At our core, church is a community of people united by Christ's love. 

Here are a few of our people's stories...


​Aric Bethke
& Daughter Fio

You can worship God in almost any church in America.  And even though a lot of those churches believe in the same God, the protocols they follow and the message they proclaim can be substantially different.  Finding a church home amid all the options can be challenging, confusing, boring, or disheartening.  When I moved to Pierre, I attended a few different churches and talked to several people about religious options.  The First Congregational UCC and Pastor Emily spoke to me with an inviting message, kind people, and heartfelt energy to do good in the world. I am grateful to call the First Congregational UCC my church home because I am fulfilled spiritually with lessons of the Triune God working in the world; I am fulfilled mentally by listening to an interesting and believable pastor; and I am fulfilled socially by having delightful people to talk to and share a belief that we can do great things in the world to help our neighbors.  I look forward to growing in and with this church as I work through life's endeavors. 


​Shirley Halligan

This church NOURISHES my soul.  The WARMTH and LOVE shown by the congregation reminds me of the small West Texas church I attended as a child.  From the first time I walked through these church doors, some 30 years ago, I was WELCOMED and invited to become involved.  I LOVE THIS CHURCH!  I love the FUN, the PEOPLE, the MESSAGE and the MUSIC.  I love the way our young people are CHERISHED and how we SUPPORT each other.  I feel truly BLESSED to be a part of this congregation.


​Sven & Robin Lerseth
Sons Zed, Ike, and Hugh

We love this church because of the invitation to come and simply be. The church community opened us with welcoming arms and made us feel like we belong without expecting us to try and change or perform. Instead, they invited us to simply come along on a journey where the only goal is to learn more about God’s love.


​Brigid Hoffman

I'm drawn to this church because you are welcome no matter where you are on your faith journey. The community takes an active interest in who you are and how you are doing. Most importantly, I am drawn to the directive to simply love one another and seek justice. It is a simple but powerful way to live.
Do you love our church too? Be the next person to add your story to our website- email Pastor Emily today!