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

Ruth Schnepp- In Memoriam

+ Ruth Schnepp +  May 21, 1941 - December 17, 2014  Ruth Marie Schnepp, aka Ruthie, was born on May 21, 1941 to Herman and Ruth Kruelle and was reborn through the waters of Holy Baptism on June 22 in Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She made confession and confirmed her faith on Palm Sunday, 1955. On Oct. 9, 1960 she married Carroll Pfaff. They had two children, Karen and David, who in turn, with their spouses Gary and Lori, gave "MeMe" five grandchildren Charity, Benjamin, Amy, Ashley, and Lauren. On May 25, 1983 Ruth married Rev. Kenneth Schnepp and added his two daughters Mary and Katie to the family. As time went along Mary's husband Jason and then their son Benjamin joined the family. A gift of Ruth's was her servant heart. She served on various Altar Guilds, participated in LWML, and worked on numerous church committees as well as church council. Although Ruth didn't necessarily see herself as a leader, often her willingness to serve developed into leadership positions. As a teenager she served as the Secretary of the Eastern District Walter League. She was the adult advisor and leader for Bethlehem's Walther League when her children were teens. She was VBS director and coordinator and organized many a church dinner over the years at the churches to which she belonged. She also organized the successful Spring and Fall Festivals at Oxon Hill Lutheran Church. Her servant heart was utilized in her employment at Wockenfuss Candy Store for 10 years and then at Manor Care for 15 years until her retirement. Although she started at Manor Care as a server, she was promoted to assistant activities director, which made use of more of Ruth's God-given gifts, hospitality and a cheerful, joy-filled heart.  It seems poignant that her final days occurred during Advent, a time in the church year for preparation and eager anticipation of the King/Bridegroom's coming. By faith Ruth looked expectantly for Jesus to come and take her to be with Him in Heaven. Ruth leaves a lasting legacy for her loved ones of love, faith and laughter. Well done, thou good and faithful servant. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4815 Hamilton Ave., Baltimore, MD 21206, 410-488-4445 or Oxon Hill Lutheran Church, 3415 Brinkley Rd., Temple Hills, MD 20748, 301-894-3773 on the Memo line designate: Ruth Schnepp. Ruth was a sister-in Christ that was a gift among her friends and family, we will remember her laughter as we tell the stories of God's faithfulness in her life that continue to bless our days. Ruth is the mother of Karen Olson, married to Rev. Gary Olson of Richmond, Virginia. The photo is of Ruth on her 70th birthday.

Sally Betzner- In Memoriam

+ Sally Betzner +  November 7, 1943 - December 30, 2014

Sally A. Steinke Betzner, wonderful wife, perfect mother, and grandmother extraordinaire died on December 30, 2014.  Sally was surrounded by her loving family as she entered into eternal life in God's continued care. Sally blessed the world with her presence on November 7, 1943 in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York.  She was the fourth of six children. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Islip, Long Island, New York.  She memorized the entire catechism for her confirmation at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Albany, New York. Sweet Sally attended Bethlehem Central High School where she attained her high school diploma in 1961. She attended Concordia College, Bronxville, New York and Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois in combination which culminated into her receiving her bachelor's degree in 1965. Sally married Reverend David J. Betzner on August 20, 1966, at Grace Lutheran Church, Brentwood, Long Island, New York.  This was by far the best day of David J's life! But it gets better. Sally and David were blessed with three children and two sons in law, Jennifer Lynne Betzner Kaetzel and son in law Arthur Kaetzel of Frederick, Rachel Anne Betzner Butts and son in law  "Grandmother Extraordinaire" surrounded by her grandchildren. Matthew Butts of Hagerstown, and Chad David Betzner of Frederick and partner Maura Elizabeth McGonigle of Washington, DC. Even better, Sally and David were blessed with six grandchildren, Maggie Lynne Kaetzel, Anna Elizabeth Kaetzel, Carlee Joanne Kaetzel, David Andrew Butts, Logan Matthew Butts, and Gracie Ella Butts. "Miss Sally", as she is lovingly known by her young library patrons and those she taught at Rock Creek School, retired from her position as Program Director and the "Queen of Story Time" at Frederick County Public Library in November of 2006. Sally is survived by her siblings, Russell Steinke, Peter Steinke, Paul Steinke, Alan Steinke, and Bonnie Steinke Finck. Sally is preceded in death by her parents,  Reverend Arthur F. Steinke and Marquerite W. Steinke. It is Sally's request that those who desire to give memorials in her name give them to an Educational Fund for her grandchildren to: "Sally Betzner Memorial Trust" which can be sent to Sandy Spring Bank at 14 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701 Sometimes the faith story we live comes full circle after we leave our early home. Our life is the testimony and serves mad the basis of the retelling of a life lived for the Lord. In the past few weeks we have lost some of our faith-filled sisters in Christ.  And in this spot we are reminded of the importance of telling our Story because it brings HIM GLOLRY- all the days of our life. Connie Denninger

Kate McCord-Leaning into Christ

I am currently reading this book and thankful for the helpful perspectives and examples that Kate has for "being present" with our Muslim neighbors and friends. She is articulate, spirit-filled and down-to-earth in her approach and examples.  Don't miss out on spending a day with Kate!    Connie Denninger

Leaning into Christ

 Seminar with Kate McCord

Saturday-January 31, 2015

Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm

• Location: St. John's Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Road, Alexandria VA, 22310

 Register online at:
https://sjlc.wufoo.com/forms/leaning-into-christ-workshop-registration/

Sometimes we can’t change our situations,

but we can find and follow Christ

 even in the midst of suffering.

 In this interactive workshop, 

we’ll explore a wide variety of approaches

 we can use to lean into Christ 

even in the most difficult situations 

and how we can help our 

Muslim neighbors and friends do the same.

We’ll look at the reality of hard situations

 and some of the different perspectives

 we and our Muslim neighbors bring to the world.

 We’ll recognize our limitations and responsibilities

 in responding to the evil around us.

We’ll focus on four key approaches

 to finding Christ in the hard places: 

1.embracing God’s love for us as revealed in the Psalms, 2.seeing God’s love and goodness in past experiences, 3.preparing to see and recognize God’s blessings in the situations we face, AND
4.considering the power of Christ’s story in Scripture, our own lives and how we can draw strength and perspectives from Him.

Participants should bring a notebook, pen and Bible.
Registration: 8:30-9:00 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Cost is $25 pre-event and $30 day of event.
Limited space for this event- REGISTER NOW.