Rob Stippich, Pastor
Rob Stippich joined St. John’s in July 2020. Pastor Rob has served in pastoral ministry in small, medium, and large churches, largely in Southeastern Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Temple University, with a BA in Speech and Human Communication, specializing in small group and organizational communication. His Master’s degree is from Boston University School of Theology – a special dual major in Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Counseling. He also has specialized training in a variety of areas, including church planting, church re-start, church revitalization, and coaching. Pastor Rob is currently working on his dissertation in a doctoral program – on the subject of church revitalization.
Pastor Rob is married to Linda, and they have lived near Parkesburg, Pennsylvania for almost 25 years. Linda has a passion for ministry and community service. She has worked on staff at multiple universities and worked for many years in Special Education administration at the Chester County Intermediate Unit. She has retired but still serves as an educational Parental Surrogate for special needs children without parents to advocate for them. She is a loving and caring person with a wonderful sense of humor.
Carol Dittoe, Administrative and Financial Assistant
Carol Dittoe has been a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church since 1984. She has been very active in many of the ministries of St. John’s including being a part of the creation of the Preschool, a member of the church choir, a Sunday School teacher, a Chairman of various committees, a Disciple Bible Study Leader, and the audio-video coordinator.
Carol retired from teaching in June 2020 after spending 42 years in education. She worked with all levels of students from K-12 in the public schools. She was also an adjunct professor at HACC – Lancaster Campus for 15 years. She has a Master’s degree in Education, with a focus on Reading and Language Arts, and a Doctor of Education degree focusing on Educational Technology Management.
Carol is very excited to bring her gifts and talents to this position, as she serves the church.
Elaine Severein, Organist and Director of Music
Music has been an important part of Elaine’s life from a very young age, with experiences in a wide variety of styles of music. She graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College, with major studies in both sacred music and organ. She has served as director of music and organist in various churches for over 30 years, including serving at St. John’s since 2006. In addition, she taught private piano lessons for over 30 years, and is a member of both the Lancaster chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the Lancaster Music Teachers’ Association.
Bobbie Witmer, Treasurer
We welcome Bobbie Witmer to the role of Treasurer for St. John’s. Bobbie has been attending St. John’s since 2007 and is an active member of the Builder’s Sunday School class.
Bobbie grew up in Selinsgrove, PA. After graduating from Lock Haven University, she moved to Lancaster. Bobbie began working for the U.S. Postal Service in 1996, where she met her husband, Mike. They have been happily married since 2007.
When not in Lancaster, she loves to spend time at the beach.