About Pastor Kayla

Pastor Kayla's journey of faith started in a small town outside of Pittsburgh and inspired a love of music, the language through which God spoke to her the most. This led her to study music at Capital University in Columbus, OH and venture on to study music therapy at Temple University. Through working with all kinds of populations, Pastor Kayla witnessed the movement of the Holy Spirit through the rhythms, harmonies, and melodies of music. However, during her work in hospice and palliative care, she experienced the presence of God in a way that no longer allowed her to ignore God’s call and led her to seminary.

As part of her studies at United Lutheran Seminary (ULS), Pastor Kayla was blessed to serve as an intern at Grace starting in 2020 prior to being called to serve the congregation in 2022. Outside of church, Pastor Kayla loves cooking, gardening, and hiking with her partner, Beth, and their rambunctious dog, Olive.

About Sister Paula

Sister Paula Estornell has a passion for serving God and neighbor. She has served in church, nonprofit, and government sectors offering pastoral support, conducting trainings and retreats, preaching, leading volunteer public service initiatives and community development.

Sister Paula is a member of the ELCA Deaconess Community and a graduate of United Lutheran Seminary. Her prior career included service in the U.S. Peace Corps, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of the Interior. She holds certifications in spiritual direction and leadership.

Sister Paula loves travel, the outdoors, the arts, good jokes, playing the ukelele and hosting potlucks with friends and family.

One of her favorite bible verses is:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, … but encouraging one another...” – Hebrews 10:24-25