Laura Tanguturi

Laura Tanguturi came to Haygood in 2022 after Alice Gepp approached her at the club where they both play tennis. Around the same time Tara Van Dam, her yoga instructor, also invited her to visit Haygood. “I thought, well that’s twice now I’ve heard it, so I looked into it,” she said. Since Laura and her husband, Dr. is Harsha Tanguturi, are parents of two young children, Wrenna and Kusher, she wanted to know about children’s programs at church.

“The kids at Haygood all go to a bunch of different schools—not just Morningside, next door to the church. My kids felt very comfortable with that. At first, they just wanted to come for the donuts, but we could build on that,” she said.

As often happens, children’s participation at church led to — her own involvement. “The only way to feel connected is to volunteer,” said Laura. who has pitched in at VBS, Sunday School, Hospitality, and more at her ”new church.” But this is not her first church by any means.

She got her start at Mt. Vernon UMC in Mt. Vernon, Ill. “Honestly, it was part of our childhood routine in a small town. Mom and Dad would always take us to Wednesday night supper and children’s church, and they’d help cook or do whatever needed to be done and we went along. Our friends’ parents did the same. It was just what we did.”

One of the things Laura has done at Haygood is to bring her love of and skill with amazing crafts and snacks for kids. When they enter the rooms where Laura has spent the preceding day setting up art projects or delicious homemade treats, their eyes get wide and they settle in for a fun time. That’s true of all the kids, but of course, she’s glad her own children are there to experience the joy as well.

“I do think it’s important for the kids to see me as a person whose actions speak louder than words,” she said. “They know that I serve and I love to use my talents. in a way it’s a legacy for my kids to see how they can use the gifts God gave them.”

As for her own journey to this place of worship and action, Laura said, ”The word ‘yes’ (to the invitations of Alice and Tara) holds so much power. By saying yes, you sometimes get something you didn’t expect.” 

Anne Dukes talked with Laura Tanguturi in 2025.