Staff

  Pastor Scott Torkko

Pastor Scott came to Zion in May of 2009.  He and his wife, Lindsey, have 2 adopted children, Dezaray and J.T.  He graduated from Central Michigan University in 1999 and Luther Seminary (St. Paul,
Minnesota) in 2003.   Before coming to Zion, he served as an
  associate pastor at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Cheboygan,
   MI.  Pastor Scott has recently become a podcast fanatic and would
love for you to share your favorite podcasts with him. Pastor Scott
believes our creative God is remaking the church and is endlessly
curious about what that means for our present and our future.

Kendra Vandervelde, Office Manager

Kendra became the Office Manager in August of 2020. She recently retired after teaching elementary school for 25 years (20 in McBain). Kendra and her husband, Michael, have lived in the McBain area since 1998. They have two sons, Gray and Tucker. In her free time she likes to read, play golf, and watch her favorite TV shows and sporting events. Kendra also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Valerie Hanson, Ministries Coordinator

Val has served as Ministries Coordinator since June of 2016, when she retired from teaching elementary school. She and her husband Scott have attended Zion for 19 years. They have two grown daughters, Annie and Kaylie, and a son-in-law, Trent. Val enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and baking.

Beckie Kanipe, Kids Hope Director

Beckie has lived in Cadillac all of her life and is a lifetime member of Zion. She and her husband, Terry, have four children, nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Beckie retired from JCPenny before become Director of Zion's Kid's Hope Program. When they have time, Beckie and Terry enjoy traveling, cross country skiing, and most of all, spending time with family and friends.

Joanne Carlson, Organist

Joanne has attended Zion a long time and has served our music ministry in many ways over the years. She enjoys being a member of the Benzie Community Chorus, the Cadillac Community Chorus, and the Phil Harmonic Club and Chorus. She and her husband John have two daughters and one son.

Carolyn Lucas, Organist

Carolyn was raised at Zion. She enjoys playing both the piano and organ. Her family owns and operates Double L Blueberry Farm in Cadillac.

Marty Solomon, Accompanist

Marty has enjoyed being very active at Zion for many years. She has served in many areas including Sunday School , Zion's Women's Group, and in organizing our yearly Fika. She has enjoyed accompanying our choir for many years. In her spare time, Marty helps with Friendship Class, which serves mentally and physically handicapped adults.

Nailya Cedarstrom, Music Coordinator, Pianist

Nailya has lived with her husband Michael in Cadillac area for 25 years. Their daughter Elena and son-in-law Sal live in the Lansing area. Nailya served as a church pianist for many years before coming to Zion. Even earlier, before coming to United States, Nailya worked in education. Recently, Nailya is teaching piano and Russian language. She plays several musical instruments, but piano and accordion are her favorite. Nailya loves cooking, baking and canning.