Wayne Zion’s 150th Anniversary Celebration

The people of Wayne Zion welcomed guests to a Sesquicentennial Celebration on Sunday, September 25th, 2022. We began with a worship service at a special time, 10:00 a.m. Guest musicians sang and performed on organ, trumpet, flute and keyboard, along with Wayne Zion’s vocal and bell choirs. Our guest preacher was Bishop Amy Current of the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Reverend Bob Wessels was our guest lector.

Following the church service, a catered meal donated by Scott and Deb Behrends was served at the Berndes Center in Monticello. A program featuring live music, slide show, speakers and a live auction was enjoyed after the dinner. Thanks to the Anniversary Committee and chairperson Kathy Harms for all their work in planning this year’s events.

All are welcome to join us this year as we take a look back, enjoy today, and prepare for our future. See the details of our four celebration Sundays, below. To God be the glory!

150th Anniversary PresentationDownload
This quilt, created by Barb and Bill Catlett especially for our sesquicentennial, was auctioned off at our September 25th event. The quilt was donated back to the church by the winner. Money raised from this live auction has been designated to the Monticello Food Pantry.
The Sesquicentennial Anniversary book is available for $20.

Event Details:
JUNE 26 “Celebrating the Pastors Who Served”
9:00 Service: Rev. Gary Hatcher, Guest Preacher
Vocal and Hand Bell Choirs
Potluck dinner provided following the service.

Thank you, Pastor Gary and Jackie Hatcher, for bringing the perfect message to our June celebration!


JULY 31 “Celebrating Our Senior Members”
9:00 Service: Rev. Dr. Karen Nelson, Guest Preacher
Video of Senior Members/Favorite Songs
Cake and coffee fellowship—Social Hall

Thank you, Pastor Karen Nelson, for sharing your memories and message today!


AUGUST 28 “Celebrating Our Youth Ministries”
9:00 Service: Rev. Dr. Paul Tobiason, Guest Preacher
Youth lectors, special music and more!
Slide show of Wayne Zion youth activities over the years
Lunch and Ice Cream Social in the Social Hall, served by the youth of Wayne Zion.

August 28 Youth SlideshowDownload
Thank you, Pastor Paul and Jeanette Tobiason, for joining us this morning. Your message and music were inspiring to all.


SEPTEMBER 25 “Celebrating 150 Years of Sharing the Good News”
10:00 Service: SE Iowa Synod Bishop Rev. Amy Current, Guest Preacher
Guest Lector: Rev. Bob Wessels
Guest Musicians: Organist Frederick Burrack & “Gods Family”: Grandchildren of Rev. Frederick Kehren, who served here from 1938-1958.
Wayne Zion Vocal and Handbell Choirs
Anniversary Dinner and Program at the Berndes Center in Monticello, following the service.

Menu:
Smoked Iowa Porkchop
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Almondine
Sweet Corn, Coleslaw, Pie & Beverage

Kids Menu: Chicken Strips & Mac & Cheese

September Banquet SlideshowDownload
Bishop Amy Current
God’s Family: David Burrack, Clara Smith,
Ruth Carter, and Fred Burrack.
Notecards and pen sets are available for $15. This includes 25 printed cards.
A Game Night Set is available to purchase for $10. This includes a pizza cutter and a deck of playing cards.
Kitchen towel sets are available for $20. We have two different sets of three screen-printed towels.

The History Display was set up in the Berndes Center for our September 25th banquet and program. Many of these scrapbooks, photos and other items can be enjoyed in the church library anytime.

Some of our senior (and mostly lifelong) members who shared their memories in our video interviews, presented on July 31st. From left, Etta Dirks, George Tobiason, Carol Hein, Glenn Hein, Paul Behrends, Rex Rickels, Ruth Harms, Pauline Antons, Dean Hayen, Galen Harms, and Zita Harms.

Wayne Zion had a float all ready for Monticello’s Fourth of July parade. However, with the rain and lightning that day, the parade had to be cancelled. Because of that, our participants decided to bring the float and historically costumed riders to the church parking lot the following Sunday, to greet everyone as they drove in. They then walked into the sanctuary together and sat as in days of old… with men on one side and women on the other. Fun day! The staff and congregation wish to thank Garry Zumbach and family for building the float and having the banners made, and Starlighter II Theatre in Anamosa for lending us costumes reflecting different times. Thanks also to all who participated! Happy Sesquicentennial, Wayne Zion!