Zion Lutheran spans generations

SANDUSKY — It's a church many residents are likely familiar with. Zion Lutheran Church's worship services occur 6 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sundays, with latter service broadcast on WLEC 1450AM radio. Sunday school for children and adult bible studies happen at 9:15 a.m. Sundays and Holy Communion is offered at all services.The church is at 503 Columbus Ave. near downtown Sandusky.Since March 2017, Rev. Eric Bodenstab has led the church. When interviewing for his position, he said he was the attracted to the Sandusky area, Zion Lutheran's ministries and how it collaborates with nearby congregations.About 230 people attend the church, with many people coming from a long line of family who have attended for years. Recently, Bodenstab said he baptized a seventh-generation family member.During worship services, children are allowed to stay with their parents."We believe in keeping families together," Bodenstab said.Zion Lutheran has area daughter congregations like Trinity Lutheran on Bardshar Road in Sandusky, Grace Lutheran in Castalia, among others.There's plenty of activities to get involved with. For instance, Zion Lutheran Church has child, adult and bell choirs, which have existed for several years."Music is one of the cornerstones of Zion," Bodenstab said.A number of congregants help out with the church's participation in Sandusky Churches Adopt-a-School Partnership, serving Osborne Elementary students in various ways. For instance, a group of congregants makes birthday cards for every student.Members also volunteer with Care and Share and bake cookies for nursing homes in which church members reside. Additionally, Zion Lutheran cohosts a community Thanksgiving dinner with Holy Angels Catholic Church.The Zion Foundation, which was established in the early 1990s, assists Lutherans in international missions. And as of recently, the church hosts a board game night at 6 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month."This is a great congregation," Bodenstab said.Zion Lutheran is getting ready to begin a new mission, called "Generation to Generation," to talk to others about faith."This is about creating a community with God's love," Bodenstab said.In coming years, the church also plans to renovate its building."I'm excited about the future of Zion," Bodenstab said. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in it."Get to know Zion Lutheran ChurchAddress: 503 Columbus Ave., SanduskyPhone number: 419-625-2112Website: zionsandusky.orgFacebook: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (@ZionELCSandusky)Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodZion Lutheran Church on Columbus Avenue in Sandusky on Aug. 27, 2018.Eric Bodenstab, the pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Sandusky, stands inside the church on Aug. 27, 2018.A look inside Zion Lutheran Church in Sandusky.The baptismal font at Zion Lutheran Church in Sandusky has been a part of the church's history.