The Rev. Dr. Eric Hillegas, Rector

Eric graduated from the University of Notre Dame with degrees in Political Science and 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 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 as President of the Standing Committee in the Diocese of the Susquehanna. In 2025, he completed a Doctor of Ministry at Duke Divinity School. In the Diocese of Massachusetts, he served on the Board of Episcopal City Mission and the Commission on Ministry.

Eric and his wife Kendyll have two daughters: Penelope (Penny), and Diana Rose (Rosie). In 2026, they welcomed a family dog, Biscuit.

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 a number of years.

In addition to his service at St. John, Rodney served as the accompanist for the Lebanon Valley College Concert Choir from 2019-2026. Rodney serves on the Diocesan Commission of Music and Liturgy for the Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna.

Direct Line: 717-714-5343

Gretchen Dekker, Associate for music & community

Gretchen joins St. John in partnership with our Organist & Choir Director. Raised in York, she began playing piano in third grade and went on to study at the Peabody Preparatory, Peabody Conservatory, and New England Conservatory before pursuing postgraduate work in early music in Amsterdam, where she met her husband.

Since returning to Central Pennsylvania, Gretchen has built a career performing and teaching. She currently serves on several non-profit committees and boards in York, and she is active at every level of our local community music scene, from preparing young performers to managing large-scale events. She is an experienced church musician, most recently serving as Director of Music for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York.

A longtime member of St. John's, Gretchen found her way to the Episcopal Church after years of attending our midweek service and is excited to bring music and faith together in this new role. She and her husband enjoy cooking, reading, gardening, and time with their grandson.

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.

Kimberly fetrow

independent bookkeeper

Kim brings over three decades of accounting and administrative experience to her work for St. John. Her career began in a CPA office right after high school, where she worked as an administrative assistant while earning her Associate Degree in Accounting through night courses. After starting a family with her husband Tim, she transitioned to manufacturing to allow more family time, eventually returning to public accounting with Seligman, Freidman & Co in downtown York.

She later joined a local practice but faced an unexpected challenge when diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2020. After completing treatment and taking time to recover, she made the decision to establish her own practice, KAT Bookkeeping, which has proven to be incredibly rewarding.

Kim and her husband, Tim, have been blessed with 31 years of marriage. They are proud parents of one son and have a wonderful daughter-in-law. In her free time, Kim is actively involved in the community through two York County 4-H Livestock Clubs, helping with livestock shows at the York State Fair, and serving as treasurer for the annual livestock sale.

Kim’s office hours vary weekly depending on her other clients, however she monitors our Financial Admin email address throughout the week.