zion.  For me, that meant here on Bronson Boulevard.  I went to Sunday School, Catechism, and Youth Group in the “new” education addition.

My earliest memories include Christmas Eve at Zion:  Mom with the kids and Dad with the choir.  We’d look at the window and wait for the choir and dad to sing.  Dad began singing with the choir at thirteen - that’s seventy years in the choir.  Mom can’t sing, but she has other gifts.  She knows most of the congregation by name because Mom does the attendance.  Mom’s a teacher, so, she taught Sunday School.  I’m sure the Dinda most associated with Sunday School is my Aunt Doris.  She welcomed Zion’s three-year olds into her room for 45 years.  The lessons she taught of Easter with those Dixie cup gardens are the foundation of my faith. 

Where would I serve?  Seven years ago, I received a call that changed my life. I was asked to serve on a Call Committee.  We didn’t find an associate pastor, but we found Pastor Mark for Campus Ministry.  I came to know members of Zion I’d known only by name and sight.  Then I was elected Director-at-Large on Zion’s Board where I currently serve as recording secretary. I became a Worship Assistant and joined the Altar Guild.  Recently, Pastor Noah asked me to help with the High School Youth.  I’ve also taught a few classes for Adult Faith and Life and next I’ll teach the Middle School kids.

I found my places to serve: in meeting rooms, at the Altar, and in church classrooms. Through the Looking Up/Reaching Out Campaign, we will see our ministries grow with the addition and renovations to the building.  These new spaces will bring fresh opportunities for service and spiritual growth.  I wonder where I’ll find myself next. 
Janis Dinda


Capital Campaign Testimonial
Orlin and Helen Loen

Helen and I have been members of Zion for 49 years. We met at South Dakota State College when we spent so much time together that my grades suffered. I told her that we had to get married before I flunked out of my Civil Engineering courses. So she said “yes”, and we became married students for two years during which Helen helped me attain successful graduation. I have worked as a professional civil engineer in the design, construction and operation of municipal water supply and wastewater treatment facilities. Helen was an elementary school teacher. 

We have always been Lutherans, and followed our first pastor’s advice to “Find Spiritual Food” when looking for a new church home. Now, we are retired and have found spiritual food in Zion’s worship services and bible studies. I have served in various church offices and ministries. The longest ministry for me has been the church choir. Helen is researched and wrote a 100 year history of Zion Lutheran. We support the Capital Campaign and look at it as God’s work among us. Zion’s record of paying off debts has been amazing! Do you know that our Education Wing was paid off in three years, and that our fine tracker organ was paid off in two years? With about half of the estimated 3.8 million construction cost already pledged, we reasonably expect that this new debt will be paid off in a timely manner. Many thanks to everyone who has pledged to the Looking Up/Reaching Out campaign. If you have not made a pledge yet, please consider doing so for the last two years of the capital campaign.  Blessings to all of you.  
Orlin and Helen Loen.



Capital Campaign Testimonial
Helen Reinkensmeyer

I am Helen Reinkensmeyer. Today we sang, “Thank the Lord and sing his praise.  Tell everyone what he has done….”, and I am here to do that.  My parents emigrated from Greece so at home Greek was the first language, English was the second. Gil and I met as faculty members at Soo High.  He was a 3rd generation German Lutheran. We were married in 1953 in St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Sault Ste. Marie, where I was a member.  It was a Greek wedding but not a big fat one!

Gil said to me, “I am who I am because I am Lutheran.” Since I was seeking a new church, I started confirmation classes at Emmanuel Lutheran (Wisconsin Synod) which Gil attended. Fearful of not receiving the proper doctrine, Gil attended each class with me. I soon realized that God was behind this change.  As I was learning the liturgical Lutheran service, I was stunned that Martin Luther had trimmed away the tedious repetitions of the Orthodox service just as I would have.

