Fireside Currents:
A Newsletter for Ministry Leaders

Welcome to Sugar Creek, Rev. Mary!

Originally from Tennessee, Rev. Mary Runyon now proudly calls Wisconsin home—especially the places that keep her close to the river, fresh air, and the beauty of the Driftless outdoors. She brings energy, creativity, and a deep love for people to her role as Program Director at Sugar Creek Bible Camp.

Mary’s journey into ministry began in childhood, shaped by a church community where her mom served faithfully as a church secretary. From those early days, Mary learned that faith is most meaningful when it shows up through hospitality, compassion, and everyday acts of love.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (Recreation & Tourism Management) from the University of Tennessee, along with both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University.

Over the years, Mary has served in a wide range of ministry settings, including roles as a pastor and associate pastor, campus and student minister, camp and conference center staff member, clergy coach and consultant, and community organizer.

Most recently, Mary served as a UCC Minister at a church in La Crosse and as an ecumenical pastor to students at UW-La Crosse United Campus Ministry, working alongside LuMin at Common Ground.

Her heart is deeply invested in building communities where all people feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow. At Sugar Creek, Mary is especially excited to help nurture a space where campers, staff, and families can encounter God through creation, storytelling, service, and shared adventure.

Outside of work, Mary is a proud mom to three incredible kids and a pack of very loved dogs. She enjoys memes, laughter, campfires, river time, and anything that gets her outdoors.

“I feel called to walk alongside people as they navigate the beautiful and messy journey of life. At Sugar Creek, my hope is that every person who comes through our gates feels seen, valued, and invited to discover the ways God is already moving in their story.”

We are delighted to welcome Mary to Sugar Creek and hope you have the opportunity to meet her soon.