PASTOR

After serving in ministry with college students and adults with developmental disabilities, Elmarie felt called to further develop her gifts for ministry.  She attended Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.  While there she earned a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Masters of Divinity.  She was ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in April of 2002. Elmarie was installed as Wickliffe Presbyterian Church's designated pastor in January of 2007.

She married her husband, Scott, in September of 1995.  She is so grateful to share life and ministry with a man whose humor fills her life with laughter and whose heart, spirit, mind and life she respects and admires.  Scott, who was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, is also ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament.  He currently serves as Pastor to First Presbyterian Church of Columbiana, Ohio.  In addition, he is working on two novels, plays a variety of musical instruments, and serves as Elmarie's pop culture guru.  Together, they enjoy time with their nephews and niece, road trips, trying new foods, playing games, good movies and a variety of music.  They also find joy in their two cats, Rusty and Mingo. 

Preparing new and interesting meals for friends and family refreshes and relaxes Elmarie, and gets her creative juices flowing.  Gardening, working out, learning about nutrition and physiology, hiking, traveling, photography, reading, solving puzzles and experiencing her own and others’ culture also invites her into energizing and restorative spaces.  Born in Florida, Elmarie spent her toddler years in South Africa, and the remainder of her growing-up years on a Christmas tree farm in the rugged hills of Silverton, Oregon.  Her parents and brother’s family continue to make their homes on the farm.