The Name We Bear
“Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.”
“Zion” carries a promise, pointing us to the place where Jesus dwells.
“Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines forth.”
Psalm 50:1
A name. A promise. A life.
Christ stands at the center of all three.
Zion is a confessional Lutheran church in Wausau and a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), gathered around Word and Sacrament in the heart of the city.
“Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.”
“Zion” carries a promise, pointing us to the place where Jesus dwells.
“Out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”
“Lutheran” confesses our faith, leading us to the Holy Scriptures where Jesus speaks.
“Behold Zion, the city of our appointed feasts!”
“Church” embodies our life, strengthening us with the gifts that Jesus gives.
“Ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6:16
Zion keeps the ancient rhythm of the Church: daily liturgies of prayer and preaching, centered in the Lord’s Supper and rich with Holy Scripture.
Daily prayer marks the hours at Zion: Matins at daybreak, Vespers in the evening, and Compline at nightfall, Monday through Thursday, in person and online.
For more than 150 years, Zion has stood in the heart of downtown Wausau, a congregation gathered around Word and Sacrament, serving central Wisconsin through worship, education, and mercy.
Plan Your VisitSuscepimus
In the worship-bulletin image, a woman represents the Church, embracing the cross, the tree of life. Behind her grow two fruitful trees, recalling Christ’s promise in today’s Scripture readings that His true word will bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit in those who believe it: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Where these fruits are absent, so is His word, but where His word and faith abound, the harvest is full.
A monthly plan of psalms, Scripture, and prayer for every day.
Read the plan (PDF)Each week’s announcements, events, and life of the congregation, gathered in one place.
Read this week (PDF)A brief midweek meditation, livestreamed on Facebook.
Watch on Facebook89 years on the air
Since 1937, Zion’s Sunday service has reached all of central Wisconsin, and now streams worldwide, through our partners at WSAU.
A feast of the Church year
Historical Walk Visit at 6:00 PM
Holy Communion 9:00 & 11:00 AM · Bible study & fellowship at 10:15 AM
Opening August 2026, St. David’s is a Lutheran classical school where young minds, bodies, and souls are formed in the wisdom, stature, and grace of Christ. It begins with kindergarten through fourth grade, adding a grade each year.
Visit the Academy WebsiteWhat the disciple Philip told Nathanael about Jesus is still the best invitation we can give. Find a service that fits your week: a Sunday morning, a Saturday evening, or a weekday at noon. Then come. We’ll be glad to meet you.
Plan your visit
Zion is sustained by the generosity of many. Every gift carries the ministry forward.
Support Zion