Pastor Terri received the call to ministry at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist in August, 2017.  She served as supply pastor at St. John's in 2009 which began our mutual trust and partnership.  She is excited to serve in a congregation that is committed to downtown ministry like St. John's.  And, is passionate about our partnership with Beardsley Primary Center, Suzanna's Kitchen, and the Diocese of Honduras.

Pastor Terri is passionate about worship including preaching the good news of Jesus Christ and sharing the sacraments.  The worship of Christ is the ministry of the church and is central to our life in Christ.  

Pastor Terri has previously served on the Habitat for Humanity Board in Ohio. She has volunteered at a pregnancy crisis center as well as schools assisting teachers in the classroom.  Pastor Terri sat on a panel at the University of Notre Dame's Science department to discuss diversity in religion.  She has also partnered with Mosaic, a ministry serving the intellectually disabled. Pastor Terri serves the Diocese as a Board Member and secretary of the Foundation, a member of the Commission on Ministry, and as a member of the Diocesan Council.

Pastor Terri is interested in American Sign Language and learning about the Deaf Community.  In 1996, she went on sabbatical to learn more by participating in a congregation in Maryland and researching at Gallaudet University.

For recreation and re-creation Pastor Terri spends time with her family.  She is married to Rev. Dr. Brian Peterson for 28 years.  Brian is a teacher and the Dean of Boys at Trinity School at Greenlawn. They have three children, Rachael, Keegan and Liam.  Rachael works for Aspire walking along side those with mental illness. She has a degree in American Sign Language Interpretation from IUPUI.  Keegan and Liam attend Beloit College in Wisconsin. Keegan spends most of his free time painting. Liam is an Eagle Scout and an area director at the local Scout Camp.  Dragon is the family dog making sure everyone knows unconditional love.

Terri also 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.” Pastor Terri

Contact Pastor Terri by email

Deacon Melissa has served St. John's since 2019. She grew up in Kentucky and attended college at the University of Kentucky, earning her Bachelor's and Master's Degree. Melissa perceived a call to serve in ordained ministry in 2014, while on a retreat.

Deacon Melissa has been married to her husband Chris since 2011. Members of their blended family include one daughter and two sons. She and Chris have three grandchildren.

She lives in Elkhart with Chris and their dog. In her day job, she works as a librarian, which she has done for more than 40 years. She is a big fan of hiking, bicycling, swimming, and sunshine.

Deacon Melissa is especially fond of praying with others, and staying alert and open to how the Holy Spirit guides us. Her favorite book in the Bible is the Gospel according to John.

Email Deacon Melissa

Kathy Stutsman, Parish Secretary

I decided to come out of retirement after 8 years! Previously I was the secretary at Trinity Lutheran Church (which became Faith Lutheran Church), Goshen for 17 years. I also sub at Central Christian Church, Elkhart when the secretary is gone.  I grew up as a preacher’s grandchild (several family members have been in the ministry) at Central Christian Church so I’m very comfortable working in the church environment. Growing up I secretly wanted to be a preacher’s wife. Since that didn’t happen, working in the office kind of fills that need for helping others. 

My husband of over 54 years, Michael and I have 4 children, Sarah, Jeff, Paul & Glenn,  11 grandkids, & 7 great grandkidlets & 1 deceased. We are most fortunate 99% of them live within a 10 mile radius of us!

I love spending time with family (we are a pretty close knit bunch), attending all the grandkids school events. I love to sing, read, make cards, and be outdoors. Photographing nature is a past time that brings me a sense of peace and relaxation. It’s just amazing what God has created!

Jim Wogoman is St. John’s housekeeper and on-site maintenance man. Jim became a member of St. John’s with his wife in 2012. He started as housekeeper in 2017. Previously, Jim worked for the Jimtown School Disctrict. Jim enjoys helping others with odd jobs and spends a large portion of his time helping with St. John’s Food Pantry. He also serves as an usher many Sundays throughout the year. Jim has one daughter, Christie, who is also a member and many, many foster children throughout the years. Jim’s beloved wife entered the church triumphant in 2013. He is known for his caring heart and care of St. John’s building.