ReconcilingWorks is proud to announce our newest RIC congregation Zion Lutheran Church in Finland, Minnesota.
“Zion Lutheran Church is located in the remote Baptism River Valley of northeastern Minnesota. To the south lies Lake Superior, and to the north is the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This is a community of hardworking loggers, taconite workers, organic farmers and retirees.
Following the 2009 Churchwide assembly, the pastor of Zion Lutheran Church attempted to lead the congregation away from the ELCA. The congregation voted to remain true to their ELCA roots. At this time the pastor resigned and several members left the congregation. What had been a small congregation became smaller. On July 6th, 2013, Zion was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The congregation is currently worshiping in the local community center. Ground will be broken for a new sanctuary this summer and we hope to be worshiping in the new church by the end of the year. Reverend Tom Murray of Grand Marais, Minnesota is the current pastor of both Zion and Lutsen Lutheran Churches.
We are a Reconciling in Christ community of faith because we fervently believe that we are all broken and in need of God’s unfailing … and often even unsettling … GRACE. As we look to rebuild, we are committed to being the community’s place of worship. This means being the one place where everyone feels welcome, safe, forgiven and renewed.”
Visit Zion at facebook.com/RebuildZionFinlandMN.
Will you consider helping us support more congregations along their welcoming journey? Your support helps us continue to provide networks, educational resources and training to LGBT Lutherans, allies and almost 600 congregations and ministry settings (and rapidly counting) that publicly declare their welcome and affirmation of LGBT people. We can’t do it without you. Please donate or become a ReconcilingWorks member today!