Children’s Ministry: Kyle Merkle
Kyle Merkle is currently enrolled at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Kyle attended Western Michigan University and majored in Religion and History. After college he worked at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Portage, Michigan, as an interim youth director. He then served as an English teacher in Daejeon, South Korea. Following his year in Korea, he backpacked around Asia–visiting China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
After returning from abroad, he served as Program Manager at Best Buddies Nevada, located in Las Vegas. Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing opportunities for one-to-one friendships, employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In seminary he has been involved in the worship planning committee on campus, and has been volunteering in the local community at the Berkeley Food Pantry. Currently a student intern as St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek, CA, Kyle is also a big sports fan (Detroit Lions!) and loves music, particularly rocking out to Bruce Springsteen!