Staff

  Pastor Scott Torkko

Pastor Scott began at Zion on May 1, 2009. He and his wife, Lindsey, have 3 children: Dezaray, Jonathin, and Fiia. Pastor Scott graduated from Central Michigan University in 1999 and from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN in 2003. Prior to serving at Zion, he served as an associate pastor at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Cheboygan, MI. 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 retired from teaching in 2020 after teaching elementary school for 25 years (20 in McBain 5 in Evart). Kendra and her husband, Michael, have lived in the McBain area since 1998. They have two grown sons, Gray (Michelle) and Tucker and one granddaughter, Ellie Mae. In her free time she likes to snuggle with her granddaughter, read, play golf, craft on her Cricut, 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. They love being grandparents to Caleb. Val enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and baking.



Niki Schultz, Kids Hope Director

Niki became Kids Hope Director for Zion in July 2021. Niki is married to Ryan Schultz and together they raise their three active kiddos (Austin-18, Connor-17 and Clarabelle-16) and their four labs. She is the Director of the Wexford-Missaukee-Manistee Great Start Collaborative where she works to strives to assure a coordinated system of resources and supports to assist every family in providing a great start for their children from birth through age eight. Niki enjoys being outdoors with her family, writing and encouraging others to make a positive impact on their families, communities and most importantly for the Kingdom of God.

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.

Don VanDyke, cantor

In June 2016 Don retired from 25 years as the pastor at Lake City Evangelical Presbyterian Church. That year concluded a total of 41 years in the pulpit ministry. In May of 2022 he was invited to join the music staff at Zion as church cantor. Don tells as many as will listen that this past year at Zion has been the happiest and most fulfilling in all of his ministry. Don, bride Carole and daughter Rachel live in Cadillac.  The goal of his music ministry is to bring the whole congregation into joyful worship of our Lord through the rich biblical doctrine and powerful theology of our Lutheran hymns and liturgical songs. To everyone Don says, “You may not think you can sing well, but everyone can make a joyful noise unto the Lord!”