About Us

History of our Church

Our Beginnings

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1865 at Roger's Corners after separating from St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran church to form a more northern and western location. The original church building was dedicated in 1867 with a church council consisting of Jacob Eschelbach, Michael Hinderer, and John Schenk. The congregation has a rich German heritage based on the concentration of German immigrants in Freedom Township.  All services were conducted in German until 1930. In 1949, a new parish hall was dedicated and a sanctuary was built above it in 1974. Another addition in 1994 added offices and meeting space. 

Our congregation continues its Lutheran legacy blending tradition enriched by the increasing diversity of our membership. In 2015, we celebrated our 150th anniversary with a variety of activities that led up to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. We are one of more than 100 congregations in the Southeast Michigan Synod of the ELCA.

Meet the Team

  • Kurt Hutchens

    PASTOR

  • Lillian Diuble

    DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

  • Jill Quagliata

    DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE ARTS & WORSHIP

  • Courtney Nichols

    CO-DIRECTOR OF KIDS AND FAMILY MINISTRY

  • Mandy Kitchens

    CO-DIRECTOR OF KIDS AND FAMILY MINISTRY

  • Dale Eckart

    LAY MINISTER

Church Council

Zion's Curent Council includes:

  • Membership – Melodie Dregansky

  • Faith Formation – Debbie Colesa

  • Fellowship Co-Chairs – Kathy Decker and Edna Moore

  • Property –

  • Outreach & Missions Co-Chairs – Tara Brennan and Terri Long

  • Stewardship – Jan Hannah

  • Worship & Creative Arts – Michelle Hedding

Executive Team

  • President: Kirk Hedding

  • Vice President: David Bareis

  • Financial Director: Barb Satterthwaite

  • Pastor: Kurt Hutchens

Our Leadership

If you need to get in contact with a staff or council member, please contact the church office at zionchelsea@gmail.com.