Become a Member

Are you interested in joining Zion? We would love to have you join our church! For more information about Zion, please see our Welcome Packet.

New Member Classes

To become a Lutheran, only baptism and instruction in the Christian faith is required. If you are already baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you need only to attend a membership class. Active members of other Lutheran congregations need only transfer membership.

New member classes are available three times a year, fall, winter and spring. If you are interested in joining Zion, or would like more information on classes, please contact the church office.

Contacting Our Pastor

Pastor Kathy is normally in her office on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. If you want to speak with her, these are good times to drop by or to phone her. She welcomes these opportunities. If you plan to stop by, it is probably helpful to call first (301-371-6500) to confirm that she is in her office. Sometimes she may be called away during these periods by unexpected pastoral emergencies or meetings.

Afternoons are usually reserved for out-of-the-office activities. However, Pastor Kathy is available in the office by appointment during the afternoon.

If you or your family experiences a crisis needing immediate pastoral attention, please call the office (301-371-6500); when she is unavailable, leave a message.

Baptisms, First Communion, Confirmation

Baptisms

As Lutherans, we acknowledge that Baptism is God’s act, God’s initiative and God’s gift. We believe that Baptism brings us into the Church, Christ’s living body on earth. As the early church baptized whole families, including infants, we also practice infant baptism.

First Communion

Holy Communion is one of two sacraments for Lutherans. At Zion, the decision as to when a child is ready for their first communion is left to discernment between the pastor, the child and the family. (Typically a child is ready between the ages 5 to 10). Once your child is ready, please contact the church office to schedule them for First Communion classes, held three times a year in the fall, winter, and spring.

Confirmation

Our Confirmation Program encompasses 2 1/2 years (7th, 8th and 9th grades) in which students study the Old and New Testament, the Ten Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, and the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.

What Lutherans Believe

We believe in the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; Jesus is the Word of God incarnate (in human flesh and blood).

If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
- Romans 10:9

We believe the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God. Inspired by God’s Spirit speaking through their authors, the Scriptures record and announce God’s revelation centering in Jesus Christ. Through the Scriptures, God’s Spirit speaks to us to create and sustain Christian faith and fellowship for service in the world.

We believe the Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm for all Christian proclamation; faith, and life.

The website for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America can be found at www.elca.org.