to 
Zion United Church of Christ
South Bend, Indiana
click logo for aerial view of the church and its
neighborhood
Click link
for area map
Sunday
Services
are at 9:00 a.m. local time every Sunday
Zion is located at 715 E. Wayne Street, South
Bend,
IN 46617-3039
Telephone: 574-233-5446
FAX: 574-233-9684
E-Mail: zionsb@michiana.org
Zion
United Church of Christ, located in South
Bend, Indiana began its ministry in 1888 led by the Rev. Paul Grob of
Woodland, Indiana. The organizers chose the name "Deutsche
Evangelical
Zion Kirche" for the congregation's name and ultimately chose a
location on the
east side of the St. Joseph River (see aerial view of the church via
the above link) where the church remains today. Zion's current
sanctuary
was built in 1888 and has been updated over the years to meet the needs
of its worshiping congregation and the local community. Facilities
include LCD display projectors/screens in both the sanctuary and
Fellowship Hall. In July of 2006, Pastor David Gerth began his ministry
as the seventh called Pastor of Zion.
“PASTOR'S COLUMN"
Renewing
Our Spirits
During my recent retreat, I had the
joy of watching a hawk soar above the lake at Potato Creek State Park.
It started low on one side of my view and gradually, gently circled up
and up and across the sky until it left the other side of my view. That
image became powerful for me as I reflected on how God’s Spirit can get
under our wings—when we put them in a good position and resist that
temptation to flap too hard!
Many experiences get in our way of receiving this gift of soaring. We
fret and worry. We have real physical, emotional and financial
setbacks. We get too busy or too isolated. Or we get stuck in conflict
or struggle as obstacle rather than opportunity. Zion has had a
long and deep connection with Eden Seminary in St. Louis. Lisa and I
even met there! Two Eden leaders have shared their thoughts about
opportunity in the face of challenge. You might hear some notes from
their experience that make harmony with our own. President David
Greenhaw just returned from sabbatical and writes the following as part
of his report:
The
research I have done on my sabbatical has persuaded me of two important
things. First, the vitality of mainline
Protestantism is more threatened and fragile than it has ever been. Second, the need for the kind
of church the mainline has been is greater than ever. There is today an opportunity for
Eden to step forward and provide leadership for the Church, and by doing so to help the
church “turn the corner.” It is not possible, or even advisable, to return to the way
things were. It is possible, however for the church to lead a movement of social transformation as
significant as the abolition movement led in part by our forbearers, the suffrage
movement supported by women right out of our congregations, and the civil rights movement led by
King. .”
Michael Kinnamon recently left the Eden faculty to become the General
Secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC), USA. Reflecting on
the change, he writes:
The
mistake that so many of us make in the Church is to think that our
unity in the Church is based on agreement — as if our agreement
constitutes the unity of the body of Christ. Rather, what I’ve tried to
help students understand is that we are related at this table, and
that’s true of the whole body of Christ. Therefore you are free to
fight like cats and dogs but what you can’t do is leave the
table! If we think that disagreement means disunity, we either sweep
our disagreements under the rug or we leave when we disagree. I think
there are other ways that we can and must live as Church; and part of
what we do at Eden is to try to teach those other ways. Our task
[at the NCC] is not to unite diversities; our task is to celebrate the
diverse character of a given unity. The body of Christ is wondrously
diverse, but still a unity — a oneness which can say to the World, “The
ways in which we live — fragmented, divided, at enmity with one another
— are simply not God’s will.” The church is in decline only if you
think that what we were in the past is the Church God called us to be;
that clearly is not the case. The vision we hold for the Church is
still before us. So yes, we’re in transition; the society around us may
not teach the gospel in ways we once thought we did — and to be honest,
it never did — but if anything, that ought to strengthen our Christian
education programs.
We experience differences among the Zion community and between us and
other nearby congregations. We wonder what the future will hold
for us and how we ought to prepare ourselves and our children.
Join me in this season of Pentecost — when God’s Spirit comes that each
of us may hear God, speak a Good Word, and be understood. Join me in
praying for the courage to receive the holy wind on which we might
soar.
-
Pastor David
A Statement On Who We Are: Open
link to read an important statement about the UCC published on April 2,
2008 in The New York Times.
