Pastor & Staff

Rev. Traci Marriott, Pastor

Pastor Traci began her call at St. Matthew in November of 2018 after serving in Somerset County and as interim chaplain of Lutheran Campus Ministry at West Virginia University.

Born and raised in Altoona, she graduated from Altoona Area High School and Thiel College, where she majored in English Literature. She was both a private and public school teacher before going back to school to prepare for public ministry. Pastor Traci earned her Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and was ordained in 2012.

In the parish, she has a passion for preaching, teaching, youth ministry, outdoor ministry, and projects that bring the church together in service to the community. In addition to her work within St. Matthew, she is a board member of Camp Sequanota, a member of the Allegheny Synod Finance Committee, a coordinator for synod youth programming, and a participant in the Martinsburg ecumenical ministerium.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, knitting, biking, skiing, travel, and hiking with her Labrador retriever Otto. She is the proud godmother of twins.

For Pastoral care needs you may reach Pastor Traci at 814-793-2413 or 814-935-9267.

Jen Ripka, Administrative Assistant

Jen started her position on August 29, 2023. Jen manages aspects of the church office such as answering telephones and emails and preparing the weekly bulletin, the monthly newsletter (The Messenger) and certificates. Jen is always willing to listen, lend a helping hand or help you find the help you need or help you find the information you need. The office is open Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and in the afternoons by appointment. Jen is married to Chad Ripka and has three school-aged children. She serves as treasurer of the Lady Dragon Soccer Boosters.

Laura Orczeck, Financial Bookkeeper and Assistant Administrative Assistant

Laura started her position of Assistant to the Administrative Assistant on May 1, 2018. Laura has most recently taken on the additional position of Financial Bookkeeper.
Laura fills in for Jen when she is away from the office. Laura is married to Dr. Shawn Orczeck a local veterinarian and her and her family are members of the church. She has three grown children.

Phil Claar, Sexton

Phil became St. Matthew’s Sexton on November 1, 2021. His first challenge was to discover what a Sexton is and does. Traditionally, a Sexton cares for the church, rings the bell and digs graves. Phil hasn’t yet tackled our bell or any graves, but does indeed do a marvelous job caring for the church.

DeAnna Cree, Organist

Mary Nelson, Organist

Mary became a member of St. Matthew in 1980. She is a retired School Teacher and plays the organ here part time.
Mary was married to Gary Nelson who died in 2018 and has two grown sons, Ian and Chris. She also has two grandchildren.
Mary loves cats, swimming, music and gardening.