Pastors Called To Flagship Church In Wauwatosa

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Pastors Called to Flagship Church in Wauwatosa!

“When we drove up and saw the words on the marquee, ‘All Are Welcome,’

we knew this was the place we wanted to be!”

—Pastor Steve Ohrtman

On Sunday December 5, 2010 Pastors Steve and Deb Ohrtman will be installed as the pastors of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church. ELCA Milwaukee Synod Bishop Rev. Jeff Barrow will preside. Located at 120th & North Avenue, Mt. Zion has embraced the ELCA position as a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) church, and is recognized as a ‘flagship’ church in the community and beyond.

Mt. Zion opens it arms to the community and beyond with the Tosa Cares Food Pantry, and partners with area churches in reaching out to the people of Reformation Church (33rd & Garfield) and Redeemer Church (19th & Wisconsin) in Milwaukee. Relationships develop as these communities share food and clothing, Bible study, prayer, Walks for Peace, fellowship meals, and ‘Monday Sunday School...’

Mt Zion was without the leadership of a senior pastor from August 2009-October 2010, and something unexpected happened — membership and ministries grew. Members attribute this to the presence of the Holy Spirit; a vital prayer life and lay participation; faithful leadership of the former senior pastor; spiritual and practical guidance of Assistant Pastor Kendra Mohn (August 2009-July 2010) and Consulting Pastor Mick Roschke.

Worship life is rooted in the God’s Word and heard at both traditional and contemporary services. The Eucharist (holy communion) is an integral part of every Sunday service, and baptisms are frequent. Choral and bell choirs lead the congregation in music and praise at the traditional service; and Mt Zion’s popular Acacia band leads worship at the contemporary service.

As an RIC Church, Mt Zion extends affirmation and hospitality to all persons — regardless of sexual orientation or gender, race, faith tradition, social or financial situation. Members comment, “People came over, greeted and hugged us, and were all smiles. We felt we belonged right away... It’s more than just lip service!” Since the ELCA adopted the RIC position in 2009, 20 churches in Wisconsin (the most recent, Calvary in Brookfield) have voted to separate from the ELCA.

To learn more about the life and faith of the people of Mt Zion, contact the Church Office at 414-258-0456 and visit www.mtzionlutheran.org.