In addition to the pastor, our church leadership is enriched by three part-time staff ​and several volunteer musicians & lay leaders.

​Marc Petersen
Administrative Assistant

Marc was born and raised in Pierre and was confirmed in our church in 1988. He graduated from Riggs High School in 1991 and moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In 1993, he moved to Denver where he held a position as a telecommunications fraud analyst. In 1999, he moved back to Minneapolis and began work as a compliance analyst for a securities brokerage firm. He returned home to Pierre in 2018. Marc lives with his mom, Phyllis. He enjoys cooking, running, reading, music, and travel. 

​Marc's regular office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm.   Email Marc at: [email protected]

Daniel & Rosa Corrales
Custodians

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."

Larry Lyngstad
Choir Director; Sound Guy

Larry and his wife Gail have been members of our church for 40 years! Larry's 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 attending rural church & singing in choirs. In addition to their church family, they enjoy spending time with their four daughters, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Church Officers

Chuck Frieberg
Moderator

​Chuck Frieberg started his career in the criminal justice system in September of 1993 as a probation officer. His first duty station was in Lake Andes, South Dakota, where he stayed for two years before he was assigned to the office in Yankton, South Dakota. In his capacity as a probation officer, he supervised both an adult and juvenile caseload. In 2010 Charles was appointed the Chief Court Services Officer for the First Judicial Circuit of South Dakota. He was implemental in bringing a Drug Court to two areas in his jurisdiction. He supervised a staff of 25 people, which covered 14 counties in the southeastern portion of South Dakota. In 2016, Charles was appointed the Director of Court Services, where he oversees both adult and juvenile probation and is now living in Pierre, SD. He earned his BA in Criminal Justice from the University of South Dakota, graduating in 1993. He has raised six children, who are all grown and are living in South Dakota and Colorado. He enjoys being with his family, golfing and reading.

Valerie Kelly
Past Moderator

Valerie Kelly is pictured here with her two daughters.

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 two grandsons. 

​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. 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."