Rev. Dr. Erin Marie Burns
I'm Rev. Dr. Erin Marie Burns—Pastor. Author. Archer. Storyteller. And yes, once upon a time, a giant chicken named Doodles.
I'm the Associate Pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where I've spent eight years walking alongside people through their most sacred moments—both the joyful celebrations and the quiet heartbreaks. Whether you're a neighbor or a traveler just passing through, know there's always a seat waiting for you at the table.
But this work extends far beyond the pulpit.
I write to honor what breaks us and explore what heals us. I travel to find peace in unexpected places. I shoot archery to remember what it means to focus when everything feels scattered. I garden to understand that growth happens in soil and silence. I tell stories because I believe that's where the sacred lives—not just in churches, but everywhere.
My Journey
Fifteen years ago, I married my best friend and became a mother to five children. I have found that Sacred spaces aren't reserved for the holy. They're hidden in everyday moments—if we know where to look. Now, I spend my days as a pastor, counselor, and companion to people searching for meaning in a chaotic world. I write essays exploring faith, hope, and the sacred threads woven through ordinary life. I lead retreats and workshops for faith leaders and spiritual seekers. And I'm endlessly curious about how we find peace—in gardens, on hiking trails, at archery ranges, in conversations with strangers, and in the quiet moments before sunrise.
What You'll Find Here
Every week, I share essays about finding peace in unexpected places. About faith that asks questions and holds hope. About travel, spirituality, wonder, and what it means to live with intention when the world feels overwhelming. Some essays are personal stories. Some are pastoral reflections. Some are practical guidance for your own journey. Some are travel reflections from sacred places across Ohio and beyond. All of them are rooted in this truth: Peace isn't a destination. It's a practice. And it's available to anyone brave enough to look. If you're searching for peace, you'll find yourself here. If you're a faith leader wondering how to sustain your own soul while caring for others, you'll find guidance here. If you're simply overwhelmed by the world and need a weekly reminder that there's still beauty and meaning to be found, you'll find that here too.
Fun (and Slightly Unexpected) Facts About Me
Welcome
You don't have to be religious to be here. You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to be human—which means you've felt lost, you've searched for peace, you've wondered if there's something sacred in the everyday.
There is.
And I'm here to help you find it.
Welcome to Sacred Spaces. I'm so glad you're here.
Education & Training
Bachelor of Science in Sociology – Kent State University
Master of Divinity – Gettysburg Seminary
Certifications & Experience
Published work
I'm the Associate Pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where I've spent eight years walking alongside people through their most sacred moments—both the joyful celebrations and the quiet heartbreaks. Whether you're a neighbor or a traveler just passing through, know there's always a seat waiting for you at the table.
But this work extends far beyond the pulpit.
I write to honor what breaks us and explore what heals us. I travel to find peace in unexpected places. I shoot archery to remember what it means to focus when everything feels scattered. I garden to understand that growth happens in soil and silence. I tell stories because I believe that's where the sacred lives—not just in churches, but everywhere.
My Journey
Fifteen years ago, I married my best friend and became a mother to five children. I have found that Sacred spaces aren't reserved for the holy. They're hidden in everyday moments—if we know where to look. Now, I spend my days as a pastor, counselor, and companion to people searching for meaning in a chaotic world. I write essays exploring faith, hope, and the sacred threads woven through ordinary life. I lead retreats and workshops for faith leaders and spiritual seekers. And I'm endlessly curious about how we find peace—in gardens, on hiking trails, at archery ranges, in conversations with strangers, and in the quiet moments before sunrise.
What You'll Find Here
Every week, I share essays about finding peace in unexpected places. About faith that asks questions and holds hope. About travel, spirituality, wonder, and what it means to live with intention when the world feels overwhelming. Some essays are personal stories. Some are pastoral reflections. Some are practical guidance for your own journey. Some are travel reflections from sacred places across Ohio and beyond. All of them are rooted in this truth: Peace isn't a destination. It's a practice. And it's available to anyone brave enough to look. If you're searching for peace, you'll find yourself here. If you're a faith leader wondering how to sustain your own soul while caring for others, you'll find guidance here. If you're simply overwhelmed by the world and need a weekly reminder that there's still beauty and meaning to be found, you'll find that here too.
Fun (and Slightly Unexpected) Facts About Me
- I'm a full-on garden geek. Dahlias are my pride and joy, and I believe composting is a spiritual practice.
- I have an unshakable love for Chick-fil-A—a love that began when I dressed up as a giant chicken named "Doodles" in high school. (Yes, there are photos. No, I won't show them—unless you ask nicely.)
- I'm a Level 5 USA Archer and compete through Ohio Archers. I shoot a recurve bow and love the stillness and focus it brings. There's something sacred about pulling back the bowstring and releasing what you can't hold.
- I'm happiest capturing moments—both grand and subtle—especially while traveling and exploring this wild, beautiful world.
- I believe storytelling is holy work. Sometimes, the best sermons are written in soil, silence, or soft laughter.
Welcome
You don't have to be religious to be here. You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to be human—which means you've felt lost, you've searched for peace, you've wondered if there's something sacred in the everyday.
There is.
And I'm here to help you find it.
Welcome to Sacred Spaces. I'm so glad you're here.
Education & Training
Bachelor of Science in Sociology – Kent State University
Master of Divinity – Gettysburg Seminary
- Concentration in Suffering & Bereavement
- Certification in Youth & Family Ministry
- Professional Interim Ministry Certificate
- Concentration: Pastoral Care
Certifications & Experience
- Master Coach – Dave Ramsey Financial Coaching
- Certified Foster/Adoptive Parent – State of Ohio
- Trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)
- Speaker, retreat leader, grief companion, and pastoral caregiver with a heart for those walking through loss, transition, and hope reborn.
- Pastoral Care Teacher - 5-week session of Growing in Faith Dikania class - Northeast & Northwest Ohio ELCA Synod 2024 & 202
Published work
- Children Sermon Writer for the Wonders of Worship is a Project of the Nourishing Vocation with Children at St. Olaf College 2024
- Sacred Care: A faith Leaders Guide to Supporting those Experiencing Pregnancy Loss - 2025
- The Love that Remains: A 30 Day devotion for families experiencing pregnancy loss - 2025