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 chair of the board of Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power and Light, a multi-faith organization working on faith-based advocacy and organization on environmental issues in Washington State. She is also a founding member of the Emerald City Ringers. 

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 more than human world.

She is excited to hear from you by email at pastorlaura@hallerlakeumc.org.

Dr. Lewis earned her Doctorate and Master in Music in harpsichord and early music performance from the University of Washington, where she studied with Carole Terry and Margriet Tindemans. Other teachers include Elizabeth Wright and Byron Shenkman.

Lisa performs frequently on piano and harpsichord with local orchestras including Early Music Guild productions, the Seattle Symphony, Northwest Sinfonietta, Orchestra Seattle, Seattle Choral Company, Tacoma Philharmonic and Bellevue Philharmonic.