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 cherishes our longing to continue the work of Jesus, peacefully, simply, together. She loves interim ministry because it is a way for us to embrace change and get better at adapting to change. She believes that humans are divinely designed for transition, and seeks to honor people's capacity for change and struggle so they can trust the strength and creativity that is already within them.
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, Portland, OR, Minneapolis, central PA and Mexico. Anna Lisa and her husband Phillip lived in a van with three dogs and two cats, and learned to appreciate plumbing.
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.
Alexis shoda, office manager
Alexis is a full-time history and English student at Purdue Fort Wayne as well as a spouse and mother to three children. She enjoys reading and writing about history as well as reading fiction for fun. She also enjoys spending time traveling with her family and attending their various extra curricular activities.