Pastor Ashley Updegraff has the best job in the world. As the Lead Pastor at Prairie Lutheran Church, she gets to preach the grace-filled news of Jesus into this broken world and into our messy lives. She gets to walk with people of all ages, no matter what life throws at them. She gets to teach, serve, plan, lead, and think about where God is calling us, together.
Pastor Ashley believes the church is a place where we can bring all of who we are and what we’re going through, and receive rest, grace, love, and welcome through God and through one another.
When not at work, you will find Pastor Ashley inside or outside! Inside, she’s probably reading books, doing a puzzle, watching her favorite TV shows, or attempting to be crafty. Outside, she’s probably walking, canoeing, camping, or simply enjoying the sun and water. Either way, she is with her husband, Aaron, and their beautiful blended family. She loves Diet Coke, chocolate, Taylor Swift, Women’s Basketball, and iced coffee.
📧 Email Pastor Ashley
☎️ 952-234-4784
Michelle is our incredible Office Manager. She's been at PLC since 2008, and does a little bit of everything. She enjoys getting to know the members, volunteers and staff.
Michelle was formerly a dance teacher and owned her own dance studio before coming to PLC. She is no longer teaching dance, but loves to stay active. She has two grown children, one grandson and two basset hounds. Michelle enjoys crafting, traveling, and time with family and friends.
📧 Email Michelle
☎️ 952-234-4778
Chase D. Burkhart joined the Prairie Lutheran Church staff in July of 2023. As the Director of Worship Arts, Chase leads our rotating team of talented volunteer and paid musicians each week in rehearsal and on Sunday mornings, so that worship is a meaningful experience for all.
A product of the wonderful arts community in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Chase earned both his Bachelor's in Vocal Music Ed. (2011) and Master's in Music Ed. (2020) from North Dakota State University in Fargo. Chase has been hired for a variety of events over the years, most notably with Minneapolis-based professional choir the VocalEssence “Ensemble Singers” which included performances at the 2014 World Choral Symposium, Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, and backing up The Rolling Stones for their final encore song at TCF Bank Stadium in 2015.
Outside of his responsibilities to PLC, Chase directs the choirs at Twin Oaks Middle School in Prior Lake and performs for hire as a solo singer/guitarist throughout Southern Minnesota.
📧 Email Chase
Erin Lochner is our Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. She works to equip parents and students with resources and activities that support their spiritual growth and discipleship. Erin finds deep joy in walking alongside children and their families as they grow together in faith, building authentic relationships rooted in God's love.
Outside of ministry, Erin loves tending to her garden full of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and succulents. She's an avid traveler working toward her goal of exploring all 50 states (with fewer than 15 to go!), and she loves discovering new places on walks through nature with her fiancé. In her downtime, you'll find her curled up with a good book, baking in the kitchen, or spending quality time with her family.