(made available
with permission from the United Church of Christ)
Neighborhood Views: Open link to view our neighborhood.
(Pictures taken on
Thanksgiving Day 2004)
Zion's Sanctuary: The cornerstone for Zion's sanctuary was
laid on September 23, 1888 and the dedication of the building occurred
on a bitter cold January 20, 1889. The estimated total cost was $2500.
00. The church name, over the front entrance, read - “Zion Deutsches
Evangelical Kirche.̓ A biblical name, Zion, means - ‘a place or
religious community regarded as sacredly devoted to God.”
The original building was without
the present front narthex and the north vestibule and was 32 feet less
in length. In 1897, the main structure was lengthened by 32 feet and a
pipe organ and many of the beautiful stained glass windows were
installed. The original section of this structure served the
congregation as both a house of worship and as a parochial school, for
its youth, until 1892 when Zion̓s ‘old school house” was erected on
Wayne Street, the current site of Zion̓s Church Center.
The narthex and the north vestibule were added to the building in 1921.
in 1928, the current lantern lights and ceiling “spots” were installed
as replacement illumination for the former (gas-electric) chandeliers.
The Historic Preservation Commission, some years ago, conducted a
survey of all historically significant buildings in our county. On a
scale of 1 to 13, they rated Zion̓s church building a 12, which is very
high. They listed its architectural style as “eclectic.”
The designation of “eclectic style,” given by the Commission study, is
accurate as many historic periods are part of its design and heritage.
In the latter part of the 19th century this style of church building
almost became a style of its own in America.
Zion's Windows (Click
Link to view): Copied from some of the world̓s greatest
religious art, Zion̓s windows are known throughout the community for
their exceptional beauty and expert craftsmanship. They represent a
very special legacy to the German immigrants who struggled and labored
so hard to make their “House of the Lord” a special place of beauty and
worship.
Many of the windows in the church were given as gifts and memorials to
loved ones, and it is to be noted the German inscriptions (under the
windows) identify the donors. These inscriptions tell us much about
Zion̓s early history and leadership. They are a precious heritage; a
gift of beauty that inspires all people to praise God in worship. Brief
details and information on the windows begin below.
FRONT - CENTER
The famous “Good Shepherd” window, above the altar, is a most exquisite
expression of the artist̓s creation. The intricate detail of the
craftsman̓s work is superb. This priceless window was exhibited at the
Columbian Exposition in 1893 (the Chicago World Fair). Members of Zion
who visited the Fair and who saw the window, raised the money to
purchase it. Dominating Zion̓s sanctuary, this masterpiece of
religious art is copied from the great painting, “The Good Shepherd,”
by the widely known German artist, Benard Plockhorst. The artist
based this painting on the Gospel story (John 10:1-16). A complete
interpretation of Plockhorst̓s painting and the window is to be found
in Cynthia Pearl Maus̓ anthology of pictures, poetry, music and stories
centering in the life of Christ (Pages 539-542). This volume is titled
- “Christ and the Fine Arts.” (Inscription - “Jesus came to look
for the lost ones. Gift of the young people.” Note - this inscription
is hidden from view by the woodwork of the altar.)
FRONT - RIGHT SIDE
This beautiful window is a copy of the well known
painting depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before He
was arrested by the Roman soldiers. It is copied from Johann Hoffman̓s
“Christ in Gethsemane” painting, acclaimed as one of the most beautiful
examples of all religious art. Based on the Gospel of Luke (22:23-46),
it too is interpreted in the anthology, “Christ and the Fine Arts,”
(pages 284-288). (Inscription - “Donated by Bernhard Neitzel”)
ALCOVE - RIGHT SIDE
This window features
a sheaf of wheat which symbolizes the bread of life (Mark 14:22),
symbolic of the “body of Christ” in the sacrament of holy communion.
(Inscription - “Donated by John Sindlinger family”)
RIGHT SIDE - REAR
This large window is another religious classic.
Referred to as “Christ at Hearts Door,” it depicts Christ standing at
the “door” to your heart awaiting your release of the inside latch to
let Him enter in. (Inscription - “Donated by Lena Armbruster &
confirmation class of 1900 and several young ladies”)
RIGHT SIDE - REAR
Another window with great Christian significance.
