Meet the Staff. . .
Pastor Terri
Senior Pastor
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Pastor Terri formally accepted the call to ministry at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist in August 2017. Her relationship with our community began much earlier, having served as a supply pastor in 2009—a pivotal season that laid the foundation for years of mutual trust and partnership. She is deeply energized by St. John’s dedicated downtown presence and champions our local and global partnerships, including Beardsley Primary Center, Susanna’s Kitchen, and the Diocese of Honduras.
At the core of her ministry is a passion for vibrant worship, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ, and sharing the sacraments. Pastor Terri actively serves the broader Diocese as a Council member, a member of the Commission on Ministry, and as both a Board Member and Secretary of the Foundation. Her extensive background in community advocacy includes serving on a Habitat for Humanity Board, volunteering at a pregnancy crisis center, partnering with Mosaic ministry for the intellectually disabled, and speaking on religious diversity at the University of Notre Dame. She also holds a deep interest in the Deaf Community and American Sign Language, having conducted dedicated research at Gallaudet University.
For recreation and renewal, Pastor Terri cherishes time with her family. She has been married to Rev. Dr. Brian Peterson—teacher and Dean of Boys at Trinity School at Greenlawn—for 28 years. Together, they have three children: Rachael, an ASL interpretation graduate working in mental health advocacy; Keegan, an artist studying at Beloit College; and Liam, an Eagle Scout and camp area director also studying at Beloit. Their family dog, Dragon, faithfully reminds everyone of unconditional love. In her free time, Terri enjoys reading, scrapbooking, gardening, walking, and crafting.
“I am so grateful to be walking in love with the people of St. John’s and the larger community of Elkhart.”
Father Nolan
Curate
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Growing up in rural Elkhart County, Father Nolan never imagined he would one day be called to serve the beautiful church his family used to drive past on their way to the old YMCA. He began his curacy—his training as a newly ordained priest—shared between St. John’s and St. James’ Episcopal Church in Goshen in June 2025. Deeply committed to meeting people where they are, Father Nolan is passionate about connecting with young adults and exploring faith in unique, non-traditional settings.
His ministry is backed by a rich foundation in history and theological study. He graduated from Manchester University in 2019 with degrees in history and religious studies, followed by a Master of Arts in Historical Studies and a certificate in Just Peace from Bethany Theological Seminary in 2022. He completed his Master of Divinity at the School of Theology at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, in 2025.
When he is not at the church, Father Nolan embraces his self-described geeky side. He loves diving into history books and fantasy novels, collecting superhero comics, playing video games like Final Fantasy and Persona, and hosting tabletop gaming sessions like Dungeons and Dragons. He also brings a lively energy to the community—with a fair warning that he is always ready to burst into musical theatre show tunes at the drop of a hat.
Video Introduction of Father Nolan
Deacon Melissa
Deacon
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Deacon Melissa has faithfully served the St. John’s community since 2019. Originally from Kentucky, she attended the University of Kentucky, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Her journey into ordained ministry began in 2014, when she perceived a clear, transformative call to serve while on a spiritual retreat. Deeply grounded in her faith, Melissa is especially fond of praying with others and remaining alert, open, and receptive to the subtle guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Alongside her ministry at the church, Melissa has enjoyed a vibrant 40-year career as a professional librarian. When looking for inspiration in scripture, she frequently returns to her favorite book of the Bible, the Gospel according to John.
For recreation and renewal, Melissa loves soaking up the sunshine and staying active outdoors, whether she is hiking, bicycling, or swimming. She lives in Elkhart with her husband, Chris, whom she married in 2011. Together, they share a beautiful blended family that includes one daughter, two sons, and three beloved grandchildren. Their family dog completes the household, keeping life lively and full of joy.
Pamela Hinton
Parish Secretary
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Pamela Hinton is delighted to join the St. John’s Episcopal Church family as our new Parish Secretary. Bringing a strong background in administrative support and records management, she is eager to put her organizational talents to work keeping our day-to-day operations running smoothly behind the scenes.
As a newcomer to the Elkhart community, Pamela loves discovering the local area with her family. When she is not managing the church office, she enjoys finding quiet moments of renewal by birdwatching on her back deck. She is also a proud and active supporter of her teenager, meaning you will frequently find her in the stands cheering loudly at Elkhart High School Unified Track events.
Jim Wogoman
Housekeeper & Maintenance
Jim Wogoman has been a pillar of care and hospitality at St. John’s since joining the congregation with his late wife in 2012. In 2017, he stepped into his dual role as the church’s housekeeper and on-site maintenance man, bringing with him years of experience from his previous career with the Jimtown School District. Known throughout the parish for his exceptionally caring heart, Jim treats the historic St. John’s building with deep respect and stewardship.
Jim’s ministry extends well beyond facility maintenance; he is a servant leader who thrives on helping others. He spends a significant portion of his week supporting St. John’s Food Pantry, assists neighbors with odd jobs, and regularly serves as a Sunday usher. His life is defined by a legacy of family and radical hospitality. His beloved wife entered the church triumphant in 2013, and together over the years, they opened their hearts and home to many, many foster children. Today, Jim is a proud father to his daughter, Christie, who is also an active member of the St. John’s community.Do you need any edits made to Jim's profile, or do you have more team members, vestry leaders, or a welcome message to format next?