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.
This year marks his thirtieth 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. Ginger Franklin,
Director, and eight
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.