Page 9 - KOG Glory & Grace, Issue 8, November 2022

PAGE 9
Top: Sarah and her granddaughter, Annika.
Right: Sarah directing in worship.
Raised in a musical family, you might say that Sarah's path to become a musician was pre-ordained. Her parents sang in the church choir, her mother directed the church children's choir, and her siblings (one sister and two brothers) frequently sang at home, as if SATB music was made just for them. Following in her parents footsteps she got her degree at Kansas State studying music education and became an elementary school music teacher in 1973.
As the path of life unfolded, Sarah got married and then had three children, Ryan, Jenna, and Adam. After that, however, Sarah's path took an unexpected turn that ended in divorce. Though things were changing, Sarah's love of music and joy in sharing music with others carried her forward.
Now living In Nebraska, Sarah participated in a Nebraska Synod Music Event through her church where she met her future husband, Tom Schlotterback. Tom was also divorced and had two children (Brooke and Mark).
STAFF FEATURE Sarah Schlotterback
Director of King of Glory Glory Ringers Handbell Choir
Tom, an ELCA Pastor, soon took a new call in Montana, and they made the choice to continue dating long distance, which lasted five years.
In 1997, Tom was called to serve King of Glory as Pastor. By 1999, Tom and Sarah were ready not only to work together, but to share life together as well! Tom and Sarah were married at KOG in the summer of 1999. For the next 11 years Sarah served in many roles at KOG including: Adult Choir Director, Music Coordinator, Service Player, Children's Choir Accompanist, and Sunday School Musician. All this while also teaching elementary music in Billings Schools!
Their shared path led them next to Fargo, ND for five years, only to return back "home" to Billings in 2015. Sarah retired from teaching in 2018 after a teaching career that spanned five states and 37 years. But music kept calling to her and in 2019 Sarah became KOG's Bell Choir Director. To date, Sarah has been a church musician (singing, playing, and/or directing) for 40 years and counting! Even on her "days off" Sarah enjoys playing piano for worship when Tom preaches across the state (or across the street at St. John's United). For all the twists and turns that have brought Sarah back to KOG, we give thanks to God!