Staff
Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian, Designated Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Susan A. Minasian is a daughter of St. John’s who was baptized and grew up in this church. Before coming back to Richmond and St. John’s, she most recently completed a Chaplain Residency at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, PA. She has served in congregations and on college campuses, with roles such as Director of Admissions at Lancaster Theological Seminary and as the Interim Associate Conference Minister for Search & Call for the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference of the UCC.
Susan is a graduate in Non-Traditional Studies-Dance Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University, and holds Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Lancaster Theological Seminary. She received a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Richmond Hill. Her commitment to life-long learning and passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ inspires her in ministries that seek to bring healing, justice, transformation and creativity to the church and foster inclusive community engagement.
Elaine Johnson,
Director of Music
Elaine joins the staff as the Transitional Music Director, taking on this responsibility having served in other organizations as a minister of music, director of community choruses, music educator, accompanist and singer. She holds Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance and Music Education and a Masters of Music Degree in Choral Conducting.
See Page Open Staff Roles for the Music Director Job Description and Application instructions
Katherine Todd,
Church Administrator
Katherine graduated from Presbyterian College and later, Union Presbyterian Seminary. She worked at Camp Hanover and then served in several local churches. She is a residential real estate agent with the local family firm Bandazian & Company. Her interests encompass audio, oral, written, and visual communications. She is a detail-minded organizer, continually striving to honor and resource, to the best of her ability, the countless expressions and experiences of those who are a part of, connected to, and affected by this congregation.
office@stjohnsrvaucc.org
Shirley Townsend,
Director of Music Emeritus
In November 2025, the Church Council bestowed Shirley with the title Director of Music Emeritus, commemorating her decades of service as the Director of Music and Organist that concluded with her retirement from active service at the end of that month. Shirley graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Music. Shirley was a musician, Vocalist, teacher, vocal coach and music director for St. John's Community Players. Shirley's contribution to the art of music over her career has touched many lives and has encouraged many to find their voice.
Your Opportunities to Serve
Our church operations and our ability to help those in need in our community rely on the support of dedicated volunteers, whom we thank and appreciate. A variety of leadership roles are available including:
Church Council
Audit Committee
Congregational Life and Care Committee
Facilities Committee
Finance Committee
Mission and Outreach Committee
Worship and Music Committee
Pastoral Committee
Board of Trustees
Endowment Fund Board
Altar Guild
Bread Ministry
Volunteer Roles
Sunday Services present another opportunity to Volunteer:
Welcome Team
Hospitality
Sound System
Choir