Following her pathway to the pulpit-
Ehrhardt takes on first congregation
by Marlo Benning
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| Shepherd of the Valley's new pastor, Melissa Ehrhardt, began her career at the church this past September. Her buddy that will be a part of her children's sermons is George, the sock monkey. |
New pastor Melissa Ehrhardt at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Clarissa is considered young compared to others in her career field.
At just 28 years old, she is at the pulpit and ready for all that her new job entails.
The reason for her young start is because she's known since she was in seventh grade that it was the path for her.
"I was considered a pipeliner," she said of her straight eight years of schooling which eventually led her to this congregation-her first full-time assignment as a pastor. This position also includes preaching at Calvary Lutheran Church in Little Sauk.
"I'm feeling it's like home," Ehrhardt said of her time so far in the small town of Clarissa.
"Coming from Columbus, Ohio I was really concerned, but there are a lot of things to do and be a part of," she said of the many organizations and activities in the area.
She received her Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, but grew up in Wayne, Nebraska. The population in Wayne is about 5000 people.
You may have already seen Ehrhardt on the bleachers at some of our home sporting events. She is a sports fan and likes to be involved in all that the community has to offer.
She plans to volunteer at the elementary school and is already involved in the ministerial association, Central Todd County Care Center's pastoral rotation, release time and is on the newly formed education coalition group at Eagle Valley School.
Ehrhardt said that community involvement comes naturally because of her upbringing. Her family taught her to be involved in anything you possibly could be. Her parents are both teachers.
She also admits to being able to talk to anyone and is very intergenerational.
"My mom would say to me, 'Oh, my goodness, you get along with everyone,'" she said of her ability to relate to all ages.
Ehrhardt is filled with enthusiasm and ideas for the congregation. She hopes to involve the youth more in the goings on both in the church and outside of it as well.
"I'd like the youth to learn what the church does outside of these walls," she said.
She hopes to take mini mission trips around the state with the youth and have more activities for them within the church as well.
The church's fall Sunday School kick-off included a "Rally Sunday" complete with balloons and an indoor picnic, which was her inspiration.
On Rally Sunday, she also introduced the children to her sock monkey that was given to her as a going away present from the congregation where she interned. "George" the monkey was named by one of the congregation's children and will be a part of future children's sermons.
Ehrhardt has been with the congregation for about a month and a half now. She was officially installed as the congregation's pastor this past Sunday, October 14.
She is adjusting well to her new surroundings, but said that one thing that will take some getting used to is the cooler weather we experience here.
"I'm still learning how to live in Minnesota. Cold weather will be a challenge for me!" she said.
marlo@inhnews.com