Church Staff
Pastor John Hillmer
Interim Pastor | pastorjohn@poplargo.org
“Pastor John” Hillmer is the interim pastor here at Prince of Peace effective August 11, 2024. He retired from Grace Lutheran Church, Carrollwood FL at the end of calendar year 2023, having served as Senior Pastor there since September of 2000. Ordained in Chicago, IL November 29, 1980, he has served congregations in Ministry of Word and Sacrament ever since. John is a 4th generation Lutheran Pastor. His grandfather, Dr. Carl Doermann served as Pastor/Missionary in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, the Tamil-Nadu region of south India from 1920 – 1949. John’s father, the Rev. Sigmund Hillmer, led congregations in WI, MN, and IN. Pastor John has led congregations in Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Dallas and Tampa. Throughout his career and education, John has traveled to Papua New Guinea, Kashmir, India, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Greece, Israel and the former Yugoslavia. John is married (40+ yrs) to Janice (Jan)– an artist and elementary art education teacher at Berkeley Prep. They have 3 grown children: Olivia, Ansel and Lukas. John’s interests are: music (singing, playing piano & organ), golf, physical fitness, and cooking.
Pastor Ann Schmidt
Visitation Pastor | pastorann
Pastor Ann serves as a part time visitation pastor. She works primarily on Wednesdays and is an active part of the congregation. She brings a wealth of experience from years serving as both a parish pastor and a hospital chaplain.
Dr. Shawn Thomas
Director of Music & Organist | shawn@poplargo.org
Shawn oversees a music ministry comprised of the parish adult, children’s, and handbell choirs, and is the Artistic Director for the Art For Faith’s Sake concert series. He currently serves as Dean of the Clearwater Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Shawn holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Kansas. Graduate and undergraduate work was completed at The University of Florida (Gainesville) and The University of West Florida (Pensacola), respectively. His past teachers include Michael Bauer, Laura Ellis, James Higdon, Lynne Lauderdale, and Kevin Vogt. Shawn has performed in masterclasses with renowned French organists Michel Bouvard, Vincent Dubois, Daniel Roth, and Olivier Latry, and American organists Marie Rubis Bauer, Marilyn Keiser, and Tom Trenney. Shawn is married to Michelle, the Cathedral Administrator & Associate for Christian Formation at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter (Episcopal) in St. Petersburg, FL.
Priscilla Luster
Preschool Director | Preschool@poplargo.org
Priscilla began her teaching career in a 2-year-old classroom and moved from there to VPK. She received her Childcare Staff Credential in December of 2020 and her Director Credential through the State of Florida in 2024. Priscilla focuses on the whole child and the whole family as an Early Education Teacher, believing that each child can reach their fullest potential by families and teachers working together cohesively. She assists teachers in classrooms daily and strives to build relationships with each child and staff member. She is excited to help our preschoolers grow their minds through literacy, math, science, creativity and faith, as well as develop socially and emotionally into well rounded children ready for Kindergarten. Priscilla is a Boston native who has found her happiness here in Florida, where she treasures being a mom of two with a busy house and loving family.
Christine Gilpen
Ruth’s Promise Director | ruthspromiseadp@gmail.com
Christine Gilpen was born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota. She possesses a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and Psychology and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA). She was serving as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) for thirteen years, supervising recreation therapy services in psychiatric care and adult day center services. Christine aims to ensure that adults find happiness and fulfillment through living a holistic lifestyle.
Gidget DiRienz
Parish Secretary/Receptionist | gidget@poplargo.org
Gidget accepted her position at PoP in the summer of 2023. Her background includes the previous 12 years as a Parish Administrator at another church. The rest of her career was in the legal field as a paralegal in both law firms and corporations. Gidget is originally from Toledo, Ohio, moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2008, and is the adopted mom of her two now adult grandsons. She feels being called to Pop was a gift from God.
Sharon Bower
Parish Bookkeeper | bookkeeper@poplargo.org
Prior to joining the PoP team in April 2024, Sharon spent the last 20 years working for a privately held commercial real estate development and management company. While there she held a variety of roles including bookkeeper, property manager and office manager allowing her to anticipate the needs of staff, tenants, vendors, as well as the management team. Sharon has also worked for a variety of other companies to include; residential property management, Space and Strategic Operations accounting, and Waste-to Energy facility. She earned her Associates of Arts degree in General Business from St. Petersburg Junior College, attended the University of South Florida studying Business, is a Certified Apartment Manager and has completed the training program to become a Community Association Manager.