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."

To learn more about Pastor Emily's background, click here. 

Vicki Walters
Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator

Vicki moved to Pierre in June of 2020 with her husband Craig. She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Child Education from Western Governor's University and has taught children in both public and private school systems for over 20 years. She was born in Madison, SD and grew up in Rapid City. She moved back to South Dakota after 34 years and is happy to be back in her home state. She has three grown sons who still live in Georgia. She and Craig have four dogs, three birds, two cats and a bearded dragon that keep them very busy. In her spare time she loves to read, camp, walk her dogs and bicycle. Vicki and Craig joined the church in January of 2022. Vicki says, "I look forward to serving our church and the Pierre community wherever I may be needed!"

​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

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.

Kimberly Zerr
​nursery attendant

Kimberly has lived in Pierre for a little over 10 years. She's the new manager of the GIS and Mapping group at DOT; When Kimberly isn't working, she loves knitting and traveling. Kimberly says, "My dad and I have visited 20 countries together!" We are excited to have Kimberly as a part of our crew who nurtures the little ones on Sundays!

Jade Evans
​nursery attendant

Jade Evans (on left, w/ sister Taylor on right) is 21 years old! Having recently graduated from Mitchell Technical College, she works in the lab at Avera here in Pierre. Jade says, "I grew up in this church and have so many fun memories of the nursery and Sunday School, so I am excited to be a part of that for these new children of the church!"

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


​Cherlyn & Larry Christiansen
Cherlyn: 2022 Moderator; Women's Fellowship

​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. Larry serves as our church's archivist, which is a perfect fit for this history enthusiast.


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

This dynamic duo 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, where her life was centered in a rural church, and where she also began singing in choirs. 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, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

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."