Lead Minister
Spiritual Pilgrim. Curious Learner. Compassionate Leader. Rev. Cari brings a passion for the Christian story that is evident in her preaching, liturgical leadership and teaching ministry. She is a collaborative leader who seeks to discover and release the gifts of others into the life of the congregation and the world. She is a grateful to be in ministry among such a faithful, courageous body of Christ’s followers, and really enjoys a good fermented pickle.
Rev. Cari has offered spiritual leadership to the Crossroads congregation since its formation in 2009. She served as President of BC Conference in 2017-18, offering significant leadership during the United Church’s recent structural changes. Prior to Crossroads, Rev. Cari ministered with St. John’s Strawberry Hill (03-09) and Gilmore Park (98-03) United Churches, as well as Park United Methodist Church (New Jersey) and St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church (Vancouver). She has a Bachelor in Music from the University of British Columbia and an M.Div. from the Vancouver School of Theology.
Dr. Bruce Harding
Ministry of Music
(Evensong Worship Resources, Contractor)
Musician. Singer. Songwriter. Bruce is passionate about lifting up the gifts of instrumentalists and singers of all ages in our community. He is excited about helping Crossroads to be a place of Spirit and healing for the North Delta and Surrey community. Bruce generally refuses dessert but does enjoy some really good dark chocolate (fair-trade, of course!)
A church musician for 30 years and multi-instrumentalist, Bruce brings a wealth of giftedness, training and experience to the ministry of music at Crossroads United Church. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in the development of hymn tune repertoire in The United Church of Canada. Bruce is a past co-chair and current member of the executive of Music United: The United Church of Canada Association of Musicians, and was the managing editor for More Voices. Please visit his website at evensong.ca for more information about his ministry.
Carson Beck
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Carson began the part-time role of Children’s Ministry Coordinator in the fall of 2023 after three summers working at Crossroads United Church. He brings a calm, warm, and curious presence to his relationships with our youngest members. He is currently studying at Simon Fraser University, preparing to become a high school social studies teacher. (Did you know that Carson can identify more than 100 flags of the world’s nations?) Carson enjoys playing and watching sports, as well as listening to music.
Koinonia “Nią” Bentayen
Youth Ministry Coordinator
Nia joined Crossroads’ staff in the fall of 2023 as our new Youth Ministry Coordinator. Nia’s background in youth ministry includes many years of working in Pacific Mountain Region’s Camp Spirit, offering leadership at youth retreats and attending youth events as a participant herself.
Nia explores her spirituality in many ways including being in nature, through art, and connecting with people. She brings a grounded, compassionate, and joyful presence to our ministry with youth. When not working, she enjoys reading fantasy and adventure novels and finding new dessert places.
Gillian McNutt
Office Administrator
Gillian was pleased to join Crossroads’ staff in October, 2021 as the Office Administrator. She has a background in office management, and is a warm and welcoming presence. She warmly welcomes Crossroads people to the church, as well as offering hospitality to the community. She enjoys her nieces and nephews, but her cat “Sailor” and dog “Rio” are her fur babies. Little known fact: Gillian spent three winters living in Mexico selling diamonds!
Heather Burdett
Bookkeeper
Crossroads was thrilled to welcome Heather to the staff team in April, 2017 as our part-time bookkeeper. These days you can find her in the office on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings, working her magic to make the numbers all line up. Heather is also an avid baker who can’t eat her own products because of her gluten free diet. (Built-in generosity!)
Patrick Myers
Custodian
Patrick has been a member of Crossroads since 2012, and joined the staff early in 2024 as our Custodian. He recently retired from a social services role and has come full circle to a cleaning job, which he did in his teens at the University of Alberta Hospital. This role gives him a reason to get out and about, a little exercise, and has been a source of joy for Patrick as he deepens his relationship with the congregation.