New Life Church

Rob Carlson has been the pastor at New Life since 1996. He is married to Dianna and has two children, Erin and Ryan.

As he’s related, his greatest thrill about being a pastor is to witness people growing in their spiritual lives and connecting in profound ways with God. “Life is intended to be a journey. It has it’s ups and downs; highs and lows. But what makes it all consistent, worthwhile, and leads to fulfillment and satisfaction is dancing the dance that God hardwired into our souls from our very beginning.”

Rob is a student of the church and culture, looking to explore the many ways that God impacts the world and calls us to be God’s heart, habits, and hands. He recently received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

Paula Severson Director of Evangelism

Paula and her family have attended New Life for over 6 years.  She is married to Erik and has one daughter Lilly.

Paula has served in a volunteer capacity at New Life on the Spiritual Resources Team, the Vision Team, and with Tu Eternity – the worship band for the contemporary services.  Music has always been a large part of her life and she enjoys praising God with her voice.  She has found that the energy we give to God together in worship is very powerful and dynamic.

As the Director of Evangelism, Paula’s focus is finding unique ways for us as a congregation to give of ourselves at New Life and beyond into our communities.  She loves the saying “Be who God created you to be and go where He calls you to go.”  Her path to New Life has been an exciting adventure and she looks forward to serving God in this new role.

For enjoyment, Paula loves to travel, playing sports, playing her guitar, singing, and spending time with her family.

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Whitewater
Ann Walsvik Director of Ministries

Ann Walsvik is a lifetime Windsor, Wisconsin native and a member at New Life church with her family since the year 2000. Ann has been married to Rodney for 25 years and they have two boys, Orrie and Luke. The discovery of the New Life church worship community has brought about a continual life-changing journey with God for Ann and her family.

This trek taken with fellow travelers at New Life in search of God has brought alive a passion to share that journey with others. After experiencing, through prayer a calling into ministry, Ann enrolled and continues her education in the Lay School of Ministry through Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa and the ELCA South Central Synod of Wisconsin. Ann participates on the Faith Formation Team at New Life, leads worship and assists with the Kingdom Quest education program. She is also a former council member and small group leader. A disciple is a learner and Ann plans to continue to be a disciple of Christ and for Christ to others.

For enjoyment and relaxation Ann loves to read, walk, hike, camp, paddle a canoe, garden, sing and play, especially when she can do them with her family. “When I spend time in God’s creation with my family, I cannot help but be filled with wonder and awe at the mysteries of God’s kingdom surrounding us”

Fred Jensen Custodian

Fred Jensen, our church custodian, is our “go to guy.”  Since retiring from an executive position at a local company, Fred has been our church custodian; something he says he’s always wanted to do.

He is married to Jackie and has five children.

Becky Koch  Administrative Assistant

Becky Koch grew up in the Madison area.  She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Steven since 2000.  They have two precious children, Alyssa and Bryan.

After being hired as Administrative Assistant in September 2011, Becky and her family began attending Worship at New Life Church.  She fully believes God led her to New Life Church as a major step in her life journey.  The combination of community, acceptance and love you feel when coming to New Life Church has had a tremendous impact on her life.

Becky has an Associate’s Degree in Meeting and Event Management from Madison Area Technical College and certifications in Professional Bridal Consulting and Business Management.

For fun Becky enjoys:  reading, and spending time with her family attending Badger Hockey games, riding bikes, having picnics, camping or just goofing around.

Kathy Scholl Adult Choir Director

Kathy Scholl directs the Adult Choir that participates in the 8:00 a.m. Traditional Worship service.  Kathy, her husband Verne and son Jesse have been members of New Life Church since 1998.  She holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of Michigan, where she completed some music history and theory courses, studied flute, and played in the university’s Concert Band.  Kathy was involved throughout high school in bands, orchestra, choir, swing choir and musical theater.  Kathy is employed as a Communications Specialist-Senior for a Wisconsin state agency.  At New Life, Kathy has served on Council, the Communications Team, Stewardship Team, and as assistant to the Choir Director.  She felt a strong calling from God to step up and continue the important ministry of the Adult Choir.  “The Choir is an integral part of the first service on Sunday mornings, leading the congregation with hymns and parts of the service.”