No Service: Wednesday, May 20, 2026

There will be no service on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 because Pastor will be out of the office May 18th - 22nd.

Christ is Risen - Tell the Next Generation

Christ is Risen
Tell the Next Generation

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonder that He has done. – Psalm 78:4

The 2026-2029 LCMS National Offering,
“Christ is Risen! Tell the Next Generation,” will support the work of congregations, districts and RSO's vigorously to make known the Good News of Jesus Christ among families, young people and children.

For more information on how you and your congregation can support the 2026-2029 National Offering, visit LCMS.org/national-offering

Little Mite Boxes Bring Powerful Action

The Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML) Mite Box is a small, garnet-colored box used to collect regular donations for mission grants, inspired by the widow’s mite in Mark 12. Since 1942, this "mite" offering has funded over $130 million in mission work worldwide. Funds are collected by individuals and groups, with 25% supporting national missions and 75% funding district missions. Below is a list of ten recent mission grants.

1.  Regional Disaster Response LERT Shower Trailers — LCMS Office of National Mission, Disaster Response Ministry, U.S. — $81,500 — FULLY FUNDED

2.  Help for Ukraine’s Orphans and Displaced Persons —  Orphan Grain Train, Europe — $100,000 — FULLY FUNDED

3.  Portable Laundry Trailer — Forged by Fire Services, U.S. — $100,700 — Partial payment of $50,000 distributed

4.  The Perpetual Call for Pastors and Teachers — LCMS Office of Pastoral Education, U.S. — $100,000 — FULLY FUNDED

5.  Growing Together to Share Braille and Large Print — Lutheran Braille Workers, U.S. — $100,000

6.  Christ-Centered Hope for Cancer Patients — Phil’s Friends, U.S. — $100,000  —  Partial payment of $50,000 distributed

7.  Light of Jesus Christ to Unwed Homeless Mothers — A Place of Refuge Ministries of South WI, Inc., Wisconsin — $75,000

8.  Building a Place of Care — Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, North Dakota — $60,000 — FULLY FUNDED — FEATURED MARCH 2026

9.  Introducing Muslims to the Savior — Lutheran Heritage Foundation, Global — $100,000 — Partial payment of $45,000 distributed — FEATURED APRIL 2026

10.  Healing Your Heart — Faith-based Child Counseling — Lutheran Counseling and Family Services of Wisconsin, U.S. — $100,000 — Partial payment of $75,000 distributed

Download a PDF listing 33 recent mission grants

President’s Perspective

A Bit of Zion History … 
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1898 in Bridgeville as Zion Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul’s German Church. The founding members were primarily German Americans, and several descendants of those original families are members of the congregation today. These include Tom Erbrecht; Sarah Ali, Clara Hayes, Paul Hayes and Sandy Bryant (Schmidt family descendants); Jane Kozak, Mike Kozak and Judy Dames (Oelschlager family descendants), Janet, Jim, and Marion Oelschlager; and Carolyn Wible and family (Oelschlager family descendants). 

In its earliest days, the congregation met in a local business establishment (near Sarasnick’s Hardware) until they were able to construct their own church building. On Thanksgiving Day in 1900, the cornerstone was laid for the first church building on Prestley Road in Bridgeville (at what is now 347 Prestley Road, near the corner of Washington Ave and Prestley Road). 

The following year marked several important milestones. In June 1901, the congregation joined the Pittsburgh Synod, and the new church building was completed and dedicated on June 30, 1901. The dedication included a German-language service in the morning and an English-language service in the afternoon. At that time, the congregation had grown to approximately 200 communicant members. 

In 1945, after many years as a member of the Pittsburgh Synod, the congregation joined the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. 

Over the years, Zion has been served by many faithful and dedicated pastors. The longest-serving pastor was Pastor Dietrich, who led the congregation from 1957--1974. During his tenure in the 1960s, plans began for a new church building on farmland at the current location. A building committee was formed to design a structure that would reflect the bold and faithful identity of Zion and serve as a visible witness to the surrounding community. 

After years of prayer, planning, and fundraising, ground was broken in November 1966. Construction was completed the following year, and the cornerstone was laid on December 10, 1967. An interesting architectural feature of the church is that, when viewed from above, the structure is shaped like a cross. The new church building was dedicated on Jan. 28, 1968. In the years that followed, the congregation continued to grow and expand its ministries. A parsonage was built in 1976. Zion started a K through sixth grade school in 1978. My son Justin was in the first graduating class of 4 students. The exterior cross was added in 1980, followed by an addition of classrooms and offices in 1984, and another addition of classrooms in 1986. Over time, the K–6 school transitioned into a vibrant preschool ministry. 

In September 2023, Zion celebrated the 125th anniversary of its founding with a special worship service, an anniversary banquet, and a congregational carnival on the church grounds. It was a wonderful celebration of our rich history, our church families, and many friends. 

Mulch Spreading Workday

Mulch Spreading Workday hosted by the Trustees
Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 9 am.
Can you lend a hand? ... Many hands make light work .

Thanks in advance from the Board of Trustees! 

Summer Sunday School

Summer Sunday School 
Our Summer Sunday School program will start the week following our end of year party -- June 7 -- and run through August 30. This year's program is "3 in 1: Discovering Our Triune God" from Concordia. The summer program is geared mainly for the PreK-K and grades 1-3 children, but older children are welcome to attend and help with the younger children, or they are encouraged to attend the Pastor's adult Bible study. 

Bible Study: Sunday, May 10, 2026

Bible Study for Sunday May 10, 2026
Lead by Rev. Dr. Edward O. Grimenstein, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville, PA.
This Bible Study Focuses on: John 11:1-4, John 11:5-10, John 11:11-16, John 11:17-20, and John 11:21-27.
Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville, PA is Online at https://www.zlcb.org/