Author: Paula Mehmel
Paula V. Mehmel describes herself as “a radical, evangelical, Lutheran mystic.” After 24 years serving as a pastor in North Dakota, she recently moved to New England, where she serves as senior pastor of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, Conn. A Minnesota native, she holds an undergraduate degree in English and German from Washington University in St. Louis and her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. “Pastor Paula,” as she is widely known, is a popular speaker, writer and proud single mother of two sons who both attend Harvard University. With a passion for serving the last, the lost and the least, Mehmel is a committed community member with a special interest in homelessness, refugee resettlement and addressing issues of sexual violence. She also created a no-cut community theater in Casselton, N.D., to assure herself a small role in the ensemble each summer, fulfilling her desire to sing and dance on stage. One of the many reasons she is thrilled with her recent move is that she is two hours from New York City, where she goes to as many shows on Broadway as possible. Thus far, though, no opportunities to perform. She relishes the opportunity to share her thoughts on anything from social justice to theology to random musings about her latest travel adventures.