While in the Soo, we met Ed and Mary Ann Pavliak from Kalamazoo who told us about Zion Lutheran Church being built.  We now know the Holy Spirit was at work. Meanwhile, Dr. Arthur Manske of Zion sent us word that a one year vacancy was opening at Paw Paw High School. He had heard that Gil was very unhappy in the Soo where winter never ends.

We packed up and moved. Recalling Pavliak’s description of Zion, it seemed right to join.  Zion was in the midst of getting pledges for their new church. Pledging was nothing new for us.  We both were raised knowing that giving to the church was equivalent to buying food for the table. It was not a matter of can we give or should we give, but how much should we pledge. With that decided, I then had to adjust to this modern church with no incense; bees wax candles, or icons. Soon, the stained glass window became for me the iconostasis of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Years rolled along. Conflicts arose but we knew God would resolve them. The worship service changes, especially the Jazz service, caused us to do some deep searching.  I missed my Byzantine and Gregorian chants.  But should I expect others to accept this music?  Shouldn’t others be given an alternative service to attend? Once we were reassured the traditional service would remain, we calmed down. It’s been difficult to accept changes, but we have found peace by understanding and accepting the changes rather than fearing them.

When the Capital Fund Drive started, Pastor Seeber invited us to be involved.  I thought: we have already done that; let someone else do it; I am too old.  But Gil said yes, and we did. At our first meeting, we were shocked how few people we knew!  We then realized that fifty years ago we pledged to build Zion for THE FUTURE. Those we didn’t know are the FUTURE. Now we are in the midst of another challenge to renovate and expand for the NEXT GENERATION.

We love Zion. With God’s spirit, we pray for Zion to be able give to others what it has given us. We have more to give today than fifty years ago. Yes, we are pledging and we are here to help the next generation carry on the special Zion love that God showers on us.  Let’s do it together!  
Helen Reinkensmeyer



Zion - My Family Home
Dave and Linda Mayer
  
What a feeling it is to enter Zion, and have a certain peace and comfort surround you.  It is not the structure, but rather the people and the Lord Jesus Christ that brings this about.  When I was small child, we would sit in the back of the old Pine St. Church.  My dad would lift me up and put my feet on the pew in front of me so that I could see what was going on.  Old Zion was located about where the helicopter pad is at Bronson Hospital.  I can’t remember who was preaching, but it probably was Pastor Grother rather than Pastor Mayer, my grandfather who was Zion’s pastor for over 50 years. 

My siblings remember our many trips my grandparents’ house on Clinton Street in Washington Square.  It was not uncommon to share a visit with church members.  At times, the men would head into the kitchen as my grandma would not let them drink beer in the living room.  I also remember the Christmas cards placed around their house which they would count…a tradition carried on by my parents.

Zion understands the meaning of being a servant for others.  Can there be anything better than to be a servant for Christ?  My parents basically adopted two elderly women at different times in their lives, and were house guests on many occasions.  Showing the love of God to others is so powerful.  Do you remember receiving birthday cards from Pastor Grother or the hospital visits from Pastors Tim and Larry?

Our church family has radiated God’s love, and has walked the talk and put actions behind the words.  A handshake, a smile, a pat on the back, a chat, a greeting…small things, but they count, and that has always been a big part of Zion for us.  Serving others is spoken frequently in scripture.  Galatians 5:13 -14 says, “For you, dear friends, have been called to live in freedom, not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.  For the whole law can be summed up in one command - Love your neighbor as yourself.”
 

The Mayer family has received a large amount of servant love from Zion’s members.  Let us continue our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ and remember Matthew 23:11-12, “The greatest among you must be a servant.  But those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  Dave and Linda Mayer




Our Pilgrimage to Zion
Rollie and Sharon Preuss

Sharon and I joined Zion 27 years ago. We’re both from the Midwest, Sharon grew up in East Detroit and I in northern Indiana.  We met at Valparaiso University, and then found ourselves on Long Island.  After my discharge from the Air Force, I began working in New York City.  Our four children were born on Long Island.  Then we spent thirteen years in Philadelphia, Allentown and Harrisburg before ending up in Michigan.
 

