Rev. Jaren Summers serves as the pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, bringing a spirit of compassion, curiosity, and joyful leadership to the congregation. He began his ministry at Zion in September 2024, following his completion of a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University. Prior to seminary, Pastor Jaren earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from Ball State University—where his Cardinal pride still runs strong (Chirp Chirp!).
Pastor Jaren is deeply committed to creating a welcoming and grace-filled community where faith is nurtured through worship, learning, and service. His sermons reflect both theological depth and everyday relevance, inviting members to explore scripture with honesty and hope. Whether he's leading Bible study, visiting with members, or cheering on the Blue Jackets, Pastor Jaren brings authenticity and warmth to every interaction.
He and his wife, Kendra, have been married for over six years and are the proud parents of two lively children who keep their days full of laughter and adventure. Outside of ministry, Pastor Jaren enjoys reading, hiking, exploring local breweries, and smoking meat on his Traeger—often sharing the fruits of his culinary efforts with friends and family.
Approachable and grounded, Pastor Jaren is always happy to connect. Whether you’re new to Zion or a longtime member, he’s here to walk alongside you in faith, fellowship, and community.
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Jessica Dorn serves as Zion’s Director of Christian Education, where she brings deep dedication and heartfelt enthusiasm to nurturing faith across every stage of life. With a background in teaching and a lifelong commitment to spiritual growth, Jessica designs and leads programs that inspire curiosity, connection, and a deeper understanding of God’s love. From Sunday School classrooms filled with laughter and learning to thoughtful adult studies that encourage reflection and dialogue, she cultivates spaces where faith can flourish. Her leadership is marked by creativity, compassion, and a genuine desire to see each person grow in their walk with Christ. Whether she’s organizing seasonal events, mentoring youth, or developing curriculum, Jessica’s ministry is a vital thread in the fabric of Zion’s community life.
Lori Sebastian has faithfully served as Zion’s organist since 2012, sharing her remarkable talent and over 25 years of professional experience on keyboard instruments to uplift and inspire the congregation. A lifelong resident of the Dayton area, Lori brings both technical skill and heartfelt artistry to every worship service, weaving music into the spiritual rhythm of church life. She holds a degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of Dayton, a testament to her thoughtful and multifaceted approach to learning and creativity.
Beyond the sanctuary, Lori and her husband, James, are devoted parents to four children and actively involved in a wide range of community pursuits—from church ministries and musical ensembles to sports and scouting. Her favorite moments often unfold during Wednesday choir rehearsals, where she finds joy in collaboration and treasures the rich musical gifts within the Zion family. Lori’s favorite scripture, 1 Corinthians 12, beautifully reflects her belief in the power of unity and shared purpose, reminding us that each member of the body of Christ plays a vital role. Her presence at Zion is a steady source of harmony, grace, and joyful praise.
Bill Jones serves as co-director of Zion’s choir, partnering with Susie Gray to lead the congregation in joyful, spirit-filled worship through music. With a deep love for choral harmony and a commitment to excellence, Bill brings both technical skill and heartfelt enthusiasm to every rehearsal and service. His leadership is marked by collaboration, encouragement, and a genuine desire to uplift others through song.
In addition to directing, Bill often accompanies the choir and congregation on guitar, adding a rich acoustic layer to Zion’s musical offerings. His playing brings warmth and intimacy to worship, creating moments where voices and instruments blend in praise. Whether preparing seasonal anthems, guiding weekly rehearsals, or supporting special services, Bill’s presence is a steady source of inspiration and unity. His contributions reflect a deep belief in the power of music to connect, heal, and celebrate the shared faith of the Zion community.
Susie Gray serves in the shared role of Choir Director at Zion, where she brings a unique blend of creativity, care, and musical excellence to the heart of worship. Her deep love for sacred music and her joyful spirit infuse every rehearsal and service with warmth and purpose. Whether selecting hymns, shaping choral arrangements, or guiding voices in harmony, Susie’s leadership fosters a vibrant atmosphere of praise and unity within the congregation.
In addition to directing, Susie often lends her versatile musicianship by accompanying the choir or liturgy on piano or organ, adding depth and grace to Zion’s musical offerings. Her collaborative approach and attention to detail help create worship experiences that are both spiritually uplifting and artistically rich. Susie’s presence is a steady source of encouragement and inspiration, reminding all who gather that music is not just performance—it’s a shared expression of faith, hope, and belonging.
