our history

our denomination
In 1931, a small group of Lutherans in Freeland began gathering for worship after leaving their former congregation. Meeting first in borrowed spaces, they soon organized as Zion Lutheran Church and joined the American Lutheran Church. In 1933, land was purchased, and members built their own sanctuary with their own hands. On June 23, 1935, the new church was dedicated to God’s glory — a milestone that began our long tradition of worship, service, and community life that continues today.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the U.S. We believe God’s love is for all people, no exceptions, and we gather around Word and Sacrament to be renewed, challenged, and sent into the world.
As Lutherans, we trust God’s promise in Jesus Christ, embrace questions and diversity, and seek unity with other Christians. We know faith is a journey we walk together, serving our neighbors, working for justice, and striving for reconciliation in a broken world.
To learn more about the ELCA, visit elca.org.

Open mind

open heart

open table
 Faith is a journey we walk together with curiosity, compassion, and generosity.
We keep an open mind, knowing that questions are welcome and doubt is part of faith.
We live with an open heart, loving our neighbors as they are and seeking justice in our world.
We gather around an open table, where everyone, without exception, has a place to be fed and to belong.

reverend kevin O'bryan

 pastor at zion since 2023

Pastor Kevin O’Bryan leads Zion with a passion for creating a welcoming space where questions are welcomed and faith is explored together. He enjoys story telling, being outside, and teaching while being a part of different communities, inside and outside of faith. Pastor Kevin believes that while he is called to this awesome ministry, it is on all of us to seek out how God is calling us to love and serve. That is why he is here with us at Zion, to help us in figuring out what that is and walking with us as we do it together.

Fun Fact: The picture featured in the background was taken while Pastor Kevin was visiting the Sea of Galilee in 2017.

Extended Community

We are only one place of worship, connected to people of faith near and far throughout Saginaw, Michigan, and the ELCA

Elca- The Mitten Synod

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We are part of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod, a network of congregations led by our Bishop. Through the synod, we share resources, join with other churches to address regional needs, and take part in projects no single congregation could do alone. Each week in worship, we pray for a different partner congregation, reminding us that we are church together. Find out more here.

ELCA- Saginaw County

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Locally, we belong to ELCA Saginaw, a partnership of six congregations in our area. Together we collaborate on ministries that serve our neighbors, and we gather for shared worship at least once a year. This partnership strengthens our local witness and reminds us that we don’t do ministry in isolation, but as part of a wider family of faith. Find out more here.