Staff and Contractors

Posted Mon December 12, 2011, 5:05 pm by revcari

Crossroads' Staff and our Contractor for Music Ministry

Cari Copeman-Haynes, Lead Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care

Rev. Cari has offered spiritual leadership to Crossroads as the "Lead Minister" since the congregation's birth in 2009. Before that she ministered with St. John's Strawberry Hill (03-09) and Gilmore Park (98-03) United Churches, as well as Park United Methodist Church (in New Jersey) and St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church (in Vancouver). Cari brings a passion for the Christian story which is evidenced in her preaching, liturgical leadership and teaching ministry. She is a Godly Play storyteller, a spiritual pilgrim, a curious learner, and a compassionate leader who is grateful to be in ministry among such a faithful, courageous body of Christ's followers.

Jennifer Swanson (Purych), Children, Youth and Family Ministry

Jen is thrilled to have joined (in May 2010) the vibrant community of Crossroads United Church! As a health care educator for the past 16 years, Jennifer has a passion for developing leadership, for the process of learning, and for working with all ages. A life-long learner herself, she has felt a strong call to ordered ministry and is currently studying part-time at VST. Jennifer has experience in developing family programming and enjoys new and meaningful ways in which all people, from tiny to tall, can explore and experience the amazing love of God.

Bruce Harding, Contractor for Ministry of Music

Bruce is passionate about lifting up the gifts of instrumentalists and singers of all ages in our community. A church musician for over 20 years and multi-instrumentalist, Bruce brings a wealth of giftedness, training and experience to the ministry of music at Crossroads United Church. Bruce is a past co-chair and current member of Music United: The United Church of Canada Association of Musicians, was the managing editor for More Voices, and has a doctorate in hymnody. He is excited about helping Crossroads to be a place of Spirit and healing for the North Delta and Surrey community. Please visit his website at evensong.ca for more information about his ministry.

Nicole Desy, Accompanist

An elementary school teacher, Nicole has been offering musical ministry for many years - first with Royal Heights, and now at Crossroads. Her passion is enlivening worship with children, and encouraging the participation of the whole people of God. She brings her musical and dramatic talents to the whole congregation in worship and at other congregational events and is excited to share her gift of music with Crossroads United Church.

Diane Hall, Office Administrator (half-time)

Diane brings to Crossroads 18 years of experience as the former Royal Heights office administrator. Her excitement, compassion, desire for spiritual growth, maturity and technical skills have all come with her to the new office, where she (along with the whole congregation) continues to adapt and grow in community.

Joanne Wilcox, Office Administrator (half-time)

Joanne has often shared that this is the only job she can imagine that calls on all her skills and life-experience: her experiences growing up in an immigrant culture (being “the stranger”), being a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother and now a grandmother, her volunteer experiences in the wider community, and her years in office management and accounting. For 5 1/2 years the secretary and "front line" presence at St. John's, Joanne now offers her many gifts and skills to Crossroads.

Sriya Peiris, Nursery Caregiver

A Montessori pre-school teacher in her native Sri Lanka, Sriya loves small children and is dedicated to creating a welcoming and warm environment for our smallest members at Crossroads United Church to meet the love of God in Jesus. She offers Sunday morning Nursery Care from 15 minutes before worship to shortly after it concludes.