Claire Partlow- Central Region

Claire Partlow

 and youngest granddaughter- Clara Suzanne at her Baptism.

Most of the time we could never predict

 where the plan of the Lord
 might take us in a life time.

In a recent conversation with Claire Partlow,
I was able to listen to a bit of her story.

Sometimes a simpler beginning

 becomes a complex time line. 

Claire was an only child
 that had six children of her own.
High school days led her to graduate
 from Luther High South in Chicago. 

She later followed her husband
 in a career with Illinois Bell

 that took them to New Jersey for thirty years.

Here the Lord opened her heart

 to work with teens and music.

Fundamental for her was a heart passion for relevant

 and fine music that would engage young people

 from preschool to teen years.
 Later, she worked as a leader in worship music.

Claire is an advocate for homeschooling

 and was able to participate

 in this with her four youngest children.
While on a 4-year rotation in CA,
she led a mentoring program
at Christ Lutheran, Costa Mesa.

 A variety of experiences from

 leading worship teams

 to working with lay leaders

 led her to further studies.

She obtained a Masters in Theology

 from Concordia University, Irvine,

and a Doctorate in Worship Studies

 from Robert E. Webber Institute
 of Worship Studies, Orange Park, Florida.

In retirement they have landed in Williamsburg

 and love biking and spending time

 with their family and loved ones. 

One of the most delightful events

 that she plans with her husband, Gene,

 is the summer "Cousins Camp" that they host.

Pirates Camp was a hit-

 and you just don't know

 what they will pull together

 to delight the grandchildren-
 and that now totals 15!

All of life's experiences support

 the calling we each have

 and the Lord does not waste

 anything in this process

 of bringing things to completion.

Claire is teaching at the college level
 as Adjunct Professor of Religion
 at Saint Leo University, Fort Eustis, Va.

 and involved with young people in conversation

 about the Emergence of Christianity
 and Salvation History.

She brings encouragement to all of us-

 to keep on learning,

to keep asking good questions-

to ENGAGE..

May the Lord grant her wisdom and grace

 as she lives on mission 

with a heart for worship-

 tied to the message of the Gospel.

Claire is a member

 of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg.

She is a workshop and event speaker.

 Her contact information

 and topical lists can be found here-

Workshop and retreat leader