The United Church of Canistota was formed in June 1969 when The First Methodist Church, The First Presbyterian Church and the Riverside Methodist Church combined. The bell tower in front of the church symbolizes this union. The United Church of Canistota is a denomination of Presbyterian USA and United Methodist.
Church Staff
Pastor Jerry Bertelson
Pastor Jerry joined the United Church of Canistota in August 2019. A native of South Dakota, he was born in Sioux Falls and raised in Hartford. Pastor Jerry is an ordained American Baptist pastor and has served as a pastor since 2009. He is a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls (B.A. in Theology and Philosophy) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He has completed post-graduate work in contextual theology at Northern Theological Seminary (Advanced Post-Graduate Certificate) and in Bowen Family Systems Theory through Georgetown University, the KC Center for the Family, and the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. He has also received a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Sioux Falls Seminary and was a Lewis Fellow with Wesley Theological Seminary.
In addition to pastoral ministry, Pastor Jerry serves on the Canistota City Council, the Canistota School Board, and is an active member of the local Lions Club.
Jerry is married to Tami, a nurse, and together they have three children—Alina, Clara, and Kennedy—and two dogs, Sophie and Molly. He enjoys reading, traveling, watching documentaries, and is patiently waiting for the South Dakota wind to die down.
Pastor Jerry joined the United Church of Canistota in August 2019. A native of South Dakota, he was born in Sioux Falls and raised in Hartford. Pastor Jerry is an ordained American Baptist pastor and has served as a pastor since 2009. He is a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls (B.A. in Theology and Philosophy) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He has completed post-graduate work in contextual theology at Northern Theological Seminary (Advanced Post-Graduate Certificate) and in Bowen Family Systems Theory through Georgetown University, the KC Center for the Family, and the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. He has also received a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Sioux Falls Seminary and was a Lewis Fellow with Wesley Theological Seminary.
In addition to pastoral ministry, Pastor Jerry serves on the Canistota City Council, the Canistota School Board, and is an active member of the local Lions Club.
Jerry is married to Tami, a nurse, and together they have three children—Alina, Clara, and Kennedy—and two dogs, Sophie and Molly. He enjoys reading, traveling, watching documentaries, and is patiently waiting for the South Dakota wind to die down.
Karyn Montgomery
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Doreen Fry
Financial Secretary
Financial Secretary
Jacey Richardson
Financial Secretary
Financial Secretary
Starlyn Church
Music Director
Music Director
Michael White
Custodian
Custodian