A FRESH FACE Zion Church of Wauseons recently renovated entryway sanctuary and attached windowed room for parents with small children offer fresh life to the church The last time the church was renovated was 1989 with the sanctuary last updated in the 1970s
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Zion Church of Wauseon had more reason than normal to celebrate last Sunday when it held a dedication service for its newly remodeled sanctuary.
According to Pastor Eli Koehler, it was the first time the church had been renovated since 1989, and that work had not involved the sanctuary.
“We think that the last time that the sanctuary was updated at all was in the early 70s, so we had wonderful green carpet and green pew cushions,” he said.
A kneeling board dividing wall also partially separated the altar from the rest of the sanctuary, which Koehler said they wanted to open up while also updating the altar and stage.
Other improvements included the running of new electrical and sound equipment, addition of a dedicated tech booth, and an attached, windowed “cry room,” an area for parents to take small children who wanted to remain for the service instead of sending them to the children’s classroom. Carpeting in the entryway which had been damaged by a previous water issue was also replaced.
The project started to become reality shortly after Koehler joined the church as pastor about a year and a half ago.
He said he came in with no plans for drastic changes but was convinced by the congregation who was fired up for the upgrade.
“They just said ‘We want to do all this stuff!’ The church is really excited for the future,” he said. Thankfully, fundraising for the project was never a concern.
“Back in 2016, the North Dover Church – which used to be on 109 north of the fairgrounds – joined our congregation and sold their facility, so their assets became a part of our funds.
That and the faithfulness of our people over the years allowed us to have a very good place financially where we were.”
In addition, some church members made other donations, among them several who agreed to cover the entirety of the cost for the stage upgrades. Koehler said he still doesn’t know what that cost was.
Church services were held in a fellowship hall in the building’s basement for the three months that the renovations were ongoing.
The space is big enough for upwards of 100 people so was more than big enough for the purpose. Still, those services were held around tables as opposed to a more standard setup.
“It was a great time in the basement but I’m glad to be back upstairs,” Koehler said. The congregation was just as glad, and just as excited about the building upgrades, if attendance is any sign.
Their regular attendance of just under 50 was boosted to more than 80 for the celebration and dedication service.
“It was truly an amazing service. We had a great turnout of people coming, some new some old, some that have been here in the past and others who had been invited by others to show off the sanctuary,” Koehler said.
“It was probably one of my favorite services that we’ve had since I’ve been here, it was up there with Easter.”
Now the church is turning to its continuing work, outlined in its mission statement – to make disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing the good news in word and deed so [their] church family can share god’s love, mercy, and grace.
“We will retake the ground that we feel like we’ve lost since COVID. It’s really a kick in our pants to get more serious to be intentional about reaching out and caring for our community and those who are around us,” Koehler said.
“We’re really all about our church family coming together and loving others and showing them compassion and raising up families inside the church, both biological and spiritual children, and focusing on traditions of the past.”
“We’re pushing toward the future to grow in our faith as well as our walk and our relationships with one another.”
Zion Church of Wauseon holds adult Sunday school from 9:30 to 10:25 a.m., with the regular service starting at 10:30 a.m.
After a children’s moment at the beginning of the service, children up to preschool age can go to a separate nursery for basic bible instruction unless their parents choose to keep them in the sanctuary for the full service. More children’s activities are slated to begin in January but have not yet been finalized.
A bible study that is usually part of the regular activities of the church has been on hold during the renovations but is expected to restart soon.
The next special event is a soup and apple dumpling supper on October 19 to raise money for the church’s local mission efforts.
“It doesn’t matter what your background is, if you’re even interested in all these things,” he said. “We’d love to have you join us and learn more about it and to welcome you into our church and our church family.”
Jesse can be reached at jesse@thevillagereporter.com