Our Story

Planting Holy Trinity

As North Liberty experienced rapid growth in the early 2000s, members of three ELCA congregations in Iowa City began exploring the possibility of planting a new church. Rev. Kathy Gerking, then Director of Evangelical Mission for the Southeast Iowa Synod, helped guide early conversations and planning.

Worship & ministry begin

In the summer of 2007, recent seminary graduate Steven Zittergruen was called to lead a Bible study and establish a preaching point for worship. Beginning in October, Saturday evening services were led by a rotation of local pastors, drawing about two dozen attendees each week. Charlie Rod served as music leader, and Pastor John Meyer later stepped in to guide worship while a call committee worked with the synod to identify a mission developer.

Calling Pastor Tim & a worship space 

In May of the following year, Pastor Timothy J. Smith was called as pastor-developer of the new mission. With newly donated office space secured, Sunday morning worship services began in July at the renovated Epley Center.

Challenges, trusting, and growing

Despite early challenges—including historic flooding, an economic downturn, and broader churchwide decisions—the congregation continued to grow. Ministries such as Sunday School, confirmation, Day Camp, and an intergenerational mission trip were launched. By spring, average worship attendance exceeded 100, with people gathering from across the area to live out the mission to “Love, Live, and Share Christ.”

Incorporated in 2010

In May 2010, the community was officially organized and incorporated as Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, with 350 baptized members.

Moving to a new building to call home

In 2011, support from the ELCA Mission Investment Fund made it possible to purchase a retail space on 240th St. NE. A $65,000 capital campaign—combined with volunteer labor and support from a Mission Builder team from Nazareth Lutheran in Cedar Falls—helped complete $300,000 in renovations.

Taking on the mortgage and renovations 

The congregation assumed the mortgage in 2013 and expanded parking soon after, preparing for continued growth.

Calling a Pastor of Discipleship Ministry

In 2016, Pastor Katie Lowe Lancaster was called as Pastor of Discipleship Ministry. She led children, youth, and family ministries while sharing preaching responsibilities with Pastor Smith, helping shape Holy Trinity’s strong intergenerational focus. Pastor Katie concluded her call in August 2022, leaving a lasting impact on the congregation.

Sustainment, missions & outreach

Over the years, Holy Trinity has remained deeply engaged in the community. Members actively support local and regional efforts such as the North Liberty Food Pantry, Relay for Life, Back 2 School Bash, Lutheran Day on the Hill, Table to Table, and the Blues & BBQ Festival.

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The church has built partnerships with Lutheran Campus Ministry, FreeIndeed Congregation at the Anamosa Penitentiary, and Water to Thrive. Outreach efforts have included hosting Meals from the Heartland, blood drives, and a thriving quilting ministry.

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Congregational life has also expanded through small groups, a Bread Basket gleaning ministry, and leadership in founding the Johnson County Interfaith Coalition.

Calling of Pastor Sarah

Pastor Sarah Goettsch joined Holy Trinity's staff in October of 2025. She serves in a variety of areas include preaching, leading the team for our High School WYN ministry, and serving as a resource to our Faith Formation ministries and Reconciling in Christ team.

Giving thanks & looking ahead

Pastor Tim Smith will retire on August 30th after 18 years of faithful mission and ministry at Holy Trinity. We look forward to the call process of finding our next lead pastor. Megan Miller joined the staff team in March as the Director of Digital Communications & Media. Lily Schloss joined the staff team as our Worship Music Leader in July.