Strength & Hope

Tamara was elected to the Zion Council in 2022 to serve 2023-2025.

Konrad and I have been married fourteen years. We have two daughters, Taylor (13) and Lexi (11). Our dog is Coco, and he brings so much joy to our lives. Konrad works construction as a hardwood floor specialist. In his line of work he refinishes, installs, and designs hardwood floors. Taylor is in 8th grade and Lexi is in 6th grade at Buffalo Community Middle School. Taylor is on the Buffalo Dance Team; she volunteers and is in her final year of confirmation at Zion. Lexi is in 6th grade and is active with Buffalo hockey, Wright County soccer, volunteering, Zion choir, and confirmation. I’m currently in my final semester of college. I have been studying the Health Information Technician field and I hope to take on a medical coding job this summer.

When I’m not at Zion, you can find me studying for college, driving my daughters around Buffalo and anywhere else their sport competitions or social events lead us.

I am one of twelve children, with three brothers, and eight sisters. I feel having a large family is one of the greatest gifts my parents gave us.

My fondest memory at church is when I was a child. Every Sunday morning and Wednesday evenings, we would all go to church together as a family. My parents and all twelve of us children. We filled up a whole pew at church as did many of the families there. I’ll never forget the feeling of feeling safe, secure, and happy sitting with my parents and siblings during the church service.

What I appreciate most about Zion is the experience. It’s a feeling of belonging, a sense that you have come to the right place. It is evident from the moment you walk up. From the greeter standing outside all bundled on frigid January morning, shouting “good morning” from a sidewalk away, to the smiling host that offers you a program, the ushers that help you find an open seat, the sounds of the choir that fill the air, renewed hope after hearing the service and the cheerful Sunday school staff. All these experiences are what makes Zion feel so welcome and that I have come to appreciate.

Over the past years, I have volunteered my time at Zion with VBS, Wednesday night suppers, Harvest of Hands, Blessing Closet, and now the Church Council. Helping with these ministries has been a great way to get to know the Zion community.

One of the main reasons I was drawn to Zion was for the sake of my children. I wanted my children to experience a church community similar to what I experienced when I was a child. I am thankful that we found Zion and it has a been a good fit for us.

My favorite Hymn is “Jesus Loves Me”. It’s simple hymn by any standards but its message is profound. It’s a good reminder for any age, that no matter where you have been or where you are headed, that Jesus will always love you without conditions. It’s a good reminder that Jesus died for our sins and that they may be forgiven.