"I Am RLC" is an on-going story series that, over time, will give glimpses of who we are as individuals within the community of Roseville Lutheran Church. Periodically we'll learn from members, friends, and staff about what is important to them, what draws them here, and why they are engaged with and support the RLC community.

Jenny and Pete Zuppan (kids: Karl and Kirsten)

What initially brought you to RLC?

Twenty years ago, we were new to Roseville, had a baby on the way and were looking for a church home to raise our family. We found RLC and have been involved with the library, Cornerstone and Confirmation. We also enjoy participating in life ministry events.

What three words would you use to describe RLC?

Welcoming, educational and responsible

What is one ministry that is memorable to you?

Confirmation is most memorable. Seeing youth join the program and three years later be confirmed so mature and adult-like is really amazing and meaningful to us.

We also find camp ministry extremely important and transformational for youth. For our kids, camp wasn’t an option but that was just fine with them.  Our family has lots of Camp Hiawatha history, as Jenny’s grandfather owned and operated “Camp Hiawatha for Boys”, until he sold it to the Iron Range District of the LCA, making our kids, Karl and Kirsten, fourth generation of Camp Hiawatha.

With our family cabin on the property adjacent to the camp, we have enjoyed the happy sounds of kids at camp for years, Marco Polo, camp fire songs and of course the chant “It’s great to be alive in God’s great north woods!” Camp Hiawatha was a great experience for our kids, both as campers and our daughter will again be a junior counselor this summer.  (Note that the photo sent is taken on our dock, across the bay from Camp Hiawatha.)

What advice would you give to someone just joining RLC?

Dive right in!

Why do you give your donations to RLC?

We give because by giving, we are helping RLC to achieve its vision. We hope that many more 75th anniversaries will be celebrated.

What is your favorite place to volunteer? Why?

For Pete, it’s with the Boy Scouts, an organization he’s been involved with since he was a kid and still is, even with our son in college.

What was the most meaningful gift you've ever given or received?

Most meaningful gifts both given and received are the gifts of time and of listening.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Raising two great kids!

Our son, Karl, graduated from RAHS in 2017 and is a freshman at UND.  Kirsten is a RAHS senior and will be attending the College of St. Benedict in the fall.  In addition to school and activities, both kids immersed themselves in most everything youth related at RLC, except for Bagels at Dawn (too early). They were Hiawatha campers, many times over. In fact, this will be Kirsten's ninth summer there (six years as a camper, one year as a L.O.S.T. participant and two years as a junior counselor).  Both kids have participated in mission trips through RLC (KY and ID) and both have been on the youth leadership team. Their participation in camp and youth ministry has offered them a wealth of positive experiences; it has provided them with a deeper spirituality, the desire to serve those in need and it has set them on course to continue their faith journeys into adulthood.