The following biographical information was written in 2007. In 2008 Pastor Mary became the pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church on Tuckaseegee Road in Charlotte, NC.
Rev. Mary S. Lautensleger
The Rev. Mary S. Lautensleger was born in Lenoir, NC, where she was an active member of First United Methodist Church. She earned Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati.
Pastor Lautensleger
After graduation, Mary taught instrumental and vocal music in the Ohio public schools, and piano at Miami University. She also taught private lessons in piano and various other instruments in her own studio. Before becoming a pastor, she served as director of music and parish educator in Lutheran, Presbyterian, and United Methodist churches in southwestern Ohio.
Pastor Mary earned the Master of Theological Studies degree at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, the Master of Divinity degree at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, and is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree at Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, NC.
Mary has co-authored 3 books of sermon anthologies published by CSS Publishers, Inc., Lima, Ohio: Sermons on the First Readings, Series 2, Cycle B and Sermons on the First Readings, Series 2, Cycle C. Sermons on the Second Readings, Series 3 Cycle A, will be released in the summer of 2007.
Mary and her husband Richard have three children. Kristen, of Middletown, Ohio; Kirk of Denver, Colorado; and Tiffany, of New York City. In her leisure time she enjoys duplicate bridge, travel, and walking her Springer Spaniel grand-dog Nema.
Mary is a member of the board of Stanly County Habitat for Humanity.
The picture of Pastor Lautensleger is used with the permission of Olan Mills.