Zion Lutheran Church
2101 Lancaster Avenue Wilmington, Delaware 19805 (302)-658-5288
The Rev. Dr. Gregory Johnson, Pastor
Pastor Johnson began serving at Zion in 1993 after ministering in Philadelphia for six years and in Wilmington for ten years. He has an engineering degree from Cornell University and graduated from Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. He holds advanced degrees from the Seminary and Temple University, including a doctorate in religion. He has done extensive community work in his parishes, but enjoys "the day-in day-out life of the parish, with all its highs and lows."
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Our History
Zion Lutheran Church was founded almost 150 years ago on the east side of Wilmington. On December 3, 1848 a group of thirty-three German-speaking Lutherans gathered for services conducted by the Rev. Friedrich Walz. After the service, they agreed to form an evangelical Lutheran congregation. Zion was born.
Zion has moved many times. From a hall in the Center Building on the northwest corner of Fourth and French Streets, the church moved to its first building on Walnut Street in 1857. In 1865, Zion purchased Number One School at Sixth and French Streets. After 33 years, Zion laid the cornerstone for its Sixth and Jackson Streets building where it remained for 62 years.
Zion might still be at that location had the State of Delaware not built I-95 in the early 1960's. Being moved from its property, Zion settled in the Neighborhood House until its new and current home was finished in 1961.
Here the oldest Lutheran congregation in Delaware continues to worship God and proclaim the message of salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Education and Learning
Sunday School classes are offered from September through May at 9:00 A.M. for the following groups
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First Communion
All 10 year olds (or 5th grade) are invited to receive the Rite of First Communion on Sunday, October 9th at the 10:30 AM service. There are two preliminary parent/student classes on Sunday, September 25th and October 2nd after the late service (11:45 AM) that last about one hour. The first class discusses the Scriptural history of Holy Communion and the second the doctrine and practice. Students who participate in these two classes are then invited to share their First Communion with their parents, godparents, and families on this very special day. Call and let us know you want to come 658-5288 and we will get a set of small booklets, Welcome to the Lord's Table, to you to read in advance.
Confirmation
The second year Confirmation program begins on Sunday September 11th after the 10:30 AM service. The second year program is designed to give our young adults opportunities to participate in a variety of church activities as "active" members of the church. They will receive credit for participation in altar guild to ecology project, from educational events to synod youth weekends. It is a "hands on" program culminating in Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday June 4th.