My name is Rev. Laura Davison Kolden and every day begins with a prayer of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve among this loving congregation! I am an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ and was called to this church in February of 2019. Prior to that I served as an Associate in Ministry at Salem United Church of Christ in Verona for 12 years, and as the interim Director of Youth Ministries and Christian Education for two years at First Baptist Church in Madison.

​I am a preacher’s kid who grew up in the American Baptist tradition and confess I initially did everything I could to avoid a call to church ministry. My first career was in clinical social work, where I worked in community mental health agencies and private practice for 12 years. Eventually, God’s persistent nudges won out, and after graduating from Garrett Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, IL I was ordained in the United Church of Christ. I am truly an ecumenically inclined child of the Church!​

My husband Greg and I live on the near west side of Madison, close to our two adult children and my parents. We enjoy time with our family, getaways to Door County, hiking, biking, and time on the water in our kayaks. Music and reading are two other great loves of mine. I am also one of those people who love the four seasons; I will cheerfully walk our dog on a cold, snowy day in the winter wonderland!​

The faithful, generous, and resilient spirit of this congregation nurtures us in mutual friendship, care, and joy as we follow in Christ’s way. I am excited to see where the Holy Spirit is leading us next; if you are new to the area or to First UCC, I hope you will come join us! ​

~Pastor Laura
Office Phone: (608) 424-3572
Cell Phone: (608) 220-4983
[email protected]