Senior Pastor Deterding installed at Zion Lutheran Church
Lutheran leaders and community members recently celebrated the installation of Senior Pastor Curtis Deterding at Zion Lutheran Church, and are excited to witness an expected expansion of church services and programs, as well as an increase in congregation membership. The senior pastor post had been vacant for three years, and the congregation prayed the Lord would send a senior pastor as qualified and dedicated as Deterding.
On August 17, Pastor Curtis, as he is affectionately called, delivered Sunday services at the South Fort Myers-based church for the first time since relocating from Minnesota with his family to answer the call. Rev. Gregory S. Walton, the Florida-Georgia District President of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, served as preacher for an installation ceremony, which followed. Walton offered words of encouragement from the Bible about pastor and congregation working in unity to achieve the work God has already prepared them to do. Visiting pastors also placed their hand on Deterding and offered a word of encouragement and a verse from the Word of God. Members and guests enjoyed the opportunity to get to know their new pastor, and express their appreciation for his sermon that morning, which moved their hearts to grow in the grace of their Lord.
After settling in, Deterding plans to begin the work of adding staff at the church and preschool so programs and services to the congregation and Fort Myers community might increase once again. Church members agree that community outreach is the top priority, and that growing relationships with each other and their new senior pastor during this time is fundamental to achieving success.
Deterding and his family have been welcomed with open arms, and many among the congregation expressed that he was the answer to their prayers. It is an exciting time at Zion Lutheran Church, and the community is invited to enjoy worship and fellowship Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 10 a.m.
About Zion Lutheran Church
Zion Lutheran Church supports parents, grandparents, adults, youth, and children by helping them teach and live the faith, as well as provide opportunities to come together for fellowship, to serve God and others, and grow in faith. Zion offers meaningful worship, friendly people, great music, and a comfortable setting to connect with God. There are two worship services on Sunday morning, one at 8:30 a.m. (Traditional) and one at 10:00 a.m. (Blended Contemporary and Traditional). In season, additional services are offered at 11:30 a.m. (Contemporary). Zion Lutheran Church is located on 7401 Winkler Road in Fort Myers, Florida. For more information, call 481-4040, email info@zionfm.org or visit Zionfm.org.