History of HLC


 Hosanna Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America . The center of its life is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that we are saved by God's grace through faith, and this in not our own doing, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

In 1977, the American Lutheran Church was authorized to develop a Lutheran presence in southwest Licking County . A group of thirteen families began to survey the community and to determine the manner of Hosanna's organization. In October of 1977, Pastor Wayne Zavotka accepted the call to serve as Hosanna's pastor.   He plans to retire in the summer of 2011. Otherwise, this year (2011) would have marked his thirty fourth year in this position.

Hosanna's first worship service and Sunday School occurred at the old Etna School on January 8th, 1978. That same month, the church was named Hosanna, meaning "God saves."

In October of 1979, the congregation moved into its first building at the present site. Sunday School and fellowship space was soon needed and an addition was completed in 1989.

Building is only one aspect of Hosanna's growth. The faith of its people is strong. Membership has grown to 650 baptized.

In 1991, the Hosanna Lutheran Childhood Center was born. Nationally accredited, it now offers classes five days a week, morning and afternoon. Jenifer Garey, Director, and six teachers welcome their students daily.

In January 1999, Deborah Dingus came to Hosanna as its second pastor on staff. A former camp director and program developer, Pastor Dingus has instigated numerous programs in children, family and multi-generational ministries.  Today, Pastor Dingus serves as Senior Pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in West Chester , Ohio . 

In February 2005, Pastor Ann Marie Winters came on board to serve with Pastor Wayne on our pastoral staff.  She brings the gifts of hospitality, listening, leadership and a commitment to building the discipleship of God’s people.

In January 2011, Pastor Ann Marie Winters accepted a call to serve as pastor to a congregation in Warren, Ohio. HLC will not seek another associate pastor at this time.

In June 2011, Pastor Wayne Zavotka retired after serving Hosanna Lutheran Church for nearly 34 years. A special retirement ceremony was held at the church on June 26, 2011. Pastor Wayne, and wife Susie, moved to Massachusetts where their younger daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren live.