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Bishop Folts is thrilled to announce that Sierra Gore Kacher has accepted the call to serve our Lord and our Diocese as Canon for Thunderhead Episcopal Center and Diocesan Youth Ministries! Canon Sierra (she/her), hailing from southern Illinois near St. Louis, Missouri, is eager to become a part of our diocesan community. Her journey in the Episcopal Church began at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in O’Fallon, where she discovered her passion for ministry through choir, Sunday School, youth group, and serving as a youth representative on the Diocesan Council.
From her first camp counseling experience at Camp Phoenix in 2013, Canon Sierra has devoted her career to camping and youth ministry. She has taken on various roles across the country at renowned camps including Camp Phoenix in Missouri, Camp Galilee in Nevada, Camp Stevens in California, Shrine Mont Camps in Virginia, and Camp Chickagami in Michigan. Her ministry experience further includes serving as a Ministry Intern in Hawai'i and leading diocesan youth programs for the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Most recently, she worked as a program manager for Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers, where she developed impactful Anti-Racism and Inclusion programs for summer camps.
Canon Sierra is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, transformative communities, and her leadership style is characterized by collaboration and creativity. In her personal time, she enjoys improv comedy, reading, cross-stitching, and embracing the great outdoors. She will be relocating to the Rapid City area with her grandmother, Lynne, and her dog, Melli.
While an official start date is yet to be determined, we will share that news in due course.
In other exciting camp news, the Thunderhead Committee is delighted to announce that an anonymous donor has stepped forward with a $50,000 challenge grant to support our Summer of Renewal and Refreshment! This $50,000 matching grant means that for every dollar donated by individuals and churches, this generous donor will match that gift up to a total of $50,000. This creates an incredible opportunity for every dollar donated to double its impact! With your support, we can raise a total of $100,000 beyond our existing funds, enabling us to make vital improvements and tackle long-term deferred maintenance.
Soon, every congregation will receive a fundraising idea guide, along with detailed information on projects and donation opportunities that will profoundly benefit Thunderhead and all it offers to youth and adults. Let us fully embrace this challenge grant—every dollar matters!
This is a remarkable way to celebrate the arrival of Sierra, our new Canon for TEC and Youth Ministries, and the blessings that Thunderhead brings!