Pastor Rhodes Woolly Senior Pastor
Rhodes Woolly has served as the Senior Pastor of St. John’s since 2009. Married to Krista, the Executive Director of the Community Care Clinic, they have three children – Carter, Matt and Anna Grace.
For nearly 25 years, Pastor Rhodes has served congregations in Virginia and North Carolina, with particular focus on discipleship, ancient-future worship, global engagement, and finding clarity in the Christian narrative. Of late, he has been interested in leveraging the church as the natural location for “conversations that matter,” and developing a new model that connects faith, vocation, and leadership, especially among early career adults. He has degrees from Lenoir-Rhyne (LR), the University of South Carolina, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS), and has recently completed doctoral work at Emory University. In addition to his work at St. John’s, Rhodes chairs the LTSS Advisory Council, serves on the LR Board of Trustees, and visits Isenberg Elementary School every week to spend time with his reading buddy. Currently, Pastor Rhodes is helping to direct a county-wide ministry entitled Racial Equity Rowan and is leading the effort to expand the congregation’s successful 3rd grade reading program to every elementary school in Rowan County.
In his spare time, Rhodes like to be outside, read political journals or total-escape novels, exercise, and enjoy a nice glass of wine with Krista on their front porch.
What he loves most about his job is that it’s not a job at all! And he loves being in the heart of Salisbury, literally and figuratively.
Email: rhodes@stjohns-salisbury.org
Lori Carter Pastor for Congregational Care
lori@stjohns-salisbury.org
James Demmel Pastor for Youth and Outreach
james@stjohns-salisbury.org
Program Ministry
Wade Rouzer Visitation
Wade Rouzer serves in visitation making regular visits to hospitals and home-bound members. Wade received his education from Wake Forest University, Wingate, Catawba, and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. What he loves most about his job is the opportunity memories, devotions, and communion with fellow members of St. John’s.
Stacey Shafer Children's Minister
Stacey Shafer is a life-long member of St. John’s. A mother of three who volunteered in children’s ministry for years before joining staff, Stacey joined staff as Children’s Minister in 2018. Stacey feels blessed to be on staff at a church she loves so much.
Diane Poole Senior Adults
Diane Poole is the Director of Senior Adult Ministry. Diane grew up in Alabama. She graduated from Auburn University, BS and Queens University, MBA. Diane retired as the Director of Human Resources for a company in Charlotte. At St. John’s, she plans and coordinates trips, events, and the Senior Seasons Academy. She also coordinates volunteers for Seasons Gifts. While not at St. John’s, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Buddy, and serving at her home congregation.
Email: diane@stjohns-salisbury.org
Teresa Stoner Kindergarten
Teresa Stoner is the lead teacher at the St. John’s Kindergarten. Teresa has a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education K-6, a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and she is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Paula Levianu
Paula Levianu Child Development Center, Director
Paula Levianu joined staff in 2021. She is a seasoned professional having 30 years of experience within the field of Early Childhood Care and Education. Having varied experience as a family childcare provider, teacher in several settings (toddler, preschool, and grade school), center director, Head Start administrator, and childcare quality manager, Paula has the knowledge, skills, and passion for running a high-quality childcare program. She understands the importance of positive interactions between staff, families, and the St. John’s community at large and looks forward to continuing to build those relationships together.
Paula holds BA degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. She is also currently working to complete her master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies: Administration, Management, and Leadership through Walden University.
Email: paula@stjohns-salisbury.org
Worship and Music Ministry
Rob Durocher Minster of Worship and the Arts
Rob serves as the Minister of Worship and the Arts coordinating our worship and music for all three services. Rob is consecrated as a deacon in the ELCA. Rob joined the staff at St. John’s in 1998. Originally from New Jersey, Rob graduated from Northeastern, Kings College, B.SM, BA.BL. What Rob loves most about his job is the incredible relationships that have been built with so very many gifted and giving people — and having the honor to be used in bringing the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord.
