Rod Briscoe - Director of Music
How do you see your position at Zion?
I believe that music in church should serve the liturgy. It should allow the assembly to express the truths found in the text of the lectionary – truths spoken in a language impossible to convey with words alone. Our music should become an act of prayer, praise and devotion.
My role is to facilitate that act of praise, not definitive musical performance per se. I was once told however, that God has “perfect pitch”, so all of us in the Zion music program strive to offer a perfect sacrifice, acceptable to God’s ears. We thank Him for his graciousness.
Do you have a special Zion moment?
Those of you who know me well are undoubtedly accustomed to my insecurities, failings, rambling stories, etc. It’s easy to play from the choir loft, or in front of the church, and not really get a gauge on what folks think of the music. I’ve always felt if it was bad someone would gracefully let me know. After my tenth year at Zion this congregation let me know in no uncertain terms what they think of my work here. I’ve never been so honored as I was at that service of thanksgiving. I can still see Leah coming down the aisle with my “take a vacation, already” suitcase.
What’s your favorite hymn?
As a singer I used to define hymn as a melody with which I connect – a tune that I enjoy. You’ll find the names of those melodies in caps at the bottom right of the hymn. When I took the responsibility of choosing the hymns for each worship service, the text became my primary interest. It can be difficult to get both birds with one stone, so to speak. The hymn writer who often succeeds at this marriage is Marty Haugen. Healer of Our Every Ill (ELW 612) by this great church music composer is one of his best.
Jenny Gelson - Parish Administrator
Jenny has been Zion’s Parish Administrator since November, 2009. She lives in Tewksbury and has two daughters, Anna, 12, and Rebecca, 9.
How do you define your job at Zion?
As Parish Administrator, my job is to keep everything flowing in the office. I am in communication with the Pastors, Staff, Council members, and many members of the congregation at one time or another. I very much enjoy being the “hub” at Zion.
What is your favorite hymn?
Two of my favorite hymns are “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “Abide with Me”.
Rose Hoffman - Sexton
Bob Durham - Council President
Robert Durham, a member of Zion for 18 years, is Council President this year. Bob is a mortgage loan officer and lives in Readington with his wife Zaida, two AKC Champion Salukis, Maggie and Jack, and two new kittens, Martini and Rossi. Summer weekends will find them at their shore house on Long Beach Island.
How do you view your role as Council President?
My job as Council President is to assist the various Council committee chair-people in working with their teams. I’m here to answer their questions, assist them with concerns, and help them achieve their goals.
Do you have a special Zion story?
When we first joined Zion we were invited to be guests at a Dinner Group. I will never forget Ron and Joanne Rupp's comment about "... their best friends are from Zion!" I remember leaving the dinner group and thinking, "Uh oh ... !" However, as the years passed, Ron and Joanne's comment rang true! Without a doubt, our best friends are from Zion!
What else would you like visitors to our website to know about you and Zion?
My wife and I were original members of Zion’s Bell Choir. It has been a blast ... so much fun ... and it keeps our "brain juices” flowing! In addition, I absolutely believe that members benefit many times over by getting involved in the life of Zion. Whether your gifts lead you to chair committees or tackle a "Bite Size Ministry" that has a special appeal to you, sing in the Choir, ring Bells, join a dinner group, or teach Sunday School, getting involved in the life of Zion will reap unbelievable rewards!