My Zion Story: I am one of Zion's senior citizens.  I have been a member of Zion since the early 60's and am probably one of the oldest members. 

What I bring to Zion: My contribution to the council is experience.  I have served on several previous councils and have also been on a number of community boards and committees.  My wife and I have been through both the good years and the not so good years with Zion. When we joined Zion we did not realize there was both a Norwegian and Swedish Lutheran Church in Cloquet but it did not seem to make a difference since I am of Norwegian descent rather than Swedish and we had joined a Swedish Lutheran church .

Career: I am a retired University of Minnesota forestry professor. 
Hobby/Interest: I have many hobbies and activities.  I have been a longtime woodcarver and am a member of the knotty Carvers of the North club.  I am an avid golfer and like to fish and have many fond memories of both.  I also enjoy traveling with my wife.  We have made many trips to Europe and have been in every state in our Country.  I have two wonderful daughters, four grandsons, a great granddaughter and a great grandson.  I have been blessed with good health and am very fortunate for all of the years I have been able to contribute in a small way and enjoy many friendships.  I am at peace with myself and my God.

My Zion Story: After we moved to Cloquet we began church shopping. Zion was the third church we visited. After visiting Zion we stopped shopping. 

What I bring to Zion: Organizational skills which will allow greater participation in decision making.

Career: I spent 42 years as an educator in Minnesota Public Schools.

Hobby/Interest: Researching and watching college football.

Fun Fact: I shot the big buck the year my first grandchild was born.

I feel it an honor to be on council. My Christian faith is the core of who I am and being on council is one way to step out in faith to see how I can be of service to my church family.

Throughout the years at Zion I have been involved in various types of youth ministry and I also sing in the choir.

Even though I am keeping up my license I have not been working as a Registered Nurse for many years. My previous RN jobs were at the University of Minnesota Hospital and at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.

I love spending time with family and friends. Dan and I have 3 children: Leah, who is married to William, Karl , who is married to Lauren, and Claire.

Our family joined Zion in the fall of 1989. We actually joined Zion the same day as Pastor Todd and Kris Mattson. When we first met Todd and Kris they told us that my husband Dan’s Dad helped inspire Todd to go into the ministry. Pastor Palmquist was the pastor at the church that Todd would attend while visiting relatives and he loved Pastor Palmquist’s sermons. What a fun connection that was!!

My Zion Story:  I joined 30+ years ago along with my brother David.  His wife Cheryl belonged to Zion.  David and I grew up in the Catholic Church.   My three children were raised at Zion.

What I bring to Zion: I bring myself and the best I can do to help out.

Career: I am a Senior Claim Adjuster at RAM Mutual Insurance and I have been in the Insurance business for over 40 years.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy sewing, gardening, reading, and spending time at the lake.

Fun Fact: I have a cat named Simon who is 17 year old and a Beagle named Cooper. 

Tell us your Zion Story-when, how did you get connected here?

My late husband Steve was a lifetime member.  Also, my first real teaching job was at the Zion Preschool.  It was during that time that I became a member.

What you feel you can bring to Zion.

I have always been a participant in a variety of activities here at Zion including teaching Sunday school, serving for the meatball supper, altar guild, choir and special music, etc. and I currently am on the church council.   

What is your current career or past career?

I recently retired as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher.  

A hobby, past time or activity that you enjoy.

I enjoy reading, playing guitar, and often write cards and letters.  Now and again I get involved in craft projects or simple sewing or crocheting.

A fun or quirky fact about yourself.

I was one half of a duo called "The Long and Short of It" and we traveled and worked in hotels and resorts around the country for 6 years.  And when I make a sandwich, the inside ingredient must reach the edges of the bread.

My Zion Story: My name is Becky Bills and I was baptized and raised at Zion.  As a youth, I was involved in youth group, New Wine and was even a youth representative on the council while in high school.  My husband Bob is a registered nurse at one of the Duluth Hospitals.  I have 3 children (7yo, 9yo and 11yo) who enjoy the youth activities at Zion and as a family we often attend SNAZ-E. I hope to bring a families perspective and needs to the council. 

Career: I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and have worked at Medica Health Plans for the last 15 years.  In my roll as a senior manager at Medica, I work with programs serving and supporting low income seniors and persons with disabilities in Minnesota which is very important to me.

Hobbies/Interests: In my free time, I like to spend time with my family, watch the kids play soccer, do crafts and find interesting shows on Netflix.

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