Staff
Pastor Erik Young, Senior Pastor
Pastor Erik Young, a Chicago native, is no stranger to Erie. Although having never before been a resident of Northwest Pennsylvania, his extended family all lives here. He was baptized in the same Lutheran church his parents were confirmed in, spent many a summer vacation at Waldameer and Presque Isle, and has vivid memories of walking through the snow to attend midnight Christmas Eve Candlelight worship services with his family.
He graduated from Judson College (now Judson University) in Elgin, Illinois, with a Bachelor of the Arts (BA) in Youth Leadership, following on with a Masters of Divinity (M.Div) from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio. In addition, he is also a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) in the United States Navy (Reserves) Chaplain Corps, proudly serving our Sailors, Marines, and Guardians.
Pastor Young joins us after almost twenty years in Southern California, where he met his wife, Marie, and with her created a family. They most recently served a congregation in Covina, a suburb of Los Angeles.
And yes, he does surf.
Kathrine Swanson, Organist & Choir Director
Kathy has been Organist at St. Johns since 1999. She has a B.A. in Music from Mercyhurst College, a B.S. in Science from Gannon University, and a M.Ed. in Natural & Environmental Science from Gannon University. She is an officer and board member of the Erie Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the Erie Music Teachers Association.
Carol Chamberlin, Office Administrator
Nancy Varner, Housekeeper
Christian Education
Please read more about all of our Christian Education offerings! From young people to adults, St. John’s has something for everyone!
Outreach Ministries
Outreach is a big part of our ministry and how we seek to spread the Lord’s message. We’d love to have you be a part of these opportunities!