Who is Zion?
Zion Church is a United Methodist congregation, with an evangelical heritage marked by a faith grounded in the Holy Bible and the Holy Spirit-fueled Wesleyan revivals of the 18th century in England.
We are the inheritors of the faith spread by God across North America through the Circuit Riders of the early frontier who lived Brother Wesley’s desire to “preach scriptural holiness across the land.”
The people of Zion Church are… young, old, single, married, divorced; families with children, couples without children, grandparents (and some great-grandparents, too!). We are all children of God, working together to live as faithful Christians each day, supporting each other each day through prayer, caring, and fellowship.
We are a congregation which places a very high value on welcoming. The Lord Jesus has called us to a ministry which changes hearts to change our world. Helping others to be at home in the Church is part of our work.
If you’d like to learn more about Zion’s family, or join us in our work for God’s Kingdom, please come and be our guest!
Who is Zion’s Pastor?
Rev. Clay Lundberg came to Grand Forks Zion UMC in July 2025. He earned his Master degree in Divinity from Sioux Falls Seminary in 2013.
Pastor Clay married Linse and has three kids: Auden, Simon, and Emmalin. Linse teaches in the Grand Forks School District.
In the Dakotas Conference, Pastor Clay serves on the Dakotas Conference Committee on Youth Ministry (CCYM) and is the dean of Winter Connection (Conference Youth Event), Minecraft Camp (Wesley Acres), and Middle School Sampler Camp (Lake Poinsett).
Outside of ministry, Pastor Clay likes to smoke meat on his Traeger, read, hunt pheasants, and support his kids in all their activities.
What’s happening at Zion on Sunday mornings?
During the school year, we have something for everyone! Our Sunday worship service is at 10:30 a.m. and features both traditional hymns and modern Christian music. But there’s so much more than worship happening on Sundays!
9:15 a.m. – Sunday School for All Ages
10:00 a.m. – Coffee Time in the Narthex (This is usually when the choir warms up, too.)
10:30 a.m. – Worship in the Sanctuary
Each month we also have special social events: we celebrate birthdays during worship on the 2nd Sunday of the month. On the third Sunday we either have a Cookie Fellowship during Coffee Time or a potluck after worship – these events alternate.
During the summer (from June t0 August), when life is a little bit slower in Grand Forks, our Sunday worship service moves to 9:30 a.m.
What about sacraments?
On the first Sunday of every month, we celebrate communion or “The Lord’s Supper.” In the United Methodist tradition, we serve an open table, which means that everyone is welcome at the Lord’s Table. We do not require membership for you to receive Holy Communion.
We also celebrate baptisms! Ask Pastor Clay for more information about baptism.
What Should I Wear?
Don’t worry – we don’t have a dress code!
Zion is a diverse congregation that includes people with many different styles. You’ll see some in coat and tie with others in jeans. Wear what you feel is comfortable and appropriate for worship.
What About My Kids?
Children are always very welcome at Zion! We offer nursery services (all year long) and each Sunday Pastor Clay has a special message just for kids during the worship service.
During the school year, we have fellowship and learning for all ages. For Kindergarten through High School, we have Sunday School from 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. All of our teachers and nursery staff have undergone background checks and been trained for their work.
What About Me?
Zion has several opportunities for you to connect with other believers outside of worship. During the school year, on Sunday, we have a couple of classes for adults:
- Explorers in Spirit led by Connie Sherwood & Wayne Seames
The Explorers in Spirit adult bible study class focuses on how the information contained in books or selections from the Bible increase our understanding of what it means to be a Christian. These studies help us peel back 2000 years of history so that we have a better understanding of the original intent of each bible passage and how these lessons apply to the modern Christian. The class meets in the recently renovated Sisters in Spirit room in the Upper West Wing of the church.
- Zion’s Gate led by John Shabb & Don Miller
The Zion’s Gate study group uses the Wired Word curriculum to consider current events through the eyes of Christian faith. Each Sunday, we’ll read a major news story from the preceding week, discussing it with reference to the Bible and our own faith experiences as Christians who have to contend with secular society. If you’d like to be on the Zion’s Gate mailing list, please email church office.