About Us
St. John’s says a lot just through its simple mission statement: Grow in Faith, Share God’s Love, Serve Others. Those really are the things that we feel called to do in this world – and called by God to help others do as well. We try to honor the traditions that came before us and we also love to find new ways to serve. If you are looking for a place to call your church home or a group of people to serve side by side with, St. John’s is a great place to start!
Our Story:
Since 1787
We were founded in 1787 as a small congregation on Poplar Church Road (near Holy Spirit Hospital). Through many moves and buildings (including a time in historic Peace Church), we have seen God work in ways that we never would have thought possible. The building we worship in now was build in 1970 and we call it home. There is always a place to you no matter where we gather together!
What We Believe
St.John’s is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. More than that, we are a community of servants in the world grounded in Christ’s love to grow in our faith in order to love and serve others. We commit ourselves to a life of worship, service, fellowship, education and witness.
Staff
Lead Pastor Sarah Keilholtz
Pastor Sarah was called as our Lead Pastor in June of 2020 after serving as our Associate since 2008. She received her Bachelors in Religion and History from Luther College in Decorah, IA and her MDiv from Gettysburg Seminary (now United Lutheran Seminary) in 2005. She and her husband Greg call Dillsburg home, where they live with their children Nicholas and Hannah.
Associate Pastor Elizabeth Eckman
Pastor Elizabeth is a graduate of United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, PA. Prior to her call to ministry she grew up in Harrisburg, PA and has a B.A in Telecommunications from The Pennsylvania State University. After college she worked at CBS21 News and felt a call to dive deeper into her faith and fell in love with scripture, pastoral care, and preaching. Elizabeth and her husband, Rev. Jay Eckman, love to cook, exercise, work with youth and young adults, and hang out with family and friends. Elizabeth’s loves to praise God through song, fellowship and quality time with God’s people.
Office Manager Deanna Kendall
Financial Manager Terry Smith
Director of Children and Youth Ministries Grace Roux
Minister of Music Tom Notestine
Council
The Church Council includes members from the many different demographics here at St. John’s. They meet every month on the second Tuesday, both in person and online, to enable and support the work of the Church in a way that is consistent with its mission, vision, and adheres to the constitution and is in line with the ELCA. They strive to do God’s work in the world with thoughtfulness, integrity, and respect that share a common vision.
- Sue Lassi – Council President
- Judd Fodness
- Dave Smith
- Mary Young
- John Stoner
- Andrea Pahowka
- Jessica Alandar
- Joel Kroft
- Tom Kutz
- Gary Gardner (Elder)
Get Involved
Want to know more about St. John’s? A great place to start is by coming to worship! We want to know you and can’t wait to see what God does with us together!
Address
44 W Main Street
Shiremanstown PA 17011
Get Directions
Service Hours
Sat : 6pm
Sun : 9am
Contact Us
(717) 761-5121
[email protected]