Zion Church Council
Committed to Serve
Lon Moeller
President
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I have been a member of Zion for over 20 years. My three daughters (Jessica Boyle, Sarah Moeller and Ashley Moeller) were all confirmed at Zion, and my two grandchildren (Claire Boyle and Connor Boyle) were baptized at Zion. I am honored and blessed to be leading the Council as President and look forward to our work with the Congregation to continue to make Zion the special place it is for so many of us.
Ron Berg
Treasurer
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My wife Wendy and I have been blessed with many wonderful memories of our time at
Zion. All three of our children were baptized and confirmed at Zion. We have been
involved with Sunday School, Confirmation, Youth Group, and several different council
and committee activities.
I am retired from a non-profit substance abuse treatment agency serving Iowa City and
Des Moines. My involvement with the administrative work of that agency has helped
me understand some of the ins and outs of the treasure position.
I am looking forward to the future at Zion. We have an opportunity to choose our future
which I find very exciting.
Bill Nibbelink
Member at Large
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I am an 85-year-old, recovering Calvinist, striving to be Lutheran. It has its challenges. So much grace, Lutherans insist. Is that really possible? (Actually, the treatment of a topic like “election” in Lutherans’ Book of Concord is fairly close to what Calvinists profess, but Lutherans are so much better at not being tormented by such ideas.)
Early in the 1990’s, my wife, Wilma, and I found ourselves church shopping after more than fifty years in the Christian Reformed Church. Friends of ours, who, too, were church shopping, suggested that we might like Zion. (Seriously?! After all the things we had heard in our youth about how Lutherans and Catholics were wrong on some very serious matters?)
Well, we tried Zion. Almost immediately we were hooked by the music, and, before long, we found ourselves pulled into friendships that have become precious to us. There is comfort and joy in this place. There is grace. If you happen to be church shopping, do give Zion a try.
Frank Scamman
Member at Large
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Phyllis Chang
Vice President
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It is my sincerest desire that my life and actions reflect the love of Jesus.
Micah 6:8 guides us. …and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Marsha Smith
Interim Pastor
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Beth Spenler
Member at Large
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My name is Beth Spenler. My family and I have been members of Zion since 1992. My husband Darren and I have 3 grown children and 3 granddaughters. I am a retired special education teacher.
I value serving on the council at Zion because it provides an opportunity to help to guide the direction of our church and to be more involved with the congregational life at Zion.
My hopes for our congregation are to continue to move forward in a positive way and to call a pastor who will help us to grow as a congregation. I would also like to see more young families join and become active members at Zion.
Barb Reck
Secretary
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I grew up in Detroit suburbs, moving to Iowa City in 1976. I worked in the UI Dental School for 2 years, then played oboe in the Cedar Rapids Symphony/Orchestra Iowa for 35 years while running a small business and raising 3 children with my husband.
Joining Zion in 1979, I have participated in many volunteer activities. In 2020/2021 things kind of fell apart here. During the "reconstruction" I had a lot of questions, and in 2023 the opportunity arose to serve on the Church Council. I decided to participate to learn how the church works and do my part in helping it heal and grow. There are many wonderful people here, and I look forward to working to attract more members of all ages to join us on this journey, hire a permanent senior pastor, take care of many building issues and fix the organ.
Emilia Hummel
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For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of calling Zion my church home. During this time, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the strength of our community, and the ways in which Zion has been a welcoming space for all who walk through its doors.
I am deeply passionate about serving our church and supporting its ministries. I’ve been an active member of Zion’s Library Committee for the past 8 years, where I’ve worked with a great team to select materials and maintain our church’s library collection. Recently, I’ve also had the privilege of volunteering in the Nursery, where I’ve had the joy of supporting our youngest members and their families.
I am the mother of two children, Liza, who is one, and Lucia, who is five. I strongly believe in the importance of providing our children with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with one another in their faith. I would love to see our church continue to foster an environment that attracts and supports children, youth, and families, ensuring that they are not only welcomed but deeply integrated into the life of our church. I believe that with a strong youth and family ministry, and a focus on nurturing all generations, Zion can continue to grow as a place of connection and spiritual growth for everyone.
As a public school teacher, I value collaboration, active listening, and respecting the differences that make each of us unique. These principles are just as important in the life of our church community. I look forward to deepening my connections with the Zion community and representing the diverse voices of our congregation.
Member at Large
Picture by Walter Frehner from Pixabay
Kent Smith
Member at Large
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I have been a long-term member of Zion. I have been a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Leader. I am currently involved with the Garden Club, the Free Lunch Program, the Horace Mann Food Pantry, and Senior Choir Member. While serving on the Zion Council, I also serve as the Children, Youth and Family Committee Liaison. Serving on Council is a way that allows me to give back to Zion and help our Zion community grow in our faith. It also allows me to help us grow in our relationship to each other and the community we live in.