Meet Our Members

Bill & Eleanor Kover

Eleanor became a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Brunswick a few years after her family moved to New Jersey from Quebec in the mid 1940’s.  Bill joined her as a member at Emanuel in the late 1960’s, where they were married in 1970.

Eleanor became a naturalized citizen as a teenager so she could pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.  She went on to earn a BA degree at Glassboro State College (now Rowan) followed by her Masters and almost enough credits for a PHD.  Her dream came true as an educator in Edison Township for 29 years before taking early retirement due to health problems stemming from her bout with Polio at the age of 5 years.

Bill is a graduate of Rutgers University, and served in the United States Air Force before being granted a Hardship Discharge so that he could support his widowed mother.  His career as a Senior Insurance Underwriter lasted 27 years before he took early retirement.

Both Eleanor and Bill have been members of SWIM, Inc. for 22 years, Eleanor as a Chapter Coordinator and Bill as a Volunteer. SWIM, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides free aquatic exercise for adults with impaired mobility as well as a social gathering of caring and respect.  As a matter of fact, Bill and Eleanor learned about Zion Lutheran Church from a SWIM, Inc. Flemington Chapter member who had lived in Tewksbury.  They happily joined Zion after a few early morning services.  Pastor Summer’s enjoyable and enlightening sermons along with a welcoming congregation convinced them that they had found a church they could call home.  

Travel has been a big part of their married life with trips all over the United States, as well as six extended visits to Europe.  Eleanor loves to read, and is proficient with computers.  Bill’s favorite hobbies are photography and woodworking.  

Rebecca Melick & Josh Bryan

Rebecca Melick and Josh Bryan were married at Zion and have two children, Catherine (13) and Robert (10).  Rebecca is a lifelong member of Zion and is currently serving on Council as well as the Social Ministry and Christian Education committees. The Melick-Bryan family live in Lebanon Township and are neighbors with the Crossroads Camp and Retreat Center. Rebecca and Catherine enjoy caring for their many pets including: 2 Holstein steers, 2 donkeys, a draft riding mule, 5 turkeys, 2 pot belly pigs, 2 Flemish Giant rabbits, 1 chicken, 6 cats, a dog and 2 Beta fish.  Robert has a passion for sports and Josh enjoys antique John Deere tractors and growing hay to feed the family pets. Rebecca has been vegan for nearly 20 years while Robert and Catherine have been vegan since birth and Josh is vegan when at home.

Megan Stanski

Meghan is a lifelong member of Zion having been baptized by Pastor Summer nearly 30 years ago!  She grew up in Readington and has returned to the area, working as a baker at The Dessert Plate in Somerville. In her spare time, Meghan enjoys hiking with a local club and is planning an overnight backpacking trip through the Adirondacks this summer. When she's not spending time outside, she enjoys various crafts, usually knitting or crocheting. Meghan is looking forward to serving on Council beginning in 2018 as well as teaching Sunday school and continuing as a member of the hand bell choir.