Pastor Chris Schaefer

Pastor Chris Schaefer welcomes anyone and everyone desiring more of Jesus. He grew up in a broken family system and searched for truth and meaning for years before someone took time to be his friend, open the Bible to him as more than just a book, and share the love that only Jesus can bring. Now he delights to do the same for others. If you want to know Jesus, come talk to Chris. If you know Jesus and want to know Him more, come be part of the warm community at Chapel of the Lakes. As you are loved by your brothers and sisters here, you will also grow deeper in your knowing Jesus.

Cheryl Schaefer: Administrative Assistant

Pastor Chris’ wife Cheryl joins him on staff to help keep the details straight. She enjoys being part of the ministry team and LOVES being part of the family at Chapel of the Lakes. Pastor Chris and Cheryl have 5 sons, 4 daughters-in-law, and 14 grandchildren. Prayer is Cheryl’s focus in ministry. She believes in a great God who is able to do abundantly more than anything we ask or imagine.

Elaine Baidinger Kleeman
Clerk of Session

Elaine has been an active member of the Chapel since 1987. She is thankful for the warm and loving church family at the Chapel. She is a firm believer that Christ is the foundation required to navigate life and is grateful that she is saved by Christ’s sacrifice.

Elaine and her husband Jeff split their time between Lake Gage and Naples, FL. She enjoys boating, walking, practicing yoga, and the company of her two kitty cats. Elaine also looks after her centenarian mother, Fara Lee Baidinger, one of the Chapel’s longest surviving members.

Brad Cookson
Session Member
(Care Team/Facilities)

Brad and his wife, Beth moved to Lake Gage from Bowling Green, Ohio in 2004. They visited The Chapel in 2004, and never left. Brad retired from a 31 year career with Verizon, and has since been a successful REMAX owner/agent in Angola. Brad and Beth (a retired veterinary technician), have 2 children and 1 grandchild.

Tim Offerle
Bookkeeper
& Cathy Offerle
Session Member (Communications)

Tim & Cathy retired to Lake James from Colorado. They have 2 married daughters, and 5 grandchildren. They enjoy all activities related to family and the lake. Tim serves as the Chapel bookkeeper.

Linda Jones
Session Member
(Worship)

Linda loves singing, reading, sewing quilts and gardening. She has been married to her husband, Ira, over 54 years. They have 2 children and 1 grandchild.

Bill King
Session Member
(Facilities)

Bill is a retired business owner and Eagle Scout who served over 17 years as a Scout Master. He now works as a substitute teacher in Steuben County schools. He has been married to his wife, Cindy, for over 52 years. They have 2 sons and 5 grandchildren.

Dianne Knight
Session Member
(Finance)

Dianne is married to her high school sweetheart Gary. They have 2 children and 7 grandchildren. Gary’s 20 year Army career took them all over the US. They have lived in or visited all 50 states! After Gary’s retirement they returned to Indiana to raise their family and eventually retired to Jimmerson Lake.