Pastor Christina Johnson

she/her or they/them

Pastor Christina began as Zion’s pastor in July 2024. 


Pastor Christina graduated with a
Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in 2024 and has a bachelors in psychology from Bethel University (St. Paul). 


Pastor Christina is passionate about
inclusivity and accessibility in the Church and uses an accompaniment model in her ministry. They are an empathetic listener, deep thinker, thoughtful friend and fierce advocate.


When Pastor Christina is not working, you will find them being active outside; reading
liberation theologies or memoirs; or spending time with her partner, Pachia. Her personal passions include women’s soccer (really any women’s sports!) and exploring new places.


email: pastorchristina@zioncloquet.org

Gretchen Chelseth
Director of Music Ministry

she/her

Gretchen Chelseth received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music/piano from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.  She pursued post graduate study in England, and earned piano teaching certificates from the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, both in London. She has taught piano at the University of London, in Bexleyheath, Kent and at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. She teaches privately in Cloquet and has been Zion's pianist and director of music for about 20 years


James Sheetz
Choral Director

he/him

Mr. James Sheetz began serving as Choral Director for Zion in January 2015. He received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Choral Music Education, Conducting and a Minor in Communication from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He continued with further education at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ.

 

Mr. Sheetz has served as Music Director of the Presbyterian Church of Cloquet since 1989 and where he is currently the Administrative Assistant and the Clerk of Session. He also directs some community vocal groups and continues with private conducting coaching with Jerry Rubino.

 

With a passion for design, history and antiques, Mr. Sheetz restored his former family home and turned it into a creative business. Located south of Carlton, the Historic Scott House sits on the shore of Lac LaBelle and is now a private event center.

 

Mr. Sheetz enjoys the collaborative work with the Zion and Presbyterian Choirs.

Elise Ames

Administrative Assistant

she/her

Elise facilitates the office side of church business with the support of the congregation. As a queer woman, Elise is especially committed to building a safe and inclusive community at Zion for all families and individuals and serves on Zion's RIC Team.


Elise is attending Wartburg Theological Seminary, beginning classes in Fall of 2025. Her ministry track is Word and Service. Her gifts and passions include: crafting inclusive liturgy, fiber art and creative expression as a liturgical tool, and queer theology.


Elise is mama to two children aged seven and nine. She is a fiber artist who knits, spins, dyes, & weaves. She loves houseplants; most especially pothos & philodendrons. She is building a small homestead & orchard with Andrew, her partner of thirteen years, north of Cloquet.


email: office@zioncloquet.org

Church Council

Church council typically meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm. We are currently meeting in the social hall. If you have something you would like to bring to the council, please reach out to Council President, Naomi Palmquist or email the office.

Naomi Palmquist

Council President

I feel it an honor to be on council. My Christian faith is the core of who I am and being on council is one way to step out in faith to see how I can be of service to my church family.


Throughout the years at Zion I have been involved in various types of youth ministry and I also sing in the choir.

 

Even though I am keeping up my license I have not been working as a Registered Nurse for many years. My previous RN jobs were at the University of Minnesota Hospital and at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.

 

I love spending time with family and friends. Dan and I have 3 children: Leah, who is married to William, Karl , who is married to Lauren, and Claire.

 

Our family joined Zion in the fall of 1989. We actually joined Zion the same day as Pastor Todd and Kris Mattson. When we first met Todd and Kris they told us that my husband Dan’s Dad helped inspire Todd to go into the ministry. Pastor Palmquist was the pastor at the church that Todd would attend while visiting relatives and he loved Pastor Palmquist’s sermons. What a fun connection that was!!


Tracy Bockbrader

Council Secretary

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Jan Gellerstedt

Council Member

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Kathy Blascyk

Council Member

she/her

I have been a member of Zion for about 52 years. I am involved in several ministries here at Zion. They are: God's Work. Our Hands. The Visioning Committee, and the Education Committee where I especially love working with Second Sunday Surprise Intergenerational Sunday School.


I have been married to my husband Ed for 50 years. We have 5 children and 9 grandchildren.


I enjoy spending time with my family and special friends. I love reading and embroidery and have been meeting with my Bible Study group for over 30 years.

Paul Holm

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Cari Terrio-Johnson

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Karla Southworth

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Upcoming Events

Hang tight while we look up scheduled events...