Staff & Leadership
The Leadership Team and Staff listed below are only a small portion of the many members of Zion United Methodist Church who have been a vital part of the life and witness of our Church. Our culture and leadership is characterized by worship, the love of God, and a genuine call to ministry. These core values have been shaped by our rich history of great leadership, co-workers, volunteers and energy; always pressing forward in our call to love God and love others.
Pastor keith buckbee
Senior Pastor
Greetings in the powerful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! My name is Keith Buckbee and I am the lead pastor here at Zion UMC in Myerstown. I am constantly amazed as I see God's goodness and mercy revealed in this church community. I am truly blessed to be a part of such a loving and welcoming church!
For nearly the past decade, I have served as a bi-vocational pastor - splitting time between owning a hearing aid business and serving as a pastor at various churches in Lancaster county. I am excited as I begin ministry in a full-time capacity at Zion. My heart is passionate for sharing the good news about Jesus and helping others to grow in their relationship with him. I love to see people come alive as they realize Christ's love for them and his calling on their lives.
I was born and raised in Lancaster county, and married my high school sweetheart, Jenn. We have been blessed with six children - five daughters and one son, and they keep us very busy! When we have the time, Jenn and I love to exercise and are avid runners. I love to watch college sports and root for my alma mater, the Virginia Cavaliers.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
God's grace,
Pastor Keith
Present Cell: 717-203-7012
Cell: 717-537-5256 (new)
Pastor Tony Etzel
Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! My name is Anthony “Tony” Etzel, and I am blessed to serve here at Zion Church in Myerstown. Over the past two years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the warmth, love, and faithfulness of this church family, and I am excited to see how God continues to work through this congregation.
I have been active in ministry since 2000 and was ordained in 2007 through Gospel Fellowship. Over the years, I have served in various ministry roles—teaching Bible studies, leading evangelism efforts, mentoring couples, and co-pastoring at Fellowship of Believers. Today, I also continue to minister through an online outreach that shares God’s Word and encouragement with people around the world. My passion is preaching the Gospel and helping others grow in their walk with Christ.
In addition to ministry, I work part-time as a Solutions Executive with Crossroads RMC, where I manage software development and client projects. I have found that both ministry and business leadership provide opportunities to serve people, encourage growth, and point others to Jesus.
I live just minutes from Zion Church and am thankful for the opportunity to serve in the local community. My heart is to help believers strengthen their faith, share God’s love, and discover the joy of walking daily with Him.
judy vindich
church secretary
God’s design for my life changed 20 years ago when I accepted my position at Zion, ministering to pastors and to the church in quiet ways. I like to read, love to cook and take nature walks with my husband. Feel free to contact me at 717-866-6839. I like to meet new people and would love to hear from you.
barb kriston
senior choir and children's choir director
My name is Barbara Kriston and I am the director of the Senior Choir, King’s Kids, Men of Zion and Sisters of Zion. I have been involved in the music groups of the church since 1975. I am a retired Spanish teacher from Northern Lebanon School District and a graduate of Albright College. I have two sons and one daughter. I enjoy reading, gardening, bike riding, and water aerobics. Being a transplant from Johnstown, I have been blessed to have found a church that has always felt like home. Always considered to be a very music centered church, Zion was a perfect fit for me.
Phone: 717-866-7053
david schell
organist
David Schell, a native of Myerstown, has served as organist/pianist at Zion Church for the past 44 years where he and his wife Anna are active members. David is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College where he majored in Music Education and Organ Performance. "It has been a joy serving our Lord and working with the other staff members at Zion".
Phone: 717-866-3662
crystal kimmel
sexton
My family and I have been attending ZION for the last 18 years. I have 4 beautiful children ages 15, 17, 21, and 25. In my free time I love to read and spend time with my family. I also love to travel as my favorite way to do so is by cruising!
Phone: 717-866-5381
carl l. kimmel
grounds and security
My family and I have been attending ZION for the last 17 years. I serve on the Board of Trustees, as well as take care of the Grounds and Security of the church. In my free time I like to play racquetball, spend time with my dog and family.
Phone: 717-866-5381
Chase rohrer
LiveStream Coordinator
I have been going to Zion UMC for a little over a year now, as I started coming sometime around Easter 2021. Ever since then, I’ve loved coming here with my family. I started helping out with livestreaming the church service back in January. In April, I was officially hired. I have a huge interest in broadcasting and digital media production and the technology used for it, so I really enjoy being able to livestream Pastor Keith and Pastor Rob’s wonderful sermons for everyone online to listen to. Thank you to everyone at Zion UMC and to God for allowing me this great opportunity. I am very grateful.
CARRIE CALLAHAN
Missionary Pápa, hungary
Carrie Callahan made a commitment to serve Jesus Christ on the mission field at the altar railing of Zion UMC. She has served as a missionary teacher and church musician in South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Guam, Cambodia and presently serves in Pápa, Hungary. Carrie’s goal is to bring the message of the saving power of Jesus Christ to the children of the world. She received her training from Zion UMC, Appalachian Bible College, Hong Kong Baptist University and Liberty University.
John Roberts
Communications Director
As Communications Director I will strive to support the good works here at Zion. Our website and Facebook are great tools for both our congregation and the community to stay in tune with church happenings. I have worked in the Graphic Arts field for over 30 years.
I have 2 wonderful grand-daughters, whom I get to see quite often. Music, cooking and spending time with my family are some things I enjoy.
ways you can serve
There are many ways to add to the ministry of Zion United Methodist Church and the community. Here is a brief list of some of the areas where you could be of great help and service in our mission to spread the good news of Christ.
