Lead Minister
Rev. Cari will be on vacation and sabbatical from July 31 to November 20, 2023.
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.
Rev. Jim Short
Acting Lead Minister – August 21 to November 20, 2023
“I am looking forward to leading and sharing in ministry with you at Crossroads during Cari’s sabbatical. I was worshipping in a United Church while still in my mother’s womb. That was the denomination of my birth and though as a teen I made the journey with other friends through other denominations, camps, and assorted youth groups I stayed within my roots. Though I had some other plans for my life I felt a call to ministry (articulated by many people I knew) and was ordained in Hamilton Conference in 1982. Through 40 plus years I have served churches in Newfoundland, Toronto, Duncan and finally Ladner BC.
During that time, I served 26 years in the Canadian Armed Forces Army Reserve which included a 9-month deployment in Afghanistan in 2008. Retiring from the military in 2017 I was made a member of the Order of Military Merit. Entering my “fourth quarter” when retiring from full time ministry in 2019 I worked as a first responder chaplain and currently serve as the Vice President of the Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society.
My partner Cathy of 40 years is also a veteran and was in paid lay ministry. We have three young adult children, two in-law kids and four grandchildren.
I have an interest and training in trauma, moral injury and my passion is to help people understand their journey from a spiritual perspective. I love preaching and telling stories – making connections between the Word and the daily lives we lead. My priority has always been people, helping people and in community connecting with one another and loving God, ourselves, our neighbours, and the world.
Together we’ll keep the incredible community of Crossroads sailing on as we say goodbye to Cari for a well-deserved sabbatical and welcome her back in November. It’s my privilege to serve amongst you.”
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 is excited to begin the part-time role of Children’s Ministry Coordinator in the fall of 2023 after three summers 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.
Nicole Desy
Accompanist, Children’s Choir Director
Nicole adds her musical and dramatic talents to Crossroads. She is passionate about enlivening worship with children and the participation of the whole people of God. In her “spare” time she teaches elementary school, knits like a machine (she always has at least 5 projects on the go) and can even tap dance!
Gillian McNutt
Office Administrator
Gillian is pleased to join Crossroads’ staff as the Office Administrator. She has a background in office management, and is a warm and welcoming presence. She looks forward to meeting Crossroads people as time goes by, and also offering hospitality to the community. She enjoys her nieces and nephews, but her cat “Sailor” is her fur baby. 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 late afternoons, 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!)
