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News from Rev. Cari

Categories: Church,News

Dear Beloved in Christ,

You may remember that when I returned from sabbatical in November 2023, I preached a sermon in which I shared the “punchline” of my 40-day Ignatian retreat: Jesus said to me, “Make yourself available to me.” I am writing to advise you that I have discerned to accept an offer from the Office of the General Council of The United Church of Canada to the role of Minister of the Office of Vocation for Pacific Mountain and Chinook Winds Regional Councils, the position left vacant by the tragic death of the Rev. Brenda Fawkes.

My 21.5 years as Lead Minister at Crossroads and one of its predecessor congregations have made me the spiritual leader I am today. I have learned so much about collaboration, trust, love and faithfulness from serving in your midst, and I am so grateful for your courage, grace and commitment. I have been privileged to serve this congregation through an amazing journey of amalgamation, rebuilding, reimagining mission and reinventing ministry. Rob and I raised our family in your midst, and you have accepted our daughters and Rob as beloved members of this faith community. In fact, I have served through an entire Biblical-style generation: having the satisfaction of seeing tiny babies I baptized grow up to become faithful and loving young adults. My heart is full. I understand that this news will land on each of us in different ways, and that there will be lots of feelings to process for all of us. I am committed to this part of the journey as well.

I have negotiated the start date of March 17, 2025 in a half-time capacity, for my new position. This is so that I can concurrently journey with Crossroads’ confirmation class and congregation through to Easter Sunday, in a half-time capacity at Crossroads. On May 1, 2025 I will become a full-time employee of The Office of Vocation, and our pastoral relationship will come to a close. There is a three-day meeting (from January 21-23) of the PMR/CWR Candidacy Board that I will be required to attend, so I will take that week as study leave (which it will be!) from Crossroads. 

I commit to remain emotionally and spiritually present through this time of transition, so that I contribute in a positive way to ensure Crossroads makes a healthy pastoral leadership change. Once I start my new position full-time, I understand that I will be required to absent myself from the Crossroads community for two full years to protect the new pastoral relationship that God will bring to birth.

It is my honour have been the “founding minister” of Crossroads United Church, and as I prepare to pass the mantle of spiritual leadership to a successor who will collaborate with you to bring your newly adopted vision alive, I give thanks for the love, wisdom, and joy that has characterized our pastoral relationship. May our final four-and-a-half months be a time of gracious and faithful sharing in Jesus’ name.

May the Grace of Christ attend us all,

(The Rev.) Caroline R. Copeman-Haynes