Reaching 150 years of existence is big.

It's a big thing for a town and a particularly big thing for a house of God.Towns can somehow manage to survive. But churches can fold. They can come to a turning point, where it's do or die.And that's what happened recently at Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church in Weatherly."We had a big transition," says the Rev. Dawn L. Ritchie, native-born daughter and first member of the congregation to serve as pastor."We had to go back and re-evaluate what our purpose is."In dealing with membership changes and sometimes dwindling ranks, "churches get to a plateau," says Ritchie.Fortunately, some tweaking was done and members vowed to pursue the mission.It's all about serving the Lord, and everybody has a vital hand in that purpose."We run from the bottom up," says Ritchie. "The congregation is responsible for making the rules."The church, 200 members strong, describes itself as a "community of diverse people gathered by God's holy spirit to share God's love. Together we learn more about God by studying the Bible and celebrating Jesus."Located in the idyllic Carbon County town, Zions ELC is proud to be a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.The community is at the same time close-knit and welcoming in spirit. Zions ELC often works with other congregations to accomplish philanthropic goals and celebrate Christ together.For instance, the church's worldwide partners in ministry include Lutheran World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response.150th yearThe church has a long history of achievement, including incredible accomplishments with the building itself."The building was lifted up," says sacristan Todd Gimbi. The place also was once struck by lightning.Although expanded over the years, the building maintains its original layout and appointments, all in extraordinary condition.The impressive building boasts original pressed copper walls and ceiling, and spectacular stained-glass windows that still open and close like they did in the 1800s.At Zions ELC, tradition is alive and well."I think we're the only church in town that rings a bell," Gimbi says.There was a time the church ran carillons, too."I lived one street over and I heard them every day," recalls Barbara Sandt.Sandy is a lifelong member of the church and is serving as chair of the sesquicentennial committee.Zions ELC will celebrate its 150th anniversary with two special worship services.A liturgical service will be held 10:45 a.m. on Sunday.The Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Zeiser, bishop, and Richie will lead the worship consisting of special music and the celebration of Holy Communion. Immediately following the liturgy, a dinner will be held at Capriotti's Catering and Event Venue, 1 Banks Ave., McAdoo.A second service will take place at 6

p.m.Sept. 24. This "Homecoming" Worship Service of special music and the celebration of Holy Communion also will include past ministers and their families as well as spiritual sons and daughters of the congregation and their families.A historical timeline will be on display at both worship services.ActivitiesZions is home to many ministries that serve the community: youth ministry, Sunday school which starts at 9:30 a.m., confirmation class, Busy Bees (ladies group), choir and music ministry, altar guild, after school/no school program, nursery school, summer food program, Eucharistic ministers, greeters, ushers, and many other features.Zions also hosts community activities including Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, Shepherd House food pantry and Weatherly Flower Club.Zions Lutheran Church is a congregation of Christians with a mission of welcoming in Christ, growing in faith and love, and caring for the community."We're hopeful. We're moving forward," Ritchie says.The church is located at 335 Third St., at the corner of Third and Fell streets.All are welcome to join in the activities of the church, and to join in worshipping God and Lord Jesus Christ.More information is available at 570-427-4113 email,

zions2@verizon.net.