Zion Lutheran Church welcomes new pastor

SANDUSKY — Zion Lutheran Church in Sandusky is welcoming the addition of its new pastor, the Rev. Eric Bodenstab.After earning his first degree in mathematics, Bodenstab attended Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, S.C., while completing an internship in Jackson, Mich.He has served at several congregations, including at Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran in Stuttgart, Kan., and St. Martin Lutheran in Kansas City, Kan.After receiving his doctorate degree, he served at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., where he met his wife, Erin, a deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.The couple then lived in Chicago, where their daughter, Althea, was born. A short time later, they moved to Ohio, where many of their friends and family lived."I was interviewing at Zion and was attracted to the ministries of the congregation, the partnerships with other congregations in the area and the community of Sandusky," Bodenstab said. "My family and I look forward to making Sandusky our home and working with the people of Zion to proclaim together the good news of God."A special service will take place 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16 and will be officiated by Bishop Daniel Beaudoin.The service will include the baptism of Erin and Althea.Participating in the service will be the Zion Sr. Choir, Bell Choir and Cherub Choir. There will also be Holy Communion served.Following the service, there will be a reception with refreshments to celebrate the occasion."The reception following the service will be a wonderful time for members, clergy and the public to welcome and meet Pastor Eric and his family," office administrator Lori Harris said.Want to go?What: Zion Lutheran Church installation service for new pastorWhen: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 503 Columbus Ave., SanduskyThe Rev. Eric Bodenstab is the new leader of the Zion Lutheran Church in Sandusky.