East Immanuel Staff

Rev. Hillary Toulson

Pastor
pastor@eastimmanuel-lutheran.org

Hello! I am Pastor Hillary Toulson. I have served East Immanuel Lutheran Church since February of 2023. It is an absolute joy to serve the community with all the people of East Immanuel. My call is to tell people about our God who loves us unconditionally and welcomes all people into the body of Christ, no exception.

I grew up in Baldwin, WI and graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School in 2001. For undergraduate, I attend UW-Stevens Point double majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education. After graduating in May of 2006, I spent two years in England volunteering through the Young Adult in Global Mission program in the ELCA. I came back to the USA and started my teaching career in the Osceola School District. I taught for two years in Osceola then 11 years in the Somerset School District.

In the fall of 2017, I followed God’s call to seminary. I attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN as a distributive learner while teaching full-time. I graduated from Luther with a Masters of Divinity in June of 2022. I received my first call to East Immanuel Lutheran Church in December of 2022. I am grateful to God for this journey of faith and how it has shaped me as a person and as a minister.

My husband, Sam, and I married in July of 2011. We are blessed with three children Lillian, Oscar, and Eloise. As a family we enjoy kayaking, biking, watching sports, and just being outside. I enjoy reading, kayaking, and walking in my free time.

My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41: 9-10.

you whom I took from the ends of the earth
and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant;
I have chosen you and not cast you off”;

do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

We are all chosen and called by God. God is with us through it all. God loves us through it all.

Pastor Hillary and family

Amy Stender

Office Assistant
Director of Music & Worship
office@eastimmanuel-lutheran.org

Amy grew up going to East Immanuel Lutheran Church. She got a Bachelor of Music Degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN focusing on Vocal Performance and Church Music. When she has her Director of Music and Worship hat on at East Immanuel, she leads the music in the contemporary service once a month, directs the hand-bell choir, and plans worship music.

When she has her Administrative Assistant hat on, she puts together church bulletins, announcements, PowerPoints, and other tasks to help the congregation. Her hobbies are playing music, knitting, giving private music lessons, and spending time with her family.

Officers of the Congregation