Our gracious Lord raises up both pastors and people to serve His Church. Below is the servant leadership of our congregation and a listing of opportunities for service.
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” [1 Corinthians 4:1]
Rev. David C. Zimmer was born and raised in the Chicago area. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. He operated and owned his own business in Chicago for 15 years before attending the Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. He received his Master of Divinity degree in 2004, and was called to the congregations of Trinity, Guttenberg, IA and St. Paul, McGregor. He then received a call to Christ the King Lutheran Church, Spencer, IA where he served for 4 years. He was installed as our new pastor on May 17, 2020.
David and his wife, Julie, a former Lutheran school teacher were married in 1989. They have been blessed with six children, Rachel, Lauren, Erik, Katie, Emily, and Jenna. Rachel is nurse in Nashville where she resides with her husband Jerome. Lauren resides in Pekin, IL with her husband, Rev. Simeon Raddatz. They have 2 children, Elias and Violet. Erik is presently living in Peoria, IL and attending college there. Katie is in her last year of her Master's program at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD and will be married in July of 2021 to Derek Bierschbach. Emily is presently a junior in high school and Jenna a sophomore.
Pastors’ hobbies include traveling, reading, stamp collecting, and spending time with his family.
“Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!” [Psalm 95:1]
Christine Stocker began here in May 2014 as an assistant to our organist and was installed as our cantor in November 2016. She brings a style and talent that is uniquely hers and loves leading the congregation’s liturgy and hymns, adult choir, soloists, and instrumentalists. Come and enjoy Christine’s musical skills in our worship services and ask her how she can utilize your vocal and/or instrumental talents. She is happy to work with you.
“Through love serve one another.” [Galatians 5:13]
The business side of our congregation is handled by the Church Council, which is made up of four officers and three boards. The Church Council typically meets monthly and acts on behalf of the entire congregation between congregational meetings. Officers are elected to two year terms. Most of these positions have committees or volunteers to help them accomplish their constitutional responsibilities.
“Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you … men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.” [Acts 6:3]
Assisting our pastor with the spiritual matters within the congregation is the Board of Elders. These men are diligent in studying and applying God’s Word, conforming our worship services to the faithful doctrine and practice of the evangelical Lutheran Church, assisting during worship, and caring for the membership, especially those who are sick, homebound, or delinquent.
“Serve the LORD with gladness.” [Psalm 100:2]
God’s people live from faith in Christ and are active in love within their families, churches, and communities. Below are some of the ways in which members can get involved here at Divine Shepherd.
This group attends to the care of the altar, prepares and cares for the sacramental elements and vessels, and helps in the seasonal decoration of the sanctuary.
The adult choir meets and practices weekly to prepare musical selections for our worship services. The Sunday School children also contribute their talents through song on various occasions.
These individuals volunteer their time and effort to clean the sanctuary, narthex, fellowship hall, and bathrooms each week. Each set of volunteers serves once a month.
These individuals volunteer their time and talent to beautify our church grounds, maintain our flower beds, and/or care for a vegetable garden.
These individuals greet members and visitors before the worship service and distribute welcome bags to first-time visitors after the worship service.
This women’s group meets monthly for Bible study, fellowship, and organizational business. They also plan and host various activities, fundraisers, and events throughout the year.
These individuals assist the elder on duty with collecting the offering and directing communicants during the distribution of the Lord’s Supper.
The teachers and volunteers involved with our Christian education and youth programs assist our children in growing in their Christian faith, increasing their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, and applying that Word to their daily life.
This group plans various service projects, coordinates educational, financial, and retirement presentations, and consider, plans, and distributes fraternal grant money and other resources from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
This group assists the Board of Trustees in the upkeep, maintenance, and repair of our facilities and grounds. Specific skills such as electrical and plumbing, as well as general skills such as painting and caulking, are always helpful.