Our Pastor

Meet Pastor Anne

I grew up in Aurora, IL, and went to Valparaiso University. I received my BA from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. I graduated from Rush Medical College. I am an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago, and continue to practice medicine at Silver Cross Hospital.

A Calling

On March 18, 2018, while at a conference at Duke University, I was called into Ministry. I began seminary in the fall of 2018 and completed my Master of Divinity in December 2023.

First Immanuel

In January 2021, I visited First Immanuel for the first time. I felt so at home and knew that I wanted to be here for my internship. Pastor Therwanger took a picture of me in the pulpit. Little did we know what God was up to!

Internship

I loved being an intern at First Immanuel. I preached, led Bible study, made home visits and taught Sunday School.  I gave Ashes to Go, distributed food with Paws Salvation and walked with the CROP Walk.

A New Chapter

When Pastor Therwanger left in May 2023 to take a new call, I became the Synodically-Authorized Minister at First Immanuel until a new pastor was called.  I was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA on February 11, 2024, and installed as the 15th and first female pastor of First Immanuel on March 17, 2024.