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. 


Elise is personally passionate about Zion's children's ministry, hospitality ministry, and LGBTQIA+ issues. She is committed to building a safe and inclusive community at Zion for all families and individuals.


Elise is mama to two children aged six and eight. 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