Clergy & Staff
We have begun the search process for a rector. We were blessed to have had The Rev. Carlos de la Torre with us for four years. He enriched our worship and congregational life immeasurably. In addition, he worked tirelessly to serve the local community in many ways. We are grateful for the time that Fr. Carlos spent with us and wish all the best for him.
We now are in our discernment and search process and hope to call a rector soon.
Prayer for Guidance as we search for a Rector
Creator of all good things, you have blessed our parish with the gifts of loving community, devotion, and discernment. Grant that we may deepen our commitment to you, to each other, and to the future of our congregation during this search process. May we grow together in grace so that we may be fully prepared to support the ministry of our new rector; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN
The Rev. Kevin Lowe, Deacon
The Reverend Kevin M. Lowe was ordained to the diaconate in December, 2023, and anticipates being ordained to the priesthood in the summer of 2024. Born and raised in Ithaca, NY, he has lived in State College since 2007. He is completing his Masters of Divinity at Bexley Seabury Seminary in Chicago. Deacon Kevin is also a historian of American religion with a PhD from Penn State; a professional musician; and a husband and father.
The Rev. Alex Dyakiw, Deacon
The Reverend Alex Dyakiw was ordained to the diaconate in 2007. A Brooklyn native, Deacon Alex and his wife, Ellen, relocated to Bellefonte in the early 1990s. He has been active in the community ever since his arrival: he was a leader in a local scout troop and volunteered at Bellefonte Elementary School, where his wife taught. Since ordination, Deacon Alex has led, or participated in, many ministries in the area. He leads Bible studies and facilitates twelve-step programs for men and women at the local prison, conducts worship services at the county nursing home, and serves as an adjunct instructor in spirituality for nursing students at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology.
Ellen Dyakiw, Children’s Sunday School Director
After teaching elementary school for thirty years, Ellen has taken her love for children into our Sunday school classroom. As director, she believes that a strong religious foundation will help young people grow to live a caring and meaningful life. Ellen is very involved in community projects, such as the local food bank, Centre Care Nursing Home and the Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Festival. Moving from New York in the 1990’s, Ellen’s home is in Bellefonte and her heart is at St. John’s church. She lives here with her husband, Deacon Alex.
Erik Clayton, Organist & Choir Director
Erik Clayton was appointed Director of Choirs at State College Area High School in 2015. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Penn State University, where he studied choral conducting with Dr. Lynn Drafall and Dr. Christopher Kiver. Erik has served as Co-Director of Choirs at Williamsport Area High School and Director of Choirs at Central Dauphin High School. From 2011-2012 he served as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Williamsport Chamber Choir and Orchestra, where he appeared as a Guest Conductor with the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra. Choirs under Erik’s direction have performed at PMEA All-State Conferences and received numerous Superior ratings at adjudication events. At St. John’s, he directs a quartet of singers and provides special music (including wind and string accompaniments and an augmented choir) for High Feast Days. Having served as church musicians for more than 15 years, Erik and his wife, Rebecca, are proud to call St. John’s their church home. They reside in State College with their four children.
Barbara Roberson, Parish Treasurer
Barbara Roberson came to live in Bellefonte in 2007 with her husband, Larry. They chose to make St. John’s their spiritual home and became members soon after. Barbara is a Scot, born and brought up on the northeast coast of Scotland. In addition to being treasurer, she serves on the Altar Guild, volunteers with FaithCentre, and helps with the children’s Sunday School.
Trish Weidemann, Parish Coordinator
Trish grew up in New Jersey and lived in Baltimore for 18 years before coming to Centre County. She moved to Bellefonte from State College ten years ago. Trish holds an accounting degree from Rutgers University of New Jersey and loves working with numbers. In her spare time she likes to weed the garden, mow the lawn, play cards, do puzzles, and walk her dog. She also loves to crochet and is partners, with Sunday School Director Ellen Dyakiw, of “Scarves & Things.”