Meet Our Team
At St. David's we are blessed to have a group of loving, talented and dedicated leaders who serve this community with passion, humility and a desire to support spiritual growth and well-being of all. ​​ From teaching and pastoral care to worship, music, outreach, and administration, our team is committed to equipping the church and reaching the community with the love of Christ. We believe in walking in faith, and serving with integrity and compassion. Together, we strive to create a welcoming and spiritually enriching environment where everyone can grow closer to God and to one another.
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Minister
Leslie Buerschaper
Tel: 778-228-0828
"Every step is a prayer, and as you dance upon the earth for the things you seek, the way will open before you." -Matthew 7:7
Prior to entering ministry in the United Church of Canada, Leslie worked in mental health and with young offenders and their families focusing on trauma, and crisis management. Her involvement in the United Church began in Children’s and Youth ministry where she began to hear God’s call to congregational ministry. Leslie completed her Master of Arts in Public and Pastoral Leadership in 2020 and is a candidate for ordination in the UCC in June of 2026.
For 30 years, Leslie has also worked as a sculptor where she owned a garden art company with her dad. Leslie now creates pieces as part of her ministry. She is also a member of the Sculptors’ Society