The Rev. Eric Hillegas, Rector

Eric graduated from the University of Notre Dame with degrees in Political Science & Accounting. After brief stints in Public Affairs, Public Accounting, and Church Ministry, he completed a Master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2005, followed by a post-graduate Certificate in Anglican Leadership from the Episcopal Divinity School in 2008. Eric was ordained to the diaconate in June of 2008 and was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Massachusetts on January 10, 2009. He served at St. Chrysostom’s Church in Quincy, MA from October 2010 to February 2019.  He became rector of St. John in March 2019.

Eric currently serves on the Standing Committee of The Episcopal Diocese of Central PA, and he is the Diocesan Chaplain for Daughters of the King. He is enrolled in a Doctor of Ministry program through Duke Divinity School. In The Episcopal Diocese of MA, he served on the Board of Episcopal City Mission from 2011-2013, and was a member of the Bishop Discernment Committee in 2013. He served on the Diocesan Commission on Ministry from 2015-2018.

Eric and his wife Kendyll have two daughters: Penelope (Penny), born 2017; and Diana Rose (Rosie), born 2019.

Rodney Barnett, Organist & Choir Director

Rodney has served at St. John since December, 2008. In addition to his responsibilities as organist, he directs the Sunday Choir, the Hand Bell Choir, and various musical activities for children. Rodney also serves on the Board of the St. John Concert Series. The Concert Series is sponsored by the parish music program and has been providing the York community with “Stirring Music in a Sacred Place” for six years. In addition to his service at St. John, he is also the accompanist for the Lebanon Valley College Concert Choir. Rodney serves on the Diocesan Commission of Music and Liturgy for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.

Direct Line: 717-714-5343

Tory Dunkle, Office Administrator

Tory is a Central PA native who has spent the last 15 years serving in nonprofits and churches in the Philadelphia area in both administrative and ministry roles. Her experience includes administrative roles at Philadelphia's Please Touch Museum and the Delaware Children’s Museum. Most recently, she has spent the last 10 years at Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr. Her time there has given her a deep and abiding love of the Episcopal church and its liturgy. Tory is a mission-driven, detail-oriented and people-focused person who has found immense joy and fulfillment in working professionally to further the mission of the Church. She and her daughter Anna live in Lancaster city.

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Direct Line: 717-848-1862

Shawn Lauer, Sexton

Shawn was born and raised in York county. He came to St John in the fall of 2012. His previous jobs included purchasing and materials management at OSS Health, and 10 years in the audit department of the York Adams Tax Bureau. Shawn also worked part-time for a janitorial company owned by his family. His work at St. John allows him to deploy his skills and experiences to keep the campus safe and running properly on a daily basis. Shawn has 2 children, Dylan and Cecilia, and has been happily married for over 10 yrs to his wife Angie. In his free time Shawn likes spending time with his family, rowing, biking, and cooking.

IVan Ruiz-Swartz, Ministry Associate

Ivan is currently a Nominee for Holy Orders in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. His ongoing ministry at St. John includes Adult Forum, Preaching, Liturgical Service, and the monthly forum: Nourishing Soul & Body.

Ivan grew up in Harrisburg although his family is originally from Baja California, Mexico. After graduating from Bishop McDevitt High School he pursued studies for the Roman Catholic priesthood and attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA as well as the Ven. Fulton Sheen Seminary from 2012-2018. During his time in religious life, he was able to get hands-on experience in education, parish life, and outreach to diverse community groups across the country. He holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from SNHU.

Ivan is passionate about life-long learning and he looks forward to growing alongside the community of St. John's in Christian discipleship. He currently resides in Dillsburg, with his husband Jason and their two pugs. When he is not working at United Way, he enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with friends.