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 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 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 grew up in New Jersey and lived in Baltimore for 18 years before coming to Centre County. She has lived in Bellefonte since 2008 and loves its small-town atmosphere. Trish holds an accounting degree from Rutgers University and loves working with numbers. As parish coordinator, she wears a variety of hats and helps wherever she can at the church and community. In her spare time, she likes to weed gardens, mow the lawn, play cards, and do puzzles. She also loves to crochet and is partners, with Sunday School Director Ellen Dyakiw, of “Scarves n’ More Duo.”

Larry has served as the Senior Warden since 2012. A cradle Episcopalian born in Williamsburg, Virginia, he attended Bruton Parish and Saint Martin’s churches. He came to Bellefonte in 2006, joined St. John’s, and first served on Vestry in 2009. He has assisted with many projects, such as restoration of the Fellowship Hall and rectory, floor repairs of the main entrance to the church, and Columbarium expansion. On Sundays he runs equipment for the video livestream to Facebook and YouTube.

Scott was raised in Milton, PA until his parents and family moved to Bellefonte in 1966. He was raised Lutheran and became the organist at St. John’s Episcopal Church at the age of 15.  By 17, he was a Rotary Exchange Student in New Zealand for a year, when he retired as organist. He has held several positions over the years, most recently as Junior Warden. Scott can be found checking on the buildings at least once a day, and he participates regularly in fundraisers by always lending a helping hand in our Fellowship Hall – most likely, at the kitchen sink! He also delivers the donated food to the local food bank every Tuesday.  On Sundays, he opens the church and makes sure the church is warmed/cooled for services, that the lights are on, the candles are lighted. and the hymn board is current. At times, Scott can be found on the altar either serving as sub-deacon or reading a lesson.