Frederick Johnsen
Pastor
A former Army Chaplain, Pastor Frederick has been part of Zion’s family since 2017. He is excited to see the Church growing in love for God and for each other, and sharing that love with the whole world. A strong man of integrity, he is not afraid to roll up his sleeves or to speak the truth.
Frederick is a man of many passion. He loves to travel, to cook and bake (you need to try his communion bread!), enjoys woodworking, playing the guitar, spending time in the great outdoors, and riding his Harley – or his lawn mower – while listening to George Strait. Above all, he loves date nights with his number one fan, his lovely wife Marie. Together they live with their dogs Maggie and Fiona, and with a few chickens. One of his favorite hymns is Because He Lives.
Favorite Verse:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25
David Nelson
Council President
At the helm of our elders and church council is David, a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church.
Ellie Barthol
Accompanist
Every Sunday morning, Ellie delights the congregation with her musical gifts. A member of the Zion family for her entire life, she is a junior at Lake Erie College where she majors in Adolescent/Young Adult Education, with a minor in Music. She is also working on getting her endorsement to teach English as a second language. A busy young woman, she still finds time to read, draw, and spend time with her family.
This music aficionado’s favorite hymn is Be Thou My Vision.
Favorite Verse:
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Marie-Eve Préaux
Communications
A new face at Zion Lutheran, Marie came to Fairport Harbor at the same time as her husband, Pastor Frederick. A lover of all things creative (including her Creator) and a graphic designer by trade, she oversees the communications and social media presence of the congregation.Never short of ideas, she also works on the monthly newsletter. Her favorite hymn is O Jesus I Have Promised but also likes contemporary Christian anthem My Lighthouse.
Favorite Verse:
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5