Its focus is on the cross - the very “center” of the Christian faith.
(Inscription - “In memory of John Graf, donated by family”)
LEFT SIDE - FRONT
This exquisite window has no particular Bible
reference beyond the fact that it depicts the support and security that
one̓s faith (the Cross) provides in times of distress and adversity. It
has been referred to as the “Rock of Ages” window. (Inscription -
“Donated by the Sewing Circle 1899”)
LEFT SIDE - CENTER
Like its counterpart, on the opposite side of the
sanctuary, this matching window also relates to the sacrament of Holy
Communion, the grapes (wine) symbolizing the blood of Jesus Christ.
(Inscription - “In memory of Mrs. Ann Homer, donation from the
children”)
LEFT SIDE
This large window is very special as it recalls to
the viewer the biblical story recorded in Matthew 14:28 when Peter,
wanting to follow Jesus on the sea, began to sink into the water.
Crying out in fear, Jesus reaches out to help him and then rebukes
Peter for having so little faith. (Inscription - “Donated by Phillip
Georg and Peter Schafer”)
LEFT SIDE - REAR
This is another very meaningful window for it̓s
focus is on the two stone tablets containing the ten commandments as
revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17) (Inscription -
“Donated by family of Horace Prell”)
REAR - ABOVE BALCONY
Often unnoticed, until departure from the
sanctuary, are the three windows above the balcony. In the morning
hours, when the sun is still in the east, their complementing beauty
can be fully appreciated. The large window is referred to as
“Christ̓s Ascension.” As one departs from the sanctuary, it depicts
Jesus giving His final blessing on those below. (Inscription - “Donated
by family of Henry Christmann”) On either side of the large
center window are smaller ones which add a special beauty and meaning
to the balcony. (Inscription (left) - Donated by Carl Zimmer”
Inscription (right) - “Donated by Horace Prell”)
FRONT NARTHEX
This grouping of five vertical windows were
installed in 1921, when the front narthex was attached to the original
church structure. The windows were given in honor of the Rev. Martin
Goffeney, who served as Zion̓s first pastor from 1888 until his death
in 1917. (Inscription - “In memory of Pastor M. Goffeney from his
family”)
OTHER
Several other windows, less visible from the main
sanctuary, include -the stairway window leading to the balcony with the
inscription -“Donated by the confirmation class of 1902” A window in
the sacristy of the church carries the inscription - “In memory of
Theophil Beutter”
Altar: Zion's founding
fathers wisely left a faith, probably best expressed in Micah 6:8,
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?” They also left for future
generations, a house of worship whose traditional beauty becomes more
apparent and appreciated as time passes. The Greek letters or symbols (the Alpha and
Omega) across the front of the altar tell a story, “Christ and His
sacrifice is the beginning and the end . . Christ and His sacrifice is
everything.” On the
walls or the reredos, above and behind the wood altar and altar wail,
are stenciled stylized forms of the same symbols. The original
candelabra on the altar used gas for lighting purposes. In 1948, the
candelabra were modified to hold the wax type candles now in use. The
large Calvary cross, centered on the altar, is reported to have been
brought from Germany by Rev. Martin Goffeney when he first came to
America. The three steps on which the cross is mounted stand for Faith,
Hope and Love.
The paraments are the damask coverings on the altar, pulpit and
lectern. The material , from which they are fabricated, feature subtle
patterns of Christian symbols which add a special beauty and meaning to
each. The color used for Sunday or special worship services usually
coinsides with the appropriate church color for that particular date.
This also includes the stoles worn by the clergy and the church choir.
White, the purest
of colors, represents perfection, light, joy and glory.
Red, suggests fire and blood; the fervor of
Pentecost, the Holy Spirit; divine fire, love and the blood of Christ
and the martyrs.
Green, color of nature and growth, promises life
and hope through Christ.
Purple, suggests royal mourning and repentance in
the seasons of preparation for the Lord̓s birth and crucifixion -
advent and lent.
Black, symbolizes total darkness and death.
