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The Staff at Zion

Pastor

Pr. Mike Hanson    Pastor Scott Adams

Pastor Mike and his wife Elaine have three children and two grand children. Prior to this call the Hanson family spent 12 years in Cameroon, West Africa; where Pastor Mike was the director of a bible school and pastor of a large congregation in town. Following that he served Trinity Lutheran in South Minneapolis for 8 years. And most recently has served as interim pastor for two congregations in the Twin Cities.

"The Lord Jesus is Lord of ALL. Sometimes we forget that His lordship truly covers the entire earth, even the parts of the earth in distress and suffering. From the first days of creation God has chosen us as his agents, which means we have a mission: to bring God's Good News to every part of this vast Kingdom. God does not rule alone. We are called to serve our Master in truth and righteousness." Their family website is www.GoTellitOnTheMountain.org.

Email Pastor Mike.
 

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Program Staff

Camilla Horne
Organ and Piano

De Horne She has been involved as a music educator/conductor/performer for more than 30 years. She is currently teaching at UW-River Falls, where she teaches a variety of music-related courses, including: Music Education I, Integrating Music into the Elementary Classroom, Piano for Non-Majors, Music and Art for the Early Learner, World Music, serves as a University Student Teacher Supervisor, and teaches music to the preschoolers, toddlers and infants attending the UWRF on-campus C.H.I.LD. Center and the Wyamn Preschool. Dr. Horne performs regularly as a conductor, vocal, instrumental, and keyboard soloist around the United States and is frequently asked to present workshops on a myriad of music-related subjects at local, state, regional, and national conventions.

 

Mark Anderson
Sunday School Director

Mark Anderson

As one of the first children baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, Mark has a long, dedicated history with the church. Mark believes his job is to create an environment where children are encouraged to develop a relationship with the Lord. He feels the Sunday School experience is vital to children and is the start of their journey with Jesus. Mark is married, has three daughters, and lives in Cottage Grove.

  Gina Olson

Gina Olson
Director, Senior Choir
& Kids of the Kingdom

Gina joined Zion Lutheran Church in the fall of 1984. The following year, she took on the position of Kids of the Kingdom Choir Director. She sees music ministry as a means for improving self-esteem in children. She is committed to sharing with each child at worship how important they are to God and to the Church.

Gina, a native of Madison, Wisconsin, holds a BA in Music Education and French from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Along-side her church activities, she teaches piano privately in her home.

Gina and her husband have two musically-talented young adult daughters who are active in church as well. Gina enjoys quilting and other needlecraft, decorating, and desktop publishing. She and her family also partake in her husband’s passion — sailing Lake Pepin.

Tracie Rice
Teacher — Kiddie Kampus

 

Administrative Staff

Kathy Spears
Administrative Assistant

Kathy Spears

Kathy is a charter member of Zion and has been our administrative assistant twice, first from 1970-78 and now since 1999. At other times, Kathy has worked for the Minnesota Division of Fish and Game, as an assistant manager of a tire warehouse, as a truck dispatcher, and as the owner- operator- seamstress of a dry cleaning business.

Kathy’s hobbies include sewing, reading, gardening and spending time with her seven grandchildren.

email Kathy

  Diane Purcell

Diane Purcell
Finance

Diane has faithfully kept the books at Zion for many years. She is also our expert on parlimentary and committee procedures.

Diane also is the treasurer for Minnesota Via de Cristo.

Larry Dowdle
Maintenance

Larry Dowdle

Larry has been a member of Zion since 1975 and has been cleaning, polishing and maintaining the church since 1989. He retired recently from his day job as an accountant for the State of Minnesota. He has 4 children and 5 grandchildren, and keeps busy attending all their varied sporting activities.