In 1990, Pastor Ann received her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion with a minor in Human Services from Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University) in Fremont, Nebraska. Following her graduation from college, she went through a youth ministry training program. She was a youth director for a short time, worked as a live-in houseparent for a couple years, spent about 15 years selling sporting goods, and also worked with insurance and investments for a couple years. In 2011, Ann made the decision to listen to God's calling for her and went to seminary. In 2016, she received her Masters of Divinity from the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in New Brighton, Minnesota. She spent 2 years as a chaplain working with veterans at the VA in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Pastor Ann's internship was in Billings, Montana, where she worked at Peace Lutheran Church as an intern pastor and with St. John's United as a chaplain intern. Following her time in Billings, Montana, she served as an interim pastor for various churches in southwestern Minnesota. She was ordained in March of 2021.
In July of 2022, the people of New Day Lutheran Church voted to call Pastor Ann to serve alongside them as their pastor, and in August, Pastor Ann moved to Idaho Falls with her wife Theresa, their dog Journey, and their horse, whose name happens to be "The Reverend"—"Rev" "Rev" for short. Ann enjoys cooking, smoking and curing foods, fishing, hunting, painting, drawing, taking photos, and getting together with friends and family in her spare time. Theresa is passionate about ancestry research, horses, technology, hunting, fishing, enjoying nature in general, and helping others whenever and however she can.
One of Pastor Ann's goals is to remind people of how much they are loved by God, meet them where they're at, and encourage them in their faith.
We're here to listen, support, and welcome you into our inclusive community at New Day Lutheran Church. Let's start a conversation and explore together the boundless love and grace of God.