Pastors April & Patrick Barrett

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April Barrett, Lead Pastor
 
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 recently celebrated the arrival of their first granddaughter.  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 Barrett, Associate Pastor

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.

 

Pastors Ed & Sharon Shreffler, Associate Pastors

 
Sharon and Ed have been married for forty five years. Several years ago they helped form a band known as “The Christian Folk.” The band traveled throughout Pennsylvania and New England.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ed Shreffler
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 also serves as 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.
 
 

Sharon Shreffler

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.
 

 

 

April Webb, Administrative Assistant

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

Justin Dulaney, Custodian

Justin is also a fresh recruit to The Crossing, but is proving to be a conscientious and capable custodian. Justin and his wife and family live in the Oil City area.