A Note From Our Pastor:

Mountains have always been part of my story. Growing up in the Allgäu a region in Southern Germany, the Alps were right outside my door. I learned early that climbing a mountain takes effort—sometimes steep, sometimes rocky, sometimes leaving you breathless and wondering if you will ever reach the top. But once you do, the view is breathtaking, and gratitude fills your heart.

That picture of climbing and arriving has become, for me, a picture of faith and of life itself: God walks with us, even when the road is hard. I was born in 1983 as the first child of my parents, Wolfgang and Brigitte. Three years later, my younger brother joined our family. My childhood was filled with love and laughter, and many Sundays spent in church with my grandparents. Those early experiences planted the first seeds of my call to ministry. Although I was baptized Lutheran, much of my education was Catholic—kindergarten, school, and youth group. This gave me a unique perspective, teaching me both the differences and the many shared values between Lutherans and Catholics. Later, when I attended secondary school run by monks, I learned something that has stayed with me to this day: every person deserves respect as part of God’s creation, and every path we take can be walked with God at our side. My own path has had many turns. I studied Religious Education and Social Work, first planning to become a deacon. But during an internship, I realized that God was calling me instead to pastoral ministry. Another turning point came during an internship in the United States: there I felt clearly that my call was not to the Bavarian state church, but to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Back in Germany, I taught religion in schools—from fifth graders all the way to adults from many different backgrounds. I loved teaching, but the call to the ELCA never left me. In time, and together with my husband Kornelius, I was ready to take the next step. We moved to the United States in 2021, where I earned my Master of Divinity at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Since 2024 I have been serving as a Synod Authorized Minister in Indiana, growing in faith and ministry and since November at St. Matthews Luteran Church in Kings Mountain. Our family includes my husband Kornelius, our cat Chicco, and our two hamsters Cookie and Hazel. One of our favorite hobbies together is dancing—especially ballroom and Latin. Another great joy for us is tent camping. Out in nature I feel especially close to God. Time outdoors recharges my batteries, renews my spirit, and often provides inspiration for my sermons. Now God is leading me to Reformation Lutheran Church in Taylorsville. I know there will be steep stretches and rocky ground ahead. But I also know there will be new views, new moments of gratitude, and new joys along the way. Psalm 121 reminds us that we do not climb alone: our help comes from the Lord, who strengthens us and gives us hope for the road ahead. I look forward to walking this path with you, trusting that God is already with us on the journey.