President’s Perspective
Faithful Daughters of Zion: A Lifetime of Devotion and Service
There are many pillars of faith who have shaped Zion into the loving, worship-filled community we cherish today. Among these faithful are four remarkable women — Clara Hayes, Jane Kozak, Judy Dames, and Lois Klemash — who have each spent their lives serving the Lord and the members of Zion. These ladies have lived through many different seasons of life in our church and community, they embody what it means to walk in steadfast faith, and their legacies are rooted in love, service, and endurance.
Planted in the House of the Lord
Through baptism, confirmation, marriage, and raising children, these women have experienced all of life’s seasons within the Zion family. Whether born into the church like Judy, Clara and Jane . . . or invited in like Lois Klemash -- who found a spiritual home at Zion thanks to a childhood friend . . . each woman has been planted deeply in the rich soil of God’s house.
They have served across every ministry and season. From Ladies Aid, Altar Guilds, Sunday School, Bible studies, Youth Groups, and Church Council, their hands and hearts have built the church from the ground up. Jane and Clara remember traveling to Jerusalem in 2006 with a group from Zion — a milestone that deepened their faith. Lois fondly recalls singing in the Pittsburgh Lutheran Choir under Zion’s own Carl Schmidt, who was Zion’s organist. Judy and other Zion friends were members of the Walther League, a youth group for Lutheran teens named for the first President of the LCMS. Judy served as Zion’s first paid office secretary, and Clara was the secretary for the Ladies’ Aid group.
Faith Through Trial
Their stories also carry the weight of sorrow — losing spouses, children, a godson and dear friends. Yet, through grief and hardship, their faith remained unshaken. The love of their church community and the presence of a faithful God sustained them, shaping a testimony of hope and resilience.
Generations of Faithfulness
These women have not only served in their own lifetimes — they’ve passed the faith on to their children, grandchildren and friends encouraging them to stay grounded in God’s Word and active in church life. Their example continues to inspire new generations to follow Christ with purpose and joy.
As Zion looks to the future, we do so with gratitude for these living testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Their stories remind us that the church is not just a place — it is a people. Through every season, in trials and triumphs, God has worked through these women to bless Zion, one faithful act at a time.
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church … I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.” Romans 16:1-2
A powerful reminder that women have always been vital leaders, helpers, and encouragers in the life of the church. May we continue to honor these wonderful women by also serving with the same heart, humility, and joy they’ve shown all these years.
In Christ,
Bob Schmidt
Congregational President
