Pastor Laura’s appointment at Haller Lake began on July 1, 2021. She served as Associate Pastor at Renton United Methodist Church and at Aldersgate United Methodist Church before coming to Haller Lake. Laura earned her Master’s of Divinity from Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry in 2017. She also holds a Master of Engineering in environmental engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before becoming a pastor in the United Methodist Church, Laura was a high school chemistry teacher for over 25 years, teaching in public schools in several states.
Laura also serves as Co-Caretaker of God's Creation for the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church, and in that capacity is an advisory member of the Commission on Environmental Stewardship for the conference. She participates in the Worship Team of the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement. Laura is co-chair of the Sea-Tac Missional District Committee on Ministry. She is also a founding member of the Emerald City Ringers and part of the Steering Committee for the Aurora Reimagined Coalition.
Pastor Laura has been married to Eric Baumgartner since 1999 and they have one daughter. Pastor Laura’s hobbies include ringing handbells, swimming, and advocating for public education for all and for those whose voices may not always be included in decision making circles, especially voices of the beyond human world.
She is excited to hear from you by email at pastorlaura@hallerlakeumc.org.
