Cross and Resurrection, The Chapel at EMU

Our Staff

Rev. Bryan K. Schindel

Hi! I’m the Senior Pastor at Cross and Resurrection. I help to cast the vision for our church and work with the members to carry out our Ministry. I also supervise the staff and mentor others in making Disciples. Being on Campus creates many opportunities to serve students and to nurture families and others in using their gifts for God’s Kingdom!

I am first and foremost a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. I’m also the husband of an amazing wife, Laura, father of 11 children, and grandfather to 12 grandchildren! I’ve been privileged to serve at Cross and Resurrection for 15 years. I’m also very involved in the community as part of Love Washtenaw, Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North (past President), Chaplain to the EMU Police and Adjutant at my Legion.

I’m very thankful for the work that Cross and Resurrection has done to provide a safe and nurturing home for families and students here at EMU. We look forward to welcoming and serving many more as the Lord calls us all to HIMSELF as our Savior and Lord! We look to the future as a wonderful harvest field with many exciting opportunities to join JESUS on HIS MISSION as HIS FOLLOWERS!

Roger Varblow

As Cross and Resurrection's senior elder, I serve closely with the senior pastor, lead the Elder Team meetings, and perform the duties of an elder. I was a founding member of C&R in 1980.

My wife Beth and I have seven adult children and 23 grandchildren.  I earned  a Bachelor of Science – Engineering degree from the University of Michigan, and I am CEO/CFO of a software company in Ann Arbor (AdvantageCS).  All of our children and grandchildren live in Michigan, which is a joy for both Beth and me who host many meals and other events for our extended family.

Jonathan Hoover

I am responsible for the Pancake Ministry here at the Chapel. Please join us from 10-1am every Friday. I also lead the youth group on Tuesdays, and lead the worship team every Sunday. Please fill free to call me or email if you want more information.

Christine Kleimola

Typically you will find me one of the first people to arrive at Cross and Resurrection Sunday mornings and Monday mornings assist Annaliese with whatever can help her.  I look forward to leading the Wednesday Women’s Bible Study as well as the Stitches of Love Saturday Small Group meeting.  Come join us!

A graduate of Concordia University and EMU, I attended Cross and Resurrection in the 70’s, walking across the street from Walton Dormitory to go to church.  I am delighted to once again be able to walk to church, but now it’s about a mile walk from my house. 

After teaching Special Education for 40 years, I decided it was time to move onto other passions in life including:  supporting my mother who is almost 98 years old, helping more at church, and providing respite to families who have a child with a disability.

I adopted three children:  Rachael who now dances with Jesus in Heaven (a very medically fragile child who I was privileged to love for 21 years); James who was my student when he was five, who is active at C & R as well as the EMU community; and David who is now a long-haul truck driver based out of Kansas.

Krista Kangas

Krista grew up as part of the youth ministry at Cross and Resurrection during high school and college, and soon after joined the church. She is currently finishing her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies at Eastern Michigan University as well as her film degree at the Motion Picture Institute. She additionally takes online Hebrew classes at the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.