Welcoming Pastor Jared Carson and Deacon Laura Carson to Immanuel Lutheran Church
Immanuel Lutheran Church is delighted to welcome Pastor Jared Carson and Deacon Laura Carson as our new pastoral team.
The Carsons recently moved to Lewis County from the Fargo, North Dakota, area. Together, they bring a collaborative approach to ministry that combines pastoral care, teaching, diaconal service, community outreach, and congregational life.
Their arrival begins an exciting new chapter as Immanuel Lutheran celebrates 115 years of worship, service, and ministry in Centralia and throughout the Twin Cities area.
Pastor Jared Carson
“We are grateful for the warm Pacific Northwest welcome our family has received. We look forward to connecting with both the congregation and the wider Lewis County community as we worship, serve, and grow together in faith.”
— Pastor Jared and Deacon Laura Carson
Pastor Jared Carson is a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA. He is a native Californian who has lived in Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa. Pastor Jared graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in Telecommunications and minors in Business and Germanic Studies. In 2009, Pastor Jared received his Masters of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and was ordained in the ELCA. He has served in settled congregation ministry for more than 12 years at First Lutheran Church and School in Torrance, CA, Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, NM. Pastor Jared then served for 5 years as an Intentional Interim Minister, with training from the Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association (LuTMA) and served as Intentional Interim Minister at St. Peter’s Lutheran in Audubon, MN, St. John Lutheran in Fargo, ND, Calvary Lutheran in Grand Forks, ND, and Our Savior’s Lutheran in Valley City, ND. In addition, Pastor Jared serves as a part-time consultant for GSB Fundraising, a strategic planning and fundraising firm for churches and non-profits and holds a credential as a Certified Fund- Raising Executive (CFRE) through the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving.
Pastor Jared is married to Deacon Laura Carson, who is Co-Minister at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They have two sons, Andrew and Aaron. Their family enjoys hiking, camping, and travel. Pastor Jared is also involved in Scouting America with his sons.
Deacon Laura Carson
Deacon Laura Carson is a Minister of Word and Service in the ELCA. She was born and raised in rural Southern Ohio and was very active in her Lutheran congregation. Deacon Laura received her B.A. from Wartburg College in Religion with an emphasis in Youth & Family and Outdoor Ministries. She obtained her Master of Arts in Religion with a concentration in Christian Education from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. Deacon Laura has served in three unique ministry settings. Her internship and first call were at First Lutheran Church and School in Torrance, California, second call at Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and most recently as Associate with the Bishop in the Eastern North Dakota Synod. In addition, Deacon Laura is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. Deacon Laura is passionate about faith formation for all ages and equipping the saints for ministry in daily life. Deacon Laura and Pastor Jared have been married for more than 20 years and enjoy serving in ministry together. They have two teenage sons who keep them busy outside of ministry. Deacon Laura enjoys being outdoors in God's creation, hiking or exploring a new area, reading, cooking, and baking.
Join Us in the installation of Pastor Jared and Deacon Laura on October 11th, 2026 at 3pm
Immanuel Lutheran Church
1209 N. Scheuber Road
Centralia, Washington