Ricky Howsare Contemporary Worship Leader
Ricky joined the staff at St. John’s in 2021, as the Contemporary Worship Leader, coordinating the music for the 9:27 contemporary worship service. Originally from PA, Ricky has always had a passion for music and began developing his gifts at a young age. He attended the University of Louisville, where he attained a Bachelor’s of Music with special focus in Vocal Studies. After college, he worked in professional theatre for many years as a singer and performer until he was called into ministry in 2019 and has been serving as a worship leader since then. After a day at the church, he returns home to his lovely wife, Kimberly, along with their two dogs, three cats, two love birds, numerous fish, and peacock. He and Kimberly love to spend time outdoors, hiking and admiring God’s beautiful creation. One of the things that he loves most about what he does at St. John’s is the way in which he is able to build new relationships with so many different people.
If you have any interest in becoming part of the 9:27 contemporary worship experience, or any other part of ministry at St. John’s, please let Ricky know, as there is always a desire to include everyone that we can in what we do!
Email: ricky@stjohns-salisbury.org
Kimberly Lentz Handbells
Kimberly Lentz is the St. John’s Handbell director.
Email: lentzke@carolina.rr.com
Communications and Digital Ministry
Taylor Hutchins Production Manager
Taylor Hutchins, Production Manager, is responsible for audio, video, lighting, and production of all worship and events here at St. John’s. Taylor also oversees livestreaming and video production. Originally from North Carolina, Taylor joined staff at St. John’s in 2015. Taylor is an alumnus of Gardner-Webb University. What Taylor loves most about his job is that he doesn’t see it as a job. Called into ministry at 13, Taylor feels blessed to be able to call St. John’s home. He loves the volunteers, staff, and tech toys he gets to work with each day.
Email: taylor@stjohns-salisbury.org
Susan Shinn Turner Eagle's View Writer
Susan Shinn Turner writes for the Eagle’s View monthly newsletter and has been on staff since 2011. Susan is a China Grove native and UNC Chapel Hill alumna. In her spare time, Susan enjoys reading and running- just not at the same time! Her hero is her mom, St. John’s member, Cora Beam Shinn. What Susan loves most about her job is sharing the fascinating stories of all the wonderful folks at St. John’s!
Angel Owens Communications Specialist
Angel joined staff in 2017 as the Communications Specialist. Angel oversees all promotional material including print, web, social media, and graphics. Angel received a B.A. in Religious Studies and Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, spent a semester studying media at the University of Leicester, UK, and is currently enrolled in graphic design courses at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Angel enjoys thinking creatively and building relationships with people, while serving Jesus.
Email: angel@stjohns-salisbury.org
Support Staff
Ruth Ann Diehl Business Manager
Ruth Ann has served in accounting and as Business Manager since 2000. She oversees all support staff and serves as the staff liaison for finance and personnel committees, as well as secretary for the Benevolent Foundation. Ruth Ann attended Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Catawba College with continuing education classes in accounting and business management. Her hometown is Morrisville, New York. She has been married to Philip for 27 years and counting; they have one son and three daughters. What she loves most about her job is being in an encouraging environment with opportunities for spiritual growth, and living into God’s plan.
Deborah Cross Office Manager
Deborah Cross is the Office Manager. Deborah oversees the office, facility scheduling, and the production of the weekly bulletin. Before joining staff in 2019, Deborah worked in a skilled nursing facility then in homecare management. Deborah is passionate about working with seniors and loves the opportunity to build relationships with members and volunteers here at St. John’s.
Mark Bias Accounting
Mark attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas and has extensive work experience as an operations manager and in auditing. He worked at the Historic Salisbury Foundation for seven years and most recently with NSC Behavioral Concepts. Originally from Arizona, Mark grew up in Texas and moved to Salisbury in 1992. He and his husband, Davis Cooke, the owner of Old Sarum Gallery on West Innes Street, have been together for 28 years. They are members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Mark enjoys being able to put his varied skillset to work for the benefit of faith-based outreach and congregational programs.
Email: mark@stjohns-salisbury.org
David Ellenburg Facilities Team
David Ellenburg joined St. John’s maintenance staff in 2018. David lives in Rockwell. A native of the area, he attended West Rowan High School. Before coming to St. John’s, he worked 10 years in management at Universal Forest Products. David has been married to wife, Kimberly, for 32 years. They have two children, a son, Jake, and a daughter, Sydney. He loves the opportunity to serve God through his work.
Email: david@stjohns-salisbury.org
