Pastor April Barrett grew up in Jackson, Michigan.  After obtaining a BA from Michigan State University, she spent two years in Japan teaching English as a second language and working with a church plant.  She met her husband, Patrick, while working for Bethanna Christian Foster Care Agency in Southampton, Pennsylvania.  They have two married daughters and and two little grandchildren.  April and Patrick were ordained in 2008 in the Free Methodist Church, Southern Michigan Conference.  April has served as a missionary in Costa Rica, an associate pastor of worship and children’s ministries, and lead pastor, most recently in Portland, Michigan.  She has also been the Children’s Director and Teaching Director for Community Bible Study in Jackson, Michigan.  April enjoys cross stitching and music.  She is a fan of both Star Trek and Star Wars, as well as Lord of the Rings and Marvel Cinematic Universe—all of which make their way into sermons from time to time. 

 

Patrick J. Barrett Jr. had changed his major four times while attending Philadelphia College of Bible (now Cairn University) from Social Work to Pastor Leadership to Missionary Work to Teacher. After serving in each of these areas of Christian ministry, he has settled into his current role of supporting his wife as a Pastor in Oil City, PA.

 

Pastor Patrick serves on the staff at The Crossing as the Connections Pastor to ensure the congregation feels engaged and pastored. He believes our success as a church is defined by the ways in which individuals are becoming more like Jesus. The role of Connections Pastor is focused primarily on cultivating a culture in which ongoing spiritual growth and formation are valued as the anticipated outcome of belonging to a local church. His book, For Pastors Only: Dealing with Rejection in Ministry, was published in Jan. 2022. Patrick’s hobbies include DIY projects, woodcarving, and reading Science Fiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As an ordained Elder, Ed continues a family tradition – both his father and grandfather
were pastors. He serve at the Crossing as Associate Pastor. Ed is the lead sound
technician at FMCOC. He currently participates in the church’s “praise and worship” team, playing guitar and bass guitar as needed. Music is a big part of his life.
Ed previously served as a Chaplin at Polk Center, a facility for people with developmental disabilities. He specializes in persons with maladaptive behaviors and visual impairment. Ed’s spiritual gifts are shepherding, creative communication, and discernment. He uses those gifts in clowning, puppetry, drama, plus working with youth. He enjoys playing the guitar, reading, and listening to music.

 

 

At The Crossing Sharon serves as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Small Groups. Her gifts of mercy and hospitality find outlets in everyday life on a regular basis. Sharon is a retired school nurse practitioner. She has an Associate Degree in Nursing and a B. S. Degree in Education from Clarion University, and School Nurse Practitioner Certification from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as Masters Degree in nursing.

 

If you stop in at the church office you will meet the other April. She is a newer face at our church but is jumping right in to help our church make a difference. April, her husband, Matt, and daughter, Autumn, live in the Rocky Grove area.