We’re Called to Serve

Rev. Caitlin M. Kurtz

Pastor

Pastor Caitlin is privileged to serve, learn, and grow in faith alongside the people of Zion’s, and the wider Jonestown community. A native of Virginia and graduate of the University of Virginia, Pastor Caitlin grew to love Pennsylvania through her time at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, her internship in Berks County and her previous call in Cumberland County. She particularly enjoys teaching and learning together with disciples of Christ of all ages, and experiencing the presence of God through worship and service opportunities. Pastor Caitlin is married to Seth, and together they have two daughters.  She is grateful to be raising her children in a congregation that warmly welcomes children (and all their joy-filled and other noises that they sometimes offer in worship), and in a community that takes seriously it’s call to share faith with the next generation.   She looks forward to meeting you soon, and journeying with you in your life of faith.

Smiling woman with curly brown hair wearing a green cardigan, black top, and a colorful scarf, standing in front of a light gray textured background.

Zion’s church council

The church council of the church oversees the ministries and finances of the congregation.

This year the following people are serving on council: (Left to right, top to bottom) Pastor Caitlin, Noel Strattan, Debbie Long, Stephanie Livingston, Travis Ludwig, Larry Houser, Judy Merkel, Michele McQuaide, Linda Wenrich and Luke Hiester. Not pictured: John Mohn Jr, Matt Wolfe, and Eva Frank). 

John Mohn Jr. is our Council President.  Larry Houser is our Vice President.  Michele McQuaide is our secretary. Cathy Houser serves as treasurer.

Group of nine people, mostly women, posing for a photo in an indoor setting with a colorful stained glass artwork in the background. Some are seated, others are standing, and everyone is smiling.

  • Maryann G.

    ORGANIST

    Maryann enjoys playing piano and organ at Zion’s. A graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, she is a lifelong resident of the Jonestown area. Maryann is married to Joel, and has attended Zion’s for the past 25 years.

  • Joel G.

    ADULT CHOIR DIRECTOR

    Joel graduated in 1978 from the Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor of science degree in music education and a major in brass instruments. He is retired from the Williams Valley School district where his instrumental duties were director of elementary concert bands and jazz band director. He also created and directed the Clarinet Choir and the Flute Ensemble, and both the WV Alumni Marching Band and Alumni Jazz Band. Joel also organized and is chairman of the annual Les Brown Big Band Festival.

    At Zion’s he is director of the Adult choir along with directing and performing in the German band Omm-Pah-Raise, Guy Lumbago and His Royal Caribbean Big Band, and many small instrumental ensembles. Beginning in the 1990s he produced and directed Zion’s youth musicals and the Christmas pageant.

    He resides on a farm north of Lebanon with his wife Maryann where he enjoys working with wood and stained glass.

  • Joanna G.

    YOUTH CHOIR DIRECTOR

    Joanna is a life-long member of Zion’s who is passionate about providing enriching faith formation opportunities, especially to children and teens, and loves sharing the rich musical heritage and legacy of the church. In addition to serving as the Youth Choir Director and co-leader of the Youth Group (with Pastor Caitlin), she is a member of the Worship and Music Committee, and has previously served on Church Council. On Sunday mornings, she can usually be seen singing in the Adult Choir or serving as a communion assistant or crucifer. She and her husband, John, love attending Wednesday nights at Rejoicing Spirits. They have a puppy, Albus, and enjoy participating in church and community events in Lebanon County.

  • Sharon H.

    CHURCH SEXTON AND FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

    Sharon has been taking care of the church’s interior for the past 15 years. She has been active within the church through Christian Education, Released Time, Social Ministry, Renovations, Wednesday night meals, and is also the Wedding Liaison for Zion’s. In addition to working for Zion’s, she is self employed teaching fitness. Sharon shares that she has been blessed to be able to share her love of fitness here at Zion’s and with the community by holding classes in the social hall.

  • Robert M.

    FACILITIES AND GROUNDS COORDINATOR

    Robert joined Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in 2009. Currently serving in the U.S Army, he assumed responsibility as facilities and grounds coordinator in 2016, where he coordinates and manages routine building maintenance. Robert has volunteered at Zions over the years wherever he can lend a hand.

  • Gloria B. & Bonny R.

    SECRETARIES

    Gloria has been a member at Zion’s since birth.   Her family was sexton of the church, cleaning, keeping the fire going in the coal furnace and ringing the bells on Sunday back in 1940-1950s!  She worked here for 25+ years as a volunteer secretary in the 1970s, and volunteers at the food bank, and works at the polling place for Swatara twp.

    Bonny, her assistant, is also her daughter.  Bonny was Zion’s first female acolyte!