Staff
Paula Ulrich, Pastor
Pastor Paula feels passionate about following Jesus and interpreting scripture and the work of the church through his lens and law of love. She is thrilled to be part of a community of faith that welcomes, supports, and affirms all people (you can see the inclusive list in “Who We Are.”) Pastor Paula has many eclectic interests, which include (but are not nearly limited to) making her own personal items like shampoo and lavender deodorant to reading the world atlas to trying new gluten & grain-free recipes to watching K-dramas. Some of her treasured memories include tent camping across the country with her family.
Pastor Paula has a Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, IN, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Bridgewater College (VA). She has been ordained in the Church of the Brethren since 2009, and served two churches and a retirement community before joining Beacon Heights in ministry. She and her husband, Dan, share two delightful adult children and a sweet daughter-in-love. Genna and Hannah live in Portland, Maine; and Rachel lives in Richmond, IN.
Anna lisa gross, pastor
pastorannalisa@beaconheights.net
Anna Lisa Gross is rooted in the Church of the Brethren and continues to be part of this community because we strive to continue the work of Jesus, peacefully, simply, together. Anna Lisa has a M.Div. from Bethany Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Journalism. Her ordination is in the Church of the Brethren and she’s also pastored in the United Church of Christ. She grew up on a small organic farm near North Manchester and has also lived in India, Northern Ireland, Guatemala, Oregon, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Mexico. Anna Lisa and her husband Phillip lived in a van with three dogs and two cats, and learned to appreciate plumbing. Now they live in a small house (much bigger than a van) that Phillip built, back on that family farm near North Manchester.
Melody Tyree, music director
Melody is the very talented singer/pianist for the Beacon Heights music program. She coordinates and leads the choir, solo performances, hand bell choir, and the more contemporary musical selections. Her passion for music comes through in her creative, musical spirit, melding traditional hymns with modern expressions of faith through song. Melody enjoys spending quality time with her three young adult daughters.
TEGHAN HAMMOND, office manager
Teghan is a published author as well as the office manager and loves to write in her free time. She lives with her partner and three adorable cats who are their whole world. She loves good coffee and good food.