Minister, Rev. Colin James Cross
The Rev. Colin James Cross has been Minister of Word and Sacrament at St. Andrew's Church since 1997, and is now celebrating his 28th year in ministry.
A native of Penticton, he holds a Master of Christian Studies and a Master of Divinity from Regent College;, a Diploma in Presbyterian Studies from the Vancouver School of Theology; and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of British Columbia. Do degrees make the man? In a word, no. But the Presbyterian Church in Canada has always been noted for its high view of ministry, not to mention its carefully-trained clergy; and Colin is no exception.
Most of all, Colin loves God, and deeply loves people, and feels called by God not only to careful study and intelligent preaching, but to the most creative ministry possible in an exceptional time. (Hence many of our ministries, including our signature outreach, the Walk to Bethlehem; our outreach centres for people in need; and our exciting drama troupe, the St. Andrew's Players, which has presented challenging, spiritually-rich, family-friendly, full-length plays for the community--eight and counting.)
Come and meet him! The door is always open.
Minister of Outreach, Rev. Laura J Turnbull
Thanks to a three-year grant from Kamloops Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Laura was hired in October 2023 to share her faith, enthusiasm, and experience as an Ordained Minister with the people of Penticton and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
When you enter the church on Sunday morning you are likely to be greeted by Rev. Laura with a warm welcome and an accepting smile. Out in the community you may encounter her leading a workshop, hosting an event on behalf of the church, or leading a program introducing topics as diverse as wreath making and painting birdhouses! Her love of all people is obvious and her commitment to our loving God is contagious.
Rev. Laura was ordained by the United Church of Canada in 1987, and she has served 7 United Churches in 4 provinces. She retired in 1999 but has kept her hand in serving the church by assisting congregations, when needed, on Sunday mornings. She is known for her creativity, passion for justice, and compassion for all folk. Her outreach is creative, unique and always inclusive! She asks who is excluded and then works to try to find a way to ensure that as many as possible are included.
Although only working one-third time, Rev. Laura’s energy and commitment to the work of outreach seems to know no time limit. We are blessed to share in ministry with her!
Pianist and Accompanist. Dennis Nordlund
Dennis also loves God, and is simply one of the finest pianists in the Okanagan.
Needless to say St. Andrew's is blessed to have him playing for our services, and for the choir. Dennis is known for being an intuitive and sensitive music teacher who communicates his love of music by performing in many ensembles throughout the Okanagan. Dennis began his musical career in Vanderhoof, BC and continued studies in Penticton, Victoria and Vancouver.
He acquired his A.R.C.T. through the University of Toronto, as well as a B.Sc. through UBC in Vancouver. Dennis is an active teacher, performer, collaborative pianist, vocal coach, and clinician working primarily in the Okanagan valley of British Columbia. He performs as a soloist, as an accompanist for vocalists, choirs, instrumentalists, and theatrical productions, and as part of both a jazz trio and a chamber ensemble group. He has performed with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, Musaic Vocal ensemble, the OSO Symphony Chorus, the OSO Youth Symphony, Soundstage Productions, Okanagan Valley music festivals, BC Performing Arts Festivals, the Penticton Vineyard Community Church, and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. At his private studio in Penticton, Dennis teaches piano, music theory, composition and collaborative piano. He is a member of the
BC Registered Music Teachers Association.