Rev. Paula Anderson is an Iowa native from Lake Mills, Iowa. Her adult life journey began with her 1970 graduation from Lake Mills Community School and 1974 graduation with a B.A. in Elementary Education from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, She embarked on her first career, spending three years as a Montana country school teacher. Then, influenced by the TV program, EMERGENCY, she trained to become a professional fire fighter/rescue squad/paramedic. Though doing well in that program, heights were not her thing and her true passion was ministry. This led to completion of and consecration in 1983 in the Lutheran Diaconal Association at Valparaiso University in Indiana as a Deaconess sister. Then God called, nudged and opened doors to earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1989 at Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. In the course of that training, her yearlong intern pastorate was spent in Tanzania, East Africa, an experience that continues to profoundly impact personal and professional spiritual life.

       Paula has served n various capacities in ELCA, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, working mainly in small towns and rural areas. Other ministerial experiences have included nursing homes, assisted living centers, medical and state mental hospitals. In 1999, she changed to the United Church of Christ denomination. 

     Throughout the years until knee and foot issues sidelined her, volunteering on fire departments and ambulance squads has been a part of her life. Paula's hobbies include genealogy, reading (historical and autobiographical subjects), caring for her cat, Nova and participating in the Bell and Chancel Choirs at Peace. Paula has served at Peace since 2023 and enjoys the friendly atmosphere in Elkader along with the many activities that the town offers.

     "Wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome at Peace where God is still speaking and singing!" Karibuni sana--you are all very welcome!