Wayne Zion plans continued sesquicentennial celebrations

     Wayne Zion Lutheran Church of rural Monticello continues its 150^th year anniversary celebration with a special service honoring the youth of the congregation at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28. The guest minister that day will be Reverend Dr. Paul Tobiason, who was the first descendant of Wayne Zion’s congregation to become an ordained minister when he graduated from Luther Seminary in 1968, later earning his Doctor of Ministry degree there as well.

   Paul Tobiason was baptized at Wayne in 1942 and was confirmed in 1956. Now retired, Pastor Paul has served mostly country churches in Iowa and Wisconsin throughout his career. He was known as the “rural pastor,” trained among wonderful Wayne Zion people and pastors to have a love for rural ministry.

   Pastor Paul’s parents, Bennie and Berdena Tobiason, were lifelong members of Wayne Zion. In 1996, green altar paraments were given to the congregation by Paul’s family and dedicated at the 125^th anniversary celebration in memory of his father, Bennie. These are still in use today. Pastor Paul and his wife, Jeanette, now reside in Independence, Wis. They have three children: Jennifer, Sarah, and Anna, plus five grandchildren. Paul has two brothers living in the area, David, in Scotch Grove, and Glenn, in Wyoming.

   Along with preaching on Aug. 28, Pastor Paul will also have his classical guitar along, planning to sing to the children during the children’s message. His wife, Jeanette, who is an organist, will play both the prelude and the postlude. Then, during the service, a slideshow created by members of the anniversary committee will be presented, showcasing the church’s youth ministries and the many ways these young members have grown in their faith and served the Wayne Zion community over the years. Teachers and mentors who supported the students along the way will also be celebrated, as they modeled what it looks like to follow Jesus Christ. Those attending the church service may recognize music from past Vacation Bible School and Christmas programs. All families who have had their children enrolled here over the years will enjoy the many photos in the slideshow and on display. Everyone is encouraged to come.

   Youth members will take part in the church service as acolytes, ushers, and lectors. Afterwards, they will serve lunch and assist with the ice cream social in the social hall. All guests, visitors, and members are welcome to attend the meal. Freewill donations will be accepted, with the proceeds going toward the 2024 National Youth Gathering trip to New Orleans.

   For more information, please visit Wayne Zion’s website at waynezion.org, or call the church at 319-465-4834. Wayne Zion is located at 15531 County Road E-17.