Welcome
In the Name of Christ Jesus our Lord, we welcome you to our website.
We invite you to explore our website and contact us if you have any questions. Then come and worship with us! We would love to meet you and share the Good News of our Savior with you.
May the Lord of the Church bless you in all you do!
We invite you to explore our website and contact us if you have any questions. Then come and worship with us! We would love to meet you and share the Good News of our Savior with you.
May the Lord of the Church bless you in all you do!
About Us
Zion Lutheran Church is located in rural southeast Altamont, IL and is a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
We are a “confessional” congregation. We hold to the Lutheran Confessions as the correct interpretation and presentation of Biblical doctrine. Contained in The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, these statements of belief were put into writing by church leaders during the 16th century. (The simplest of these is Luther’s Small Catechism.) The Augsburg Confession gives more detail on what Lutherans believe. (Links to these websites can be found by going to the WHAT WE BELIEVE / RESOURCES tab.)
As a confessional Lutheran church we conform to the Word of God in doctrine and practice through Grace alone, Scripture alone and Faith alone. We offer Christ-centered worship through traditional liturgy, rich hymnody, and the proclamation of Jesus Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins.
In September 2015, with our Lord's guidance, Zion Lutheran Church and sister congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, joined together in a dual parish agreement. The churches remain as separate entities but retain one pastor for both congregations.
We are a “confessional” congregation. We hold to the Lutheran Confessions as the correct interpretation and presentation of Biblical doctrine. Contained in The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, these statements of belief were put into writing by church leaders during the 16th century. (The simplest of these is Luther’s Small Catechism.) The Augsburg Confession gives more detail on what Lutherans believe. (Links to these websites can be found by going to the WHAT WE BELIEVE / RESOURCES tab.)
As a confessional Lutheran church we conform to the Word of God in doctrine and practice through Grace alone, Scripture alone and Faith alone. We offer Christ-centered worship through traditional liturgy, rich hymnody, and the proclamation of Jesus Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins.
In September 2015, with our Lord's guidance, Zion Lutheran Church and sister congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, joined together in a dual parish agreement. The churches remain as separate entities but retain one pastor for both congregations.
Our Mission
Zion Lutheran Church is a community of caring Christians, who, through Witness, Word and Sacrament, seek to: Acclaim the glories of our Triune God; Proclaim the good news of Salvation through faith in Christ Jesus to our neighbor; and in so doing, Reclaim the lost to the Kingdom of God.
Our Pastor
Rev. Marcus Manley began serving as Pastor of the dual parish of Zion, and sister congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in December 2017.
Pastor Manley is married to Amy (Daugherty) and they have five children: John, Anna, Grace, Matthew, and Nicholas (not pictured; received into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, May 26, 2019).
Pastor Manley grew up in Columbus, IN and is the son of Greg and the late Jill Manley.
In 2008, he earned his B.A. at Hanover College, IN. In 2012 he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN and served his vicarage at Faith Lutheran Church, Vista, CA.
On June 17, 2012, he was installed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ute, IA.
In November 2017 he received and accepted a call to Bethlehem and Zion Lutheran Churches in rural Altamont. He was installed in a dual parish service at Bethlehem on December 10, 2017.
Amy, also earned her B.A. at Hanover College, IN, in 2008 and is certified as an Elementary Education teacher. She taught at two LCMS schools before deciding to stay at home with their children.
Pastor Manley is married to Amy (Daugherty) and they have five children: John, Anna, Grace, Matthew, and Nicholas (not pictured; received into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, May 26, 2019).
Pastor Manley grew up in Columbus, IN and is the son of Greg and the late Jill Manley.
In 2008, he earned his B.A. at Hanover College, IN. In 2012 he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN and served his vicarage at Faith Lutheran Church, Vista, CA.
On June 17, 2012, he was installed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ute, IA.
In November 2017 he received and accepted a call to Bethlehem and Zion Lutheran Churches in rural Altamont. He was installed in a dual parish service at Bethlehem on December 10, 2017.
Amy, also earned her B.A. at Hanover College, IN, in 2008 and is certified as an Elementary Education teacher. She taught at two LCMS schools before deciding to stay at home with their children.
Christian Education
Zion School was founded in 1887 prior to the congregation being formed in 1893. Even though Zion's school closed its doors in 1972 it still continues to be a strong supporter of the Christian day school. Children from Zion began attending nearby Bethlehem Lutheran School until its closure in 1987. Students from both congregations then started attending school at Altamont Lutheran Interparish School (ALIS). Zion became a corporate member of ALIS in 1989. ALIS is owned and supported by the four LCMS churches in Altamont: Immanuel, St. Paul (Blue Point), Bethlehem, and Zion. The children of Zion benefit greatly by having this wonderful establishment in the community.