Welcome Pastor Ackerman
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Greetings of Grace & Love, Sioux Falls First United Methodist Church!
I am excitedly writing to introduce myself and my husband, Matthew, as your newly appointed Associate Pastor. We are so very grateful for the opportunity to serve your congregation and have been truly inspired by First’s loving community and dedication to serve God’s people. We cannot wait to come alongside all of God’s handiwork already in motion, and to further grow in discipleship and faith as we live into the Great Commission.
As a fourth-generation United Methodist, I have been steeped in Methodism and greatly appreciate both the traditional and contemporary versions of living out one’s faith, knowing that we all experience God in many different, beautiful ways. Amen! It is with great joy that I am able to share the gifts and graces bestowed upon me with First in the ministry of music, pastoral care, spiritual direction, and sharing God’s Word.
My call to ministry began as a Freshman in high school at Wesley Acres Camp, near Valley City. Camping ministry is ingrained in my identity, for which I have been a part of for 30+ years. I have deaned (led) many camps for many ages, but most recently I have leaned into my passion for disability ministry and dean camps for our IDD (intellectually and developmentally disabled) friends at all three Dakotas camping sites. Disability ministry is near and dear to my heart, as I believe our IDD friends are angels on earth. Amen! If you are interested in volunteering at any of the Circle of Friends camps, please let me know. We are always in need of volunteers!
A little bit about me…Grew up in Elgin, ND (30 miles NW of Lemmon) on a farm/ranch. Enlisted in the Army National Guard following graduation. Served for 13 years (medically discharged) with 3 deployments as a heavy equipment operator (62E) and the last 5 years as an officer in a medical detachment. On the civilian side, I worked in the medical field for 8 years as a Cardiac Rehabilitation Therapist, and 5 years as a Project Manager/Manager in Clinical Informatics. In 2017, I accepted a full-time appointment in Arthur, ND, after serving as the conference Co-Lay Leader & CLM (Certified Lay Minister) for 2 years and providing pulpit supply for area churches. In 2021, we accepted the appointment to Rapid Valley UMC in Rapid City. I was ordained as an elder in the UMC in 2025.
A little bit about Matt…Grew up in Aberdeen, SD. Went to an undergraduate program in Moorhead, MN, for graphic design. Worked for many years behind the desk, but wanted to be more active, so he made a career switch into landscaping 9 years ago. Matt currently works for an excavating company and will be looking for similar work or outdoor work in Sioux Falls.
A little bit about Matt and me…we are outdoorsy people who enjoy a good hike, kayaking, camping, hunting, and also love to travel! We also enjoy playing cribbage, pinochle, and board games.
We are thankful to First Church for the kindness we have already received and wholeheartedly look forward to meeting you and growing together in faith. Amen!
With Sincere Love & Gratitude,
Rev. Quaya & Matthew Ackerman