ZOAR LUTHERAN CHURCH
Full of LOVE, HOPE, & CONNECTION for 175 years
OUR VISION
Amazed by God,
Energized by Jesus,
a Grateful Zoar
Gathers, Grows, and Gives
WHAT WE DO
We are a community of believers who enjoy growing together in faith and Christian community. We grow alongside one another in worship. We gather for fellowship and connection. We work collaboratively to give in service to others.
OUR COMMUNITY
Our community welcomes anyone who is walking along their faith journey. Each journey is unique and special, and ALL are welcome at Zoar. This community strives to celebrate each individual, and we desire to embody the love, hope, and connection that Jesus demonstrated to all.
Meet Our Staff
Our Zoar Staff is happy to support you on your faith journey.
Left to Right: Corryn Short, Melanie Forrey, Paul Reichert, Jacob Henry
Pastor Melanie Forrey
Pastor Melanie graduated from Luther Seminary and has been serving at Zoar since December 2023. She and her family moved from Montana to Perrysburg in 2022 to finish up her candidacy process and participate in a chaplain residency at Mercy Health St. Vincent Hospital. Pastor Melanie celebrated her ordination at Zoar Lutheran Church in January 2024 and is enjoying her first call as a Pastor at Zoar! Pastor Melanie and her husband Daniel are the parents of four wonderful children! Pastor Melanie enjoys spending time with her family, cuddling with Penny (her beloved basset hound), reading, meeting new people, visiting with friends, traveling and taking walks in our incredible area parks. Pastor Melanie loves to work in ministry with others and is dedicated to advocating for justice and inclusion!
Jacob Henry
Director of Music
After several years in non-profit administration, Jacob is glad to be joining the staff at Zoar as the Director of Music. He is passionate about leading and encouraging congregational singing, and deepening connections through music. He resides near Swanton with his boyfriend – they enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, and camping in the Upper Peninsula.
Tracy Jahns
Director of Opperations
Tracy graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Education, and with master’s degrees in Higher Education Administration and Public Health Administration. She has worked in the field of developmental disabilities in a variety of roles for over 30 years, then in medical education coordination and facilities management. Tracy grew up in the Lutheran Church as she was baptized, confirmed, and served in many roles including financial secretary on the church council at Bethel Lutheran Church in South Toledo. She has two adult daughters and would love to show you many pictures of her amazing grandchildren– just ask!
Jodi Calkins
Church Secretary
Jodi has 25+ years of administrative experience throughout various fields and currently works as the church secretary. She graduated from Whitmer High School and completed coursework at Owens Community College. Jodi is married to her husband, Bob, and they reside in Point Place. She is the mother of two daughters, Madison and Olivia and has three fur babies, Fat Cat, Princess Ladybug and Milli Vanilli, whom she enjoys spoiling. In her free time, Jodi enjoys going thrift store shopping, singing karaoke, kayaking, and spending time with family and friends.
Pastor Paul Reichert
Pastor Paul graduated from the University of Toledo and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. He has been serving at Zoar since May 2021. He and his wife Beth are the parents of three children: Moriah in graduate school at IU, Erin who is attending Wittenberg University, and Isaac who attends Capital University. The Reicherts enjoy getting away to Devils Lake in Michigan. Pastor Paul enjoys playing guitar, astronomy, genealogy, and spending time with his family.
Corryn Short
Director of Youth Ministries
Corryn graduated from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana with an English and Secondary Education degree. Right after college she taught high school English for ten years, starting her career in in Ridgeway, Ohio and finishing in Syracuse, Indiana. In 2017 she decided to take a break from public education and move closer to home. She worked as a safety manager in the trucking industry for the next several years, but her true passion has always been working with youth. When the opportunity came up to serve as the Director of Youth Ministries at Zoar, she knew she had found the perfect role! Corryn currently lives in Toledo, but she grew up in Wauseon, Ohio where she was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. Her parents are both enjoying their retirement, and her younger brother Evan is an electrical engineer in Pittsburgh, PA. In her spare time, Corryn enjoys performing in local community theatre productions, reading and relaxing at home, and traveling around the country to visit her friends.
Nicole Downey
Communications Director
Nicole obtained her bachelor's degree from The College of Wooster. While attending Wooster her interest in sales and nonprofit development was sparked. Following graduation, Nicole put her skills to work first by serving as a Sales Manager with Wells Fargo Financial. Her success in that role then led to her next professional opportunity serving as the Director of Development with Mercy Children’s Hospital Foundation. After several years with the Mercy Children's Hospital Foundation, Nicole took some time away from the workforce to care for her family as a stay-at-home mom. She resides in Perrysburg with her husband and three children. Nicole and her husband found Zoar when they were engaged to be married, and they are so glad they did! They married at Zoar in 2011, and all of their children have been baptized at Zoar. They have built friendships at Zoar that will last a lifetime! As a member of the congregation, Nicole has served on the Communications Committee for 6 years and Church Council for 2 years. When the opportunity to join the staff as the Director of Communications became available, it was a natural fit that Nicole was very excited to accept in December of 2023. She strives to help others grow in their faith, feel more connected to Zoar, and expand the amaZing community that surrounds this church that she loves very much!
Paul Cannon
Custodian
Paul graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1967. While attending the University of Toledo he was drafted into the US Army in 1971. He spent his time in the Army stationed in Alaska while serving as a Meteorologist. Paul has worked for several churches and schools during his many years Maintenance/Custodian. Paul has received several certificates including Hazmat and Boiler. He enjoys his position at Zoar, where he has been Facilities Manager going on 16 years. Paul is married to his wife Lois, who works for the City of Toledo, Law Department. He has six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He enjoys bowling, swimming in his backyard pool and having a glass of wine and a good cigar. Paul hopes to work at Zoar for many years to follow.
A LONGSTANDING HISTORY
Zoar is named after the city of refuge where Lot flees in the Book of Genesis. Zoar was founded in 1850 to serve the growing number of German Lutheran immigrants in the Perrysburg area by Rev. Cronenwett. Zoar has been on this site since 1875, and the current sanctuary was built in 1917. It has been modified and expanded several times; the last major one in 1998 with the Family Life Center addition.