Zion United Church of Christ in Tremont
216-861-2371
email: info@zionucctremont.org
JOYCE MORRIS
The Rev. Dr. Joyce T. Morris, Zion's Senior Pastor, is a native of Columbus, OH. She is the mother of three, and grandmother of four. A graduate of Capital University, Columbus, she received her Master of Divinity degree from The Methodist Theological School (Methesco), Delaware, OH. Rev. Morris received her Doctorate from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. In addition she holds an MBA. Her hobbies are reading, music (she plays the cello), wood-crafting, and is an avid golfer.
She currently resides in Tremont and serves on the Executive Council of the Western Reserve Association Rev. Morris also served four years in the Department of Church and Ministry of the WRA and served ten years as a chaplain at Fairview Hospital before retiring from that position.
DONNA HERBSTER
Associate Pastor was called, interned and licensed to Zion U.C.C. of Tremont in August of 2006. Her duties are to serve the congregation both alongside and in the absence of the Senior Pastor Reverend Joyce Morris. Before being called to Zion, Donna was a member of Clague Road U.C.C. serving as Deacon, Chairwoman of Christian Ed and Music Committee. She also served on church council, nominating committee, and both organist search committee and pastor-parish relations board. She also performed in chancel choir and bell choir.
Donna is a Licensed Pastor and received her Pastoral Care training with Rev. Morris and the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at Southwest Hospital. She furthered her training and received additional experience as a part time Chaplain for 4 years at Fairview Hospital where she was exposed to many unique ministerial opportunities that only a hospital setting can offer. Her background ministerial education includes the U.C.C. Lay School of the Church, Trinity Seminary, and Ohio Christian University. She has performed all basic ministerial duties in addition to working with the meals program for 4 years and now her duties have been altered to enhance her experience and training to develop additional qualifications, preparation and potential for additional and/or advanced duties and responsibilities.
Donna owns a cat named Pilgrim (sometimes not sure who is the master of who) and is married to her life partner Lori. She retired from her 34 year full time career as an engineer/technician at NASA in 2011 and now can enjoy her favorite pastimes of trailer camping, collecting crosses and theology books, gardening (especially growing strawberries), wine tasting, staying at B&B’s, home repair and science fiction. Big on Star Trek, she attended two years of Klingon language camp and was seen on TV in Minnesota during attendance. She also received a commendation from The Ohio House of Representatives 117th General Assembly for outstanding achievement and excellence in 1988 and the Presidents Volunteer Award in 2004 .
About The Clergy
What can one say about Zion that hasn't already been said?
Lots and lots, as almost each day brings something new. In their zeal and quest to heed the Gospel's call, Zion serves well over 100 people for their free Saturday night dinners. Not content to do as most other sites (who usually serve once a month), Zion serves this meal each and every week. The meals usually consist of a main meat dish, potatoes or macaroni dish, vegetable, salad, rolls and butter and desert, as well as coffee, tea and cold drinks. Several people toil most of Saturdays from about noon on to put this meal on the tables, and then to clean up afterward. Zion could not have done all this strictly on their own, but through the generosity and guidance of the Cleveland Food Bank and its staff.
Each and every person on Zion's roles have a part somewhere, somehow in these endeavors - even shut-ins, who do such things as slicing up many many pounds of onions and various other vegetables and fruits, or baking deserts and sending them on to the kitchen.
And yes, we have done some things "just for us!!" Members and friends have completely renovated the entire sanctuary and it is quickly becoming known as a "show piece." The best reward for all THIS hard labor was hearing one 80 yr.-plus member who, looking around and with tears running down her cheeks, saying "I never thought I'd see it like this again in my lifetime." God is truly alive and proud at Zion. Won't you join us?
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