Other items of interest in the chancel area include the organ console
on the left; the elevated pulpit, the massive marble baptismal font;
the dark decorative covering which hides the organ pipes; the choir
loft (right). The open Bible on the altar symbolizes the Word of God.
Also, the chancel rail which divides the chancel area from the nave.
The Church Bells:
The two large bells in the belfry were installed in 1889 and were
purchased from the Meneely Bell Company in Troy, New York - also makers
of the Centennial Bell which hangs in Independence Hall. Bell No.
1 weighs 1058 pounds and bell No. 2 weighs 543 pounds. The total cost
for both of the bells, with mountings, was $485.00. They are made from
a bell-metal alloy consisting of 78% copper and 22% tin. The large bell
carries the following inscription:
“Gloria
dei-in-excelsis (Glory to God in the Highest)
German Evang Zions Church
South Bend, Ind.
A.D. 1889”
The smaller bell carries this inscription:
“Fine feste
bergstun sergott” (A Mighty Fortress Under God)
German Evang Zions Church
South Bend, Ind.
A.D. 1889”
From
October 2007 through March 2008, Zion was fortunate to have
Christian Höllerer
of Germany serve as a student intern. We wish Christian well as
he
returns to his studies in Germany and are thankful for his service to
our congregation.
GERMAN HERITAGE
(Click Link For Arzberg WebSite; make sure you click the British
Flag for the English Version of the page--you will see the
Evangelical church which dominates the town)
In November of 2001, ties to our German heritage and the
community
of
Arzberg, Germany (Click Link for IUSB paper on Arzberg & South
Bend ties) were renewed through a November 11 visit by
descendants of Zion's founding families and Erwin Scherer (an
administrator and
archivist of the Lutheran Evangelical Church in Arzberg) during our
9:00
a.m. worship service. Some Zion members
traveled
to Arzberg in the summer of 2002 to continue this renewed contact.
The links to residents of Arzberg have continued with their
visits
to the United States.
Clicking this link to
learn more about this national campaign to let
all people know of the United Church of Christ's "rich heritage
and witness"
and "the many ways our churches and other ministries make the gospel
real every day." The use of a formal advertising campaign to do
this, is nothing new, for as you will learn if you click the link
"We are called to "Go and make
disciples." The church in every generation has used contemporary means
of communication to reach the unchurched! For example, Paul's public
sermons were meant to communicate the faith to a pagan culture and use
the language of a non-Christian culture. The "apologetics" of the first
generations of Christians were meant to be widely read by pagans. The
tracts and pamphlets of the Reformation communicated through simple
concepts and images. We advertise in local newspapers. Radio ads were
especially popular in the 1950s. And now people are reached through
television and the Web.
On June 11,
2006, Zion's Congregation Voted To Be An Open And Affirming And Just
Peace Church
The following links are available in Adobe
"pdf" format. If you don't have the Adobe pdf reader and want to
install this free program on your computer, you can use this 
link to download the program and install
the program on your
computer. Though the Adobe pdf reader program appears to be a
stable and widely used program, Zion is not responsible for providing
any advice, assistance or correction that may be needed for problems
involved in downloading and installing the pdf reader which you install
at your own risk.
Click link to
read/print
a current Zion brochure in Adobe PDF format: Zion UCC, Connecting People With God
lick link to
read/print
Zion's Visitor for April 2008 in Adobe PDF
format:
May 2008
VISITOR
Click link to read/print
Zion's
Calendar For April 2008 in Adobe PDF
format: May
2008
CALENDAR
Click link to
read/print
Zion's Visitor for April 2008 in Adobe PDF
format:
April 2008
VISITOR
Click link to read/print
Zion's
Calendar For April 2008 in Adobe PDF
format: April
2008
CALENDAR
SITE INFORMATION:
- Prepared/maintained by Hal Brueseke, a member of Zion's
congregation
- Originated : November 1, 2000. Last
Revised: May 9, 2008
- URL Site:
http://community.michiana.org/zionsb
COPYRIGHT NOTICE, ETC.:
- UCC Logo, God
Is Still Speaking copyright by the United
Church of Christ
- All other content including line drawing and
pictures copyright by Zion United Church of Christ, South Bend,
Indiana
