Alongside Pastor Emily, our church leadership is enriched by 2 part-time staff ​and several volunteer lay leaders and musicians


​Christina Ford​
Administrative Assistant

Christy joined the Pierre community in July 2020, and began serving as our administrative assistant Feb. 1, 2021! She lives with her husband Nathan Ford and step-son Haden, 4 English bulldogs, and a family of hedgehogs. Christy moved to Pierre from Fort Collins, CO, where she managed a service business from her home, providing 24/7 care for people with developmental disabilities. She also comes to us with several years of experience as an office and project manager for the Sioux Empire Housing Partnership in Sioux Falls, SD. Christy has degrees in information technology and economics, and has experience as a technical support consultant for various organizations.

​Christy's regular office hours are Mon-Thurs from 9am-1pm.  Email Christy at: church.office@pierreucc.org

Deb Winder
Custodian

Deb has been keeping our faith home clean and tidy since 2017. When she's not serving as our cleaning fairy, Deb teaches preschool and pre-kindergarten at For His Glory School in Pierre. She is married to Michael, who can be found helping out occasionally as well. Together they have two daughters, Raegan and Mesa. She enjoys reading when she gets the free time.

Musicians


Gloria Merriam
Organist & Pianist

Gloria is our steadfast and longtime church organist. She got her start playing both organ and piano for church in high school. She was hired to be our church organist in 1989 (that's 32 years of devotion!). She works collaboratively with Pastor Emily in preparing music for each service.  When she is not busy preparing and playing music for church, she also works for Feigum Funeral Home in Pierre. She serves as their office manager, AND also offers her heart to grieving families by playing music for many funerals. Gloria says, "Music has always been an important part of my life.  I enjoy music in general.  It is a wonderful therapy for me."


​Jack Horner
Pianist & Organist

Jack has been with our congregation for 10 years; he got his start in our music program by accompanying the choir on piano. He has recently retired from medical coding at the hospital, and enjoys spending more time coordinating with Gloria on beautiful piano/organ duets, which are often woven into our worship. In his spare time, Jack enjoys decorating and hosting for Christmas, his favorite season. He is also learning the craft of quilting, and finds many ways to be helpful around our church home.

Church Officers

Larry & Gail Lyngstad
Larry: 2021 Moderator; Choir Director; Sound Guy
Gail: Financial Secretary

This dynamic duo have been members of our church for 40 years! Larry grew up on a farm in Clay County and learned the meaning of “neighboring” at a young age.  His faith began its formation through singing in church choir, and he has sung in or directed choirs throughout his life. He earned a BS degree (and a wife) from Southern State Teachers College, an MA from USD, and was a teacher and counselor in Bon Homme County schools for 17 years before beginning a 23 year career with the State of South Dakota.  Gail grew up on a farm in Douglas County, the oldest of three children, where her life was centered in a rural church, and where she also began singing in choirs. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Northwestern College in Iowa for one year before transferring to Southern State Teachers College. After teaching in a rural school for one year, she devoted her life to raising her family, which grew to four daughters. She also cared for the children of others. She later returned to school, and then managed a business before moving to Pierre, where she worked for the State of South Dakota for 22 years.  She and her husband Larry enjoy ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Cherlyn & Larry Christiansen
Cherlyn: 2021 Vice-Moderator; Women's Fellowship
Larry: Archivist

​Larry & Cherlyn have been members of our church for as long as they've lived in Pierre.  Cherlyn served as our church's administrative assistant for 12.5 years, retiring Jan 2021.  In 2021, she is serving as our vice-moderator, as well as taking the lead in women's fellowship. To know Cherlyn is to respect her. Her steady hand and heart have been a strong asset to our ministries; she particularly enjoys coordinating and hosting fellowship gatherings that involve all things food and good conversation. Cherlyn was also instrumental in our 2020 kitchen renovation, bringing to the table several different church groups alongside our design and construction crew.

Brenda Paul
Treasurer

Brenda is the backbone of our financial vitality as a congregation. She utilizes her sharp attention to detail and excellent financial skills to keep us on track with our budget each month. She works as the finance officer at the South Dakota Retailers Association. Brenda is married to Loren, and has two grown sons, two daughters in law and one grandson. 

​Brenda says, "We enjoy walking our dog Lucy along the river and camping as much as possible.  I was confirmed in this church and I enjoy spending time here with my church family."

Sandra Kangas
​Clerk

Sandra Kangas is currently our clerk and also serves as a trustee & liturgist.  In 2018, she retired as the Program Supervisor for Child & Adult Nutrition Services in the SD Dept. of Ed., having served since 1981. She enjoyed meeting the wonderful folks who provided the meals. She loves retirement and remains busy weaving rugs from recycled material (up-cycling!) and selling them at various craft fairs; most recently, Sandra has sown over 1,200 masks for use during this COVID pandemic! Sandra also serves in various SD UCC Conference & Oahe Association leadership positions, and on the board at the Pierre Senior Center. Sandra says, "Family is very important to me and I enjoy staying in touch with those far and near."

Debby Wagner
Past Moderator

Debby Wagner was born into the UCC and has a long history with our church; she served as our moderator in 2020, during the significant changes Covid-19 threw our way. Debby is reliably positive and prayerful, and strangers are only friends she hasn't yet met. Debby brings an extraordinary heart for others to every church gathering. She has been highly involved in local, state, and national UCC work, and loves attending Placerville Camp.

"I love how the UCC equips people to serve. My grandparents started Lowly UCC, and my prayer that God would use me in ministry has been answered!"