About Our Church
About Zion Lutheran Church
Zion Lutheran Church is a welcoming and vibrant congregation. We were founded in 1854 and have grown into one of the largest congregation in the Upstate New York Synod. We offer a variety of worship styles including traditional and contemporary services designed to appeal to a wider range of worshipers.
Our congregation has a large number of younger members with a variety of dynamic ministries for individuals of all ages. We have a group of talented musicians who provide a wide range of musical styles that inspire all ages of the congregation. In addition to these ministries, Zion is fortunate to have a number of other assets. We benefit from experienced and dedicated staff members including Christian Education and Youth Directors, several skilled musicians, administrative assistants, childcare providers and a custodian. We have trained ministry assistants who aide in pastoral care and visitation, worship and distribution of communion. Council leadership is diverse and effective. Our finances are strong and well managed and our facilities are well-maintained.
We have a sense of community at Zion that is reflected when we are called upon to care for those within the Zion family as well as those in the larger community.
As Zion moves into its next chapter, we are focused on developing disciples by encouraging the “six marks of discipleship”:
1) Daily Bible reading
2) Weekly worship
3) Daily prayer
4) Serving others
5) Developing spiritual friendships
6) Giving of time, talent, and financial resources
The history of zion lutheran church
Our first congregation met in a schoolhouse located near the present Clarence Center Elementary School. In 1854, our first church was built on Goodrich road, across from the cemetery.
In 1870, after being together sixteen years, the congregation decided to purchase a piece of property on Clarence Center Road, and by the end of the year, they had erected a wooden frame church. The Rev. Gustav Bockert came from the Black Rock section of buffalo to serve our congregation named Evangelical Lutheran Zion’s. A gallery was built in the church and a steeple was erected at the cost of $670. Around 1905, a Sunday School room was added to the back of the church building.
In 1916, the old wooden frame church was replaced by the present brick structure, whose edifice we so dearly love. This church was built by John A. Hartwig. A rear annex was added in 1944. By the 1960’s, increased membership brought further expansion. Property was acquired east along Clarence Center Road and a Parish Education and Fellowship Hall was built.
The expansion of the church in 1996 added two “Wings of Zion”, which included a new office in one wing, and classrooms and enlarged kitchen facilities in the other wing. Property west of the church has been acquired, paving the way for the much-needed sanctuary “Wing” expansion, which was completed in June 2001. Our new sanctuary dramatically expanded our seating capacity and included technology upgrades to allow for video recordings of services and projection of announcements for easy viewing by the congregation.
Presenting our recorded services on Zion’s YouTube channel began in 2015 and has been a great help for those unable to attend church in person. In an effort to make Zion a community asset and welcome place for everyone, we built “The Grove” coffeehouse in our church in 2018. Most recently, in response to the Covid Pandemic, we joined forces with St. Paul’s Church in Eggertsville and Parkside Lutheran in Buffalo to record and broadcast weekly services on TV under the name “Western New York Church Unleashed”. These services are shown on WBBZ-TV on Sunday mornings at 10 AM and are also available on the WNY Church Unleashed YouTube channel.
Our Staff
Pastor Roger Griffiths
Pastor Roger Griffiths, Jr. became Pastor at Zion in September 2021 and the congregation is very excited to have such a dynamic and musically-talented person leading our church!
Pastor Roger was born in Albany, NY and was active in the worship services of his church from an early age, mostly through sharing his musical gifts. He studied voice performance at SUNY Fredonia and then transferred to the University of Buffalo where he earned a BA in Psychology. At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Buffalo, he was invited to serve as their Director of Youth Ministry where, over five years, he helped develop a thriving Christ-centered community of young people.
He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH and was ordained in 2017. He was called to serve as the Associate Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in West Seneca before accepting the call from Zion. During his seminary studies, pastor Roger began working as a professional chaplain for Sister’s Hospital in Buffalo. During the pandemic, he was invited back to Sister’s to provide extra support for the medical staff.
The congregation warmly welcomes Pastor Roger and his family to Zion!
You can reach Pastor Roger at (716) 741-2656 or click here to use our contact form.
Elaine Baker - Christian Education director
The “Big kid in charge of kids!” Elaine has been at Zion for several years, and has been the Christian Education Director since 2004. She lives in Akron with her husband Scott and her two 4-legged furry friends, adjusting to the empty nesters lifestyle. You can reach Elaine at (716) 741-2656 or click here to use our contact form.
Halley Telaak - Director of Youth Ministry
Halley started at Zion in August of 2023 after completing another summer working at her favorite place: Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center! Halley completed her undergraduate degree in Human Services Studies and Adventure-Based Learning at Elon University. She loves exploring the outdoors, creating new friendships, and cooking vegetarian meals. You can contact Halley at (716) 741-2656 or click here to use our contact form.
Michael shamrock - Organist
Our Sunday morning organist and pianist joined the staff in 2018. He grew up in a Lutheran church and school, but has been a musician for several other denominations in the WNY area since 2005. He was excited to return to his “Lutheran roots” at Zion, and bring his varied musical experiences too.
During the week, you can find Michael teaching general music classes and directing his elementary choir in the Lancaster School District. He also enjoys accompanying soloists, choirs, and musical productions throughout the region too.Michael resides in East Amherst with his wife and two children. He loves spending time with his family, traveling, and listening to great music!