In addition to Pastor Emily, our church leadership is enriched by 3 part-time staff, 2 paid nursery attendants, ​and several volunteer musicians & lay leaders.

Rev. Emily Munger
Pastor

Pastor Emily began serving this congregation in 2017. She and her family have discovered a real spiritual home among this loving and open Pierre UCC church family. Emily loves to organize spaces, upcycle household furniture, gather for good conversation with friends, play with her children Briggs & Blaire, and exercise. She is especially fond of the Lewis and Clark trail that runs along the Missouri River. She says, "The peaceful rustle of grass, shade from the trees, gentle flow of the river, sunshine, and moving my body connects me to Holy Spirit in a prayerful way. Spending time in nature is where my creative process thrives." Learn more about Pastor Emily's background here. 

Jennifer Evans
Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator

Jennifer Evans (pictured here with husband Jeremie Evans, chair of the Board of Trustees) began as our children & youth ministry coordinator in September 2022. She enters the role with a wealth of experience within this church home. She grew up in the Sunday School program, has served as a deacon, SS teacher, and various volunteer positions and is excited to be a part of staffing our growing congregation!

​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: church.office@pierreucc.org

Shana Kruger
Custodian

Shana Kruger is our church custodian as of Fall 2022. Shana works for BIT (Bureau of Information & Telecommunications). She’s lived in Pierre for 22 years along with husband Sean; she is a 12-year member of the church. They live outside of town with their horses, dogs, chickens, rabbits, and other animal friends! Shana loves crafting & photography. We are pleased to welcome Shana to our staff!

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

Valerie Kelly
Vice Moderator

Valerie Kelly, pictured here with her two daughters, is a deacon of our church. We are grateful she has stepped into the role of vice moderator, adding her spirit and years of experience in this congregation to our shared mission.

Rich Gloe, Jr.
2023 Moderator

Rich, pictured here with his growing family, is a long-time member of our congregation. He raised his two daughters in this faith home and brings a variety of skills to the role of moderator. 

Cherlyn Christiansen
Past Moderator

Cherlyn & husband Larry 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 in Jan 2021. Her steady hand and heart have been a strong asset to our ministries, including her continued leadership within women's fellowship; she enjoys coordinating and hosting fellowship gatherings that involve all things food and good conversation. Larry serves as our church's archivist, which is a perfect fit for this history enthusiast.

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; 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."