I was born in Gettysburg, PA; raised in Harford County, MD; attended Harford County Schools; and graduated from Aberdeen High School. I have received degrees from Dupage College in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and in 2014 from the Lutheran Seminary of Gettysburg, recently renamed United Lutheran Seminary.
My pre-ecumenical work career spanned a few different areas from switchboard operator to engineering clerk, and eventually to an Assistant Vice President at AllFirst Bank, where I retired. Blessed with lots of energy and restlessness, retirement lasted only a few months before I was asked to work with a pastor as a ministry assistant. With the guidance of a few pastors I began to recognize God was calling me into ministry as a pastor. Next came seminary, and the delight and challenge of learning, growing and listening to God’s leading.
A call from Trinity Lutheran Church, Choteau, MT was extended and St. Luke’s (Winter’s) Lutheran Church in Westminster, our home church at the time, hosted my ordination. On August 17th, 2014, I began serving Trinity Lutheran Church.
I am married to a wonderful husband and best friend, Glenn for 46 years. Together, we enjoy travel, hiking, camping, fitness, golf, and spending time with our family. We have six children, three we raised plus their spouses, who we adore just as much. There is Kerri and Andrew who live in Glen Rock, PA with their three boys, Michael (a junior at Towson University), Erik (First Year Midshipman at the Naval Academy), and Aidan (a 7th grader). Next is Brittany and her spouse, Alan, who live in Upperco, MD. Finally, our son, Matt and his wife, Courtney, who live in Eldersburg, MD and have two young children, Samantha, who will be 6 years old in December and Mason, who has survived the terrible two’s. Among our many joys is my Mom, who lives in the house Dad built for us in 1960 in Churchville, MD.
I have spent most of my life enjoying God’s beautiful and uniquely created world. I cannot remember a time when I was not either volunteering, assisting the Pastor, teaching Sunday School, or leading Vacation Bible School. Living in a Christian community and doing my best to help and care for others is really our vocation each day whether in the role of pastor, wife, mother, daughter or friend. God calls us into community and into relationship with each other and my joy comes from hearing your stories, listening to what makes your heart sing, and learning what things you are concerned with. I love to laugh, sing a few notes, and do silly things with the little ones (and God’s more mature children). We know it’s a crazy world, yet I feel blessed being a simple vessel, and with humbleness offer my hands, feet, voice and heart as the Lord has need.
Blessings to all,
Pastor Betty Lou Deuchler