Staff
Reverend Thomas D. Busteed, Reverend
Greetings in Christ!
I was born and raised in the picturesque Pocono Mountains. My father’s side of the family is Roman Catholic. My mother’s side of the family is Lutheran. My parents raised my sister and me in both traditions until we reached confirmation age.
Ultimately I became Lutheran because of its rich musical heritage. My mom’s church had a vibrant music program and I enjoyed serving in the handbell and vocal choirs.
I attended Yale Divinity School to study the liturgy. Through the nudging of peers and professors, I began the ELCA ordination process. I have been serving congregations through Word and Sacrament since 2018, first as an authorized vicar and now as a pastor. Highlights include helping a small rural congregation discuss opening their hearts and their doors to the diverse community around them through an intentional Reconciling In Christ process.
A highlight in my current call, I helped the congregation develop a Covid-safe outdoor live nativity liturgy called “Christmas Journey” that tells the story of Jesus’ birth through actors, animals, and costumes.
I live in Kutztown with my two amazing cats, Lady and Rodger, a few antique clocks, and a bunch of houseplants. I love scanning YouTube for new recipes and cooking techniques. In my free time I have dinner parties with friends, serve as Treasurer of the Mercersburg Society, and serve in the Reading Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
John Binde, Director of Music
Throughout his entire life, John has always been involved with music to a greater or lesser extent. He started piano lessons at age 8, played piano in his childhood church, sang in choirs in high school, college and in several local community choirs.
John earned a BA from Oberlin Conservatory and College in 1972, an MAR from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1977, and a MDiv from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 1998. Beginning in 1979, he worked at Allen Organ Company for 18 years in the sales department. His responsibilities included providing dedicatory organ recitals of newly installed instruments.
After ordination in 1998, John served two congregations in the Lehigh County area – St. Peter’s UCC and Chestnut Hill UCC. He retired in 2015 but was called to be the interim organist and choir director at St. Stephen’s UCC, eventually being officially hired as organist, choir director, and music director.
John’s primary goal is to use his skills at the organ, piano, and digital keyboards to provide meaningful music for worship and to encourage congregational song. While remaining sensitive to the musical traditions of the Lutheran heritage of Zion’s, he thinks the music ideally should be multi-generational, embracing a wide range of preferences and styles: traditional, contemporary, modern, and occasionally music from other cultures. As our country becomes more diverse, I believe it is important to minister to the increasing variety of people in Old Zionsville and its surrounding area.
Diane Feldmann, Treasurer
I’m Diane Feldmann. I’m honored to serve as the new Treasurer and look forward to managing the church’s finances in support of its mission and ministries. I’ve been in accounting roles my entire professional life, having received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Penn State University. I work for a real estate investor on the West Coast, managing numerous properties for him. I enjoy giving back to the community, volunteering whenever I can for various organizations.
Currently I am the Treasurer for Troop 31. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, cooking, and spending time with my family. I look forward to getting to know everyone and serving the church family in this role.
Church Administrator: Betty Richards
Director of Handbells: Sue Marin
Treasurer: Diane Feldman
Sexton: Earl Heminitz
2026 Congregation Council
President: Fred Scheirer
Vice President: Barry Williams
Secretary: Karen Loeb