Meet the Staff at St. John's

Pastor Joe Puleo and his wife Terri:

I got married in 1973 to the most wonderful woman that ever entered my life.  We were married in Tampa Florida and moved back to PA in 1974.  I had brought the wife up to PA to show her where I was born and raised.  I guess I talked about it so often she just had to see it.  Well that was enough for her, she couldn't get over the sights she saw and was amazed that there were streams running along side the highway.  She said we are moving up here and that's exactly what we did.  We went back to Florida, packed up, loaded up and headed for PA.  I can't get her to move back to Florida no how.  She loves the change of seasons.  I knew if I stuck with her long enough I'd find something wrong with her even if it took 35 years to do it.  
 
On about 1984 I got a call from God, we didn't have caller ID at the time or I would have been to afraid to answer.  Well, no matter, I did and here I am 25 years later and still doing what he sent me to do.  Oh that's not a complaint.  That's the least I can do for the way he has blessed me.  Until then I thought I had control of my life; like I said I thought I did.  Oh He's pretty shrewd for every now and then He makes me think I still do and if I get a little out of line He takes control again.  Can't figure out who I love most, God or my wife.  I believe God has the edge there.  I'm certainly glad the wife understands.    

My personal hobbies are hunting and fishing.  Been doing that since I was about 4 or 5 years old.  My father took me  fishing for bluegills and I was hooked, no pun intended.  At 10 years old my father took me hunting and I haven't stopped doing either one of those things since.

I got me a beautiful wife, a beautiful home, a beautiful church and a beautiful new family.  Am I content?  You bet I am, Thanks be to God!  

                      Pastor Joe  (Visit the pastors' Page) Click Here

 

Organist & Choir Director:
Ruth Miller

Ruth hails from a family rich in musical history, so it is no surprise she loves her job so much at St. Johns.  Ruth began her musical career as soon as she could speak, singing hymns with mother, Florence Daugherty (alto) and dad, Charles Daugherty (tenor). Then at age 8 or 9, her mother and dad said "o.k" to organ lessons after much whining.  Ruth graduated from Chestnut Ridge High School in 1973.  In November of the same year married her high school sweetheart and best friend, Duane.  She then moved to State College, and was fortunate to continue her study of music for two years at Penn State University. In addition to her work as director of the St. John's Adult Choir, "Praise Ringers" Handbell Choir, organist and pianist, she is employed full time; directs the Fishertown Community Band; sings and plays piano with the "Gospel Messengers"; and teaches piano and organ lessons.

Ruth says her whole life can be summed up with the first verse of her favorite hymn, "My Hope Is Built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.  On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand."

 

Secretary/Treasurer:
Shari Clevenger

Shari has been with us since December of 2006.  She lives in Fishertown with her husband of 21 years, Mark, and two girls Kirstie 18, and Marlee 16. Along with her work at the church, Shari has her own Graphic Design business and has been a USA Gymnastics certified coach for more than 10 years.  Her schedule is kept extremely busy, but when she has free time she enjoys reading, travel, and spending time with her family.

 

 

 

 

Custodian:
Miriam Howsare
Miriam has been a member of St. John's for over 25 years.  She and her husband Tom have been married for 45 years and have one son, Tom Jr.  Miriam has been the custodian at St. John's since 2004, but she has been in the cleaning business for 20 years.  She enjoys gardening and yard work in her spare time.