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.
Denny Springer
Clerk of Session
Denny and his wife Ninetta, are transfers from the Salem Center Presbyterian Church (1980’s). Together, they have found the Chapel of the Lakes to be their center for spiritual growth in Jesus Christ. They enjoy serving in God’s extensive and engaged lake community.
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.
Kay Zion
Session Member
(Care Team)
Kay was born and raised in Fort Wayne. She had four daughters. One daughter, and her husband John of 22 years are deceased. She has 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Kay lives now in Angola with her Cavapoo furbaby, Daisy. Kay loves music and is a member of the Chapel of the Lakes choir as well as the Steuben County Festival Choir.
Dianne Knight
Advisor
(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.