Our Church Staff
The Rev. Dr. Michael Thomas - Senior Pastor
Pastor Thomas has been at Zion since January 2010.
His wife Tammy is a teacher in the RPS205 School District.
They have two children, Maggie and Nathan. Pastor Thomas is originally from inner city Chicago. He attended Carthage College and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Pastoral Intern Maddy Taylor
Our 2021-2022 Intern is Maddy Taylor.
Maddy is orginally from Chicago. Maddy is currently a student at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque IA.
Jolyn Hess - Office Manager
Jolyn joined the Zion staff in August 2012. She brought many years
of experience with her including previous church office experience. Jolyn has two adult children (and a son-in-law in the Air Force), and three beautiful grandchildren. Jolyn has a positive attitude and a warm smile to all who meet her. She can be reached at zionrockford@gmail.com.
Robert Leonhardt - Organist (Weddings & Funeral)Robert is our organist for weddings and funerals.
He is a wonderful gift to the church.
Jodi is the Minister of Music at Zion and has been here since 2005. Jodi directs the Choir and leads the band once a month at the worship service for a contemporary worship style.
Janice Forrest - WOW Coordinator
Janice Forrest is the WOW Coordinator for our Wednesday program.
She is also the Zion Outreach "Outreach Coordinator".
She is the staff contact for the "Ruthie's Kitchen" ministry
Kurt L Brown - Worship Media
Kurt Brown, works with the Worship Media. Sunday Worship recordings

are edited for quality and then placed in the past sermons page and also placed on Facebook and Youtube.
Jeffrey Carlson- Financial Secretary, Treasurer
Jeffrey is a faithful steward of the Zion's finances. He serves dilegently to keep track and guide the Church Council in the area of finances.
Shanita Baker, Custodian
Joining the staff in 2022, Shanita is part-time for Zion as Custodian. We have a cleaning service that comes into the church once a week as well.