During our frequent moves and because we lived so far from our families, churches became our ‘family’ of choice.  We were both raised Lutheran.  My Grandfather, C.B. Preuss, was a LCMS pastor in Indiana, and my dad was a choir director.  Sharon taught second grade in Lutheran schools in Michigan and New York, and started a church pre-school in Pennsylvania.  We have sung in numerous church choirs and have been active in several ministries at Zion including Stephen Ministry, LWR Sewing, Endowment, and choir.
 

One thing we decided before we got married was that we would be ‘tithers’.  We knew the blessings God bestowed on us, and felt the need to return our ‘first fruits’ to Him.  It’s not been easy.  We’ve experienced job losses, miscarriages, injuries and accidents.  Looking back we see the hand of God in our lives, and feel it was He who brought us to Zion. 


Our oldest son was a freshman at Valpo when we arrived in Kalamazoo.  When we visited Zion, we were warmly welcomed by the Reinkensmeyers, and discovered our Valpo connection.  During our search for a new church home, we always took a ‘family vote’ on which church to join.  After one visit to Zion, the decision was unanimous.
 

We have seen a lot of changes at Zion.  As we became acquainted with Zion’s past, we were amazed at how quickly this church building, the ‘new’ education wing, and the pipe organ were paid – Zion was committed!  Now it’s our turn to help Zion prepare for upcoming generations.  God has blessed Zion in the past and will do so in the future.  We all need to step out in faith and let the Holy Spirit lead us in our pilgrimage of ‘sacrificial giving’.  
As J.S. Bach wrote on many of his compositions, “To God Alone be the Glory!  Let’s sing together “When in our Music God is Glorified” (LBW555):

 “Let every instrument be tuned for praise; Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise;

   And may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!  Amen!”           
  
Rollie and Sharon Preuss






Zion’s Growth and Change
Joyce Zastrow

I joined Zion and the WMU Music Department voice faculty in 1962.  Western had about 9,000 students at that time, so I have seen a lot of growth and changes at WMU.  The Music Department is now a School of Music and is a part of the College of Fine Arts.  In January 1991after 36 years of teaching, I became an emeritus faculty member.  I was born in Milwaukee, WI, and my parents were faithful LCMS church goers.  My father was the congregation Treasurer when they built a new church.   At one of the dedication celebrations, twelve babies including me were baptized in the new building.

When I moved to Kalamazoo, I lived in an apartment at Cherry Hills.  Since it was close to Zion, it was logical that I would attend there.  Some members of Zion I knew at that time were Del Thusius, Gil Reinkensmeyer, Bob Fink, and Katie Loew, Zion’s organist and choir director.  Katie, Pastor Grother and I did a lot of services together with me chanting and singing solos.  Soloists have gone out of fashion now, but I would find a solo that augmented the readings of the day.  One of my first memories of Zion was the special procession into the new educational addition in 1962.   

After just taking the construction tour of Zion’s remodeled facilities, I believe our new addition/expansion is truly exciting and should be celebrated!!  I have served on various committees including Church Council, Pastor Search, Music and Worship Committees.  Zion’s organizational structure and constitution have changed, but after being a member for 46 years you’ve seen lots of changes.  As a classical musician, the Blended service sometimes might be a little too “blended”, but all the elements of the service are still there.  Currently, Zion probably has its strongest music program. 

As Pastor Seeber would say, it’s the people that make the church.  It was Norm Helm who found a contractor to build my house.  Laurel Miner, Orlin Loen and Rollie Preuss have helped me out.  One hot summer afternoon, I heard a loud crash and discovered that part of the garage ceiling had fallen down just missing my parked car.  Orlin suggested a gentleman who removed the broken ceiling, replaced the dry wall and even found a plasterer who could do Dutch swirls!

 In addition to Zion’s current “make-over”, one of the most exciting things that is happening at Zion are all the young families in church. It’s a pleasure to see young parents and their children come down the aisle after communion.  Truly, Zion must be “LOOKING UP AND REACHING OUT”.    Joyce Zastrow