St. Stephens Church in Merrill is proud to announce that one of their pastors, Michelle Holdorf, is the recipient of the coveted 2013 United Church of Christ Seminarian of the Year Award. This was the result of her unanimous nomination by her seminary professors at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, followed by her selection from a national student pool by the Make A Difference Endowment. This is a high honor, recognizing a student with demonstrated ability and promise in ministry.
Ms. Holdorf also received the First Congregational Church-McDowell Scholarship, awarded by the Wisconsin Conference UCC, a scholarship from the Northwest Association UCC, and the Staats Scholarship from St. Stephens Church to further pursue her seminary studies.
“Pastor Missy” is a resident of Merrill a graduate of Merrill Senior High School, received an associate degree in nursing through North Central Technical College, and attended UW-Stout. She is a life-long member at St. Stephens Church and has been employed by the church since 2003. She is a licensed lay minister, having previously completed a course of study through the Lay Academy of the Wisconsin Conference UCC which offers theological training and leadership development for lay persons. Upon completion of her seminary studies, she will receive a Master of Divinity. Her responsibilities at St. Stephens include youth and confirmation, pastoral care, worship, and missions work.