Annette Calicoat joined Zion Lutheran Church as Office Administrator in March 2023, stepping into the role with grace, enthusiasm, and a readiness to serve. Guided by the steady mentorship of her predecessor, Linda Short, Annette quickly embraced the many moving parts of church administration—from coordinating schedules and managing communications to supporting ministries and welcoming visitors with a smile.
Her background in organizational work and her natural gift for hospitality make her a vital presence in Zion’s day-to-day operations. Annette thrives on the variety and challenge the position offers, but what she cherishes most is the opportunity to connect with the congregation. Whether she’s answering phones, preparing bulletins, or offering a listening ear, her warm and welcoming spirit reflects the heart of Zion’s mission: to be a place of grace, belonging, and faithful service.
Annette’s presence in the office is more than administrative—it’s relational. She brings calm to busy days, kindness to every interaction, and a quiet strength that helps the church run smoothly behind the scenes. Her dedication and joyful energy are a blessing to all who walk through Zion’s doors.
Sue Rambeau serves as Zion Lutheran Church’s Treasurer, offering her extensive expertise as a Certified Public Accountant to guide and safeguard the church’s financial well-being. With a keen eye for detail and a deep commitment to integrity, Sue ensures that Zion’s financial practices reflect transparency, accountability, and faithful stewardship. Her work behind the scenes supports everything from budgeting and reporting to long-term planning, allowing ministries to flourish with confidence and clarity.
Sue’s thoughtful approach and steady leadership are a true blessing to Zion’s council and congregation. She brings not only professional insight, but also a spirit of service and collaboration that strengthens the church’s foundation. Whether reviewing financial statements, advising on resource allocation, or simply offering a calm voice in moments of decision-making, Sue’s presence is marked by wisdom, grace, and a quiet dedication to Zion’s mission.
Deb Keppel serves as Zion Lutheran Church’s Financial Secretary, offering steadfast dedication and a deep sense of integrity in her stewardship of the church’s financial contributions. With a meticulous eye for detail and a heart grounded in service, Deb ensures that every gift is recorded with accuracy, confidentiality, and care. Her work supports the spiritual and operational health of the church, allowing members to give confidently and generously, knowing their offerings are handled with respect and transparency.
Deb’s role goes far beyond numbers—it’s rooted in trust. She maintains detailed giving records, supports year-end reporting, and collaborates closely with the Treasurer and leadership team to uphold Zion’s commitment to faithful stewardship. Her quiet diligence and unwavering accountability reflect not only her professional excellence, but also her deep faith and love for the congregation. In every task, Deb brings calm, clarity, and a spirit of devotion that strengthens the foundation of Zion’s ministry.
Tina Putnam serves as Zion Lutheran Church’s Sexton, tending to the church’s physical space with unwavering diligence, care, and a servant’s heart. Her behind-the-scenes work is vital to the life of the congregation, ensuring that every corner of Zion—from the sanctuary to the fellowship hall—is clean, orderly, and ready to welcome worshippers, guests, and ministry teams alike.
With a deep sense of responsibility and pride in her work, Tina approaches each task with thoughtfulness and grace. Whether preparing the church for Sunday services, setting up for special events, or quietly handling the day-to-day upkeep, her presence is felt in the comfort and beauty of the space she maintains. Tina’s contributions may often go unseen, but they are deeply appreciated—her care creates an environment where faith can flourish, fellowship can thrive, and all who enter feel at home.
Her role is more than custodial—it’s a ministry of hospitality, stewardship, and quiet devotion. Tina’s work reflects the heart of Zion: welcoming, faithful, and grounded in love.
The Church Council is the leadership body of our congregation, dedicated to nurturing the spiritual, organizational, and communal life of our church. Guided by faith and compassion, Council members work together to support our ministries, steward our resources, and ensure our church remains a place of welcome, worship, and growth.
At Zion, our staff is more than a team—they’re a family of faithful hearts, creative minds, and compassionate leaders. Each one brings a unique story, a servant’s spirit, and a deep commitment to our shared mission. We invite you to get to know the faces behind the ministry.
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