Meet Our Staff

Paul H. Moore - Organizing Pastor
Office: 763-208-8049
Cell: 763-257-6994
pastor@colpres.org




Paul is the Organizing Pastor of Chain of Lakes Church.  He started in February of 2009.  On his first day he met seven families who were interested in starting a new Presbyterian church in the north metro.  It was a memorable evening of getting to know everyone and dreaming about the future.

What was your first job?
My first job was as a paperboy for the Worthington Daily Globe.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child I wanted to be a professional athlete (football, baseball or basketball - depending on the season of the year).

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with the two red heads in my life, my wife Amy and daughter Hannah, running, reading, traveling, playing the violin, singing in the choir on Saturday afternoons at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and watching the Twins at Target Field.

What do you enjoy most about your job at Chain of Lakes Church?
It is a privilage to start a new church.  This is an opporunity that few people have in their lifetime.  We have the chance to create something that is unique, special, and gives glory to God.

Jennifer Huehns - Administrative Assistant
Office: 763-208-8049
Cell: 763-639-7532
info@colpres.org



Jennifer is the Administrative Assistant of Chain of Lakes Church.  She started in October of 2009.  Jennifer has worked as an administrator for over 20 years.  She has a degree in Business Administration.

What do you do at Chain of Lakes Church?
I maintain and organize the church office, and provide all that's required to reach out to the community and show them who we are.  In my job I feel it is important to empower the people of Chain of Lakes Church.  I want to give them all the opportunity to join a ministry and use their own talents.

Kellie Burriss - Director of Music
Office: 763-208-8049
Cell: 612-702-5710
music@colpres.org

Kellie is the Music Director at Chain of Lakes Church. She started as Accompanist/Worship Leader in May 2010. Kellie has had many years of vocal and instrumental training, and was very involved in the music program at St. Bernard Parish in Appleton, WI, throughout her youth.  She has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota.

What do you do at Chain of Lakes Church?
I see my job as empowering the people of Chain of Lakes to experience God through music. This means that I help the congregation sing and enjoy singing during services, as well as offer my own musical gifts (singing, piano, and guitar) from the front. I direct the Kids' Choir, coordinate our volunteer musicians, and work with Pastor Paul and our Worship Team to plan our worship services. My greatest joy is when someone who has previously told me flatly "I don't sing" comes up to me beaming after worship and tells me how much they enjoyed singing a certain song.

What did you do before working at Chain of Lakes Church?
I have been a Spanish interpreter for several years, and I am blessed to be able to continue with both of my careers at the same time. I interpret for legal and medical cases at many different sites around the Cities and the state. I also work as a freelance church musician, singing and playing for funerals and weddings. I love all of my jobs!

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I went through various stages as a child, including book editor, veterinarian, Olympic swimmer, and opera singer.

What do you do for fun?
Everything I do is fun! Mostly I am either working, practicing music, or spending time with my young son Jordy. I also love biking, hiking, reading, going out to eat, travelling, and learning new languages.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
I know the Bible best through songs based on it, and my favorite prayer-like song is from Luke 1:46-55. The lyrics and a recording are here: http://www.spiritandsong.com/compositions/30145

What do you enjoy most about Chain of lakes Church?
When I was interviewing for the position back in Spring 2010, I asked the hiring committee if I would be able to bring my son with me on Sunday mornings, or if I would have to find child care for him. Pastor Paul's answer blew me away: he didn't simply say that there was child care offered, but he answered, "I can assure you that he will feel loved and cherished here." I had no idea just how true that would turn out to be. I don't feel like a hired employee at Chain of Lakes; my son and I have finally found a church family. It's a wonderful feeling.

Joanne Shingledecker - Director of Children's Ministry
Office: 763-208-8049
Other: 651-484-5457 Ext. 101
kidsministry@colpres.org



Joanne is the Children's Ministry Director at Chain of Lakes Church.  She began working at Chain of Lakes on October 1, 2010.  Joanne's experience in church education began when she was in high school and continued as a volunteer while her children were still in school.  Several years ago Joanne entered the Educator Certification Program and took courses at Austin Seminary in Austin, Texas.  She is a Certified Associate Educator.

What did you do before working at Chain of Lakes?
Joanne has worked with children and youth teaching and counceling in her positions as Director of Church Education at Grace Trinity Church in Minneapolis, Church of the Master in Omaha, Nebraska and currently at Presbyterian Church of the Way in Shoreview as the Director of Children's Ministry. 

What what to be when you grew up?
Her childhood ambition was to work with children and youth either teaching or as a councelor.

What do you do for fun?
When weather permits she can be found either walking around Lake Como or in a fishing boat in Northern Minnesota.  And, during the summer she directs Grand's Camp at Presbyterian Clearwater Forest.  This is a four-day experience for Grandparents and their grandchildren to spend time together.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
What is most important to me in my faith journey is a passage from Ephesians.  Paul reminds the church that before time God knew each of us and all our faults.  Yet, God still loves us, and that love empowers us to make choices.  Right or wrong, God is always with each of us.

Sherri Varsho

I have been married to my husband, Rich, for 9 years. For the past 6 years I have been a stay at home mom.  I have one son, Vincent.  I have volunteered at his school at many events as well as getting to know many families through the Early Childhood program he is enrolled in. Before being home with him I was the Accounts Payable manager for a furniture retailer in the Twin Cities.  Working there I found a niche organizing company events where I usually ran the kid events.  As a teenager I worked in my sisters home daycare center.  Children are so special to me.  They demand our time, attention, and patience and reward us with their humor, love and attentiveness.  I look forward to looking meeting all the families at Chain of Lakes! 

What do you do for fun?
We enjoy fishing many of the local lakes.  Usually my son pulls in the biggest one!  We also enjoy Como zoo and nature walks.  Personally I enjoy reading any good mystery and playing with our 2 dogs and 2 cats. 

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A mom and a vet... Now I have a son and a house full of animals.. not exactly a vet but as close as I might come.

What do you enjoy most about your job at Chain of Lakes?
I enjoy knowing that I am caring for the future and my actions will influence the people they will become.  I loved meeting the families.  I really like working in an environment where my spirituality is part of my job and not a hidden aspect as in so many jobs today.  Mostly I love the time I get to spend with the kids. 

What is your favorite bible verse?
"Leave all your worries with Him, because He cares for you"  1 Peter 5:7  I think this encompasses His knowledge that this world is a hard journey and He is always there for us if only we look and trust Him.