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Dear First Church family,

With the sadness of death, and the assurance of renewal into the eternal love of God, I let you know of the death Wednesday evening of Ken Ziebell. Please hold Linda and all their family in your hearts and prayers.

The Rev. Kenneth R. Ziebell led an amazing life of service to God, the church, and the world, both as a pastor (in Vienna, Austria) and in several executive positions for the UCC Board of World Ministries (now Global Ministries). He spent many years doing the relational work needed for peace in the Middle East, building connections with Eastern Orthodox churches, and improving relationships between Christians in the U.S. and Eastern Europe.

Ken and Linda met at First Church, so we particularly share in the joy of their 20+ years together. Living with MS for many years limited Ken’s involvement more recently, but we gratefully note his service as the Editor of EVENT, our paper newsletter that used to arrive by post and then as an attachment to our electronic communications before 2020. Ken was a careful and caring editor who enjoyed using his wordsmithing skills to share the good news of First Church’s many ministries with the wider community.

For those of a midwest church bent, I’ll add that Ken has now completed the UCC trifecta of Elmhurst, Eden, and Eternity.

We will announce plans for a service of remembrance and celebration when details are available.

Again, please hold our dear Linda in your hearts and prayers, and may the Spirit of our Loving God be by her side in this tender time.

In Christ,
Mike Solberg
Interim Senior Minister