Our church

Our purpose

We worship God and help one another grow in the Christian faith.

Many families have been part of Elvira Zion for generations. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

Rev. Terri Monnin

Meet Pastor Terri

I’m Reverend Terri Monnin, and I feel blessed to serve as your pastor at Elvira Zion. My husband, Joe, has retired from a career in healthcare technology. We moved from Cleveland, Ohio, to Illinois in 2022 when I accepted the call to pastor a church.

I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology, then completed my Master of Divinity. I am a proud member of Sigma Alpha Pi National Honor Society. I have taken continuing education through the International Foundation of Chaplains and became an ordained chaplain in 2022.

One of my core principles is John 13:34–35. I strive to lead by example in showing the love of Christ to everyone. My faith journey has taken me through several Christian traditions, and I am grateful to have found a home in the Lutheran Church.

My favorite ministry experiences include blessing farm equipment, sending our young people back to school with backpack blessings, doing a blessing of the Jeeps, and visiting with church members who are no longer able to attend church. Each of these opportunities reminds me of the ways God’s love reaches into everyday life.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me cooking, watching sports, listening to music, or enjoying poetry. When we have the opportunity, Joe and I enjoy traveling, getting coffee, and playing chess—which he usually wins.

Joe and I are excited about the new chapter God has opened for us in Iowa. I look forward to walking with you in faith and community.

Peace, blessings, and love,
Pastor Terri

Our history

1892: The church is founded

Four families met with Rev. Ossian Hartman in a rural schoolhouse to organize a church. Two weeks later, worship began in the little English Lutheran Church at the present-day Elvira Cemetery.

1915: Services in English

Services were originally held in German. An English service was introduced in January 1915. Over time, three services each month were held in English and one in German.

1925–1932: A new location

The old Presbyterian Church was purchased in 1925. A member donated land, the parsonage was built, and in 1931–1932 the church was moved on rollers by teams of horses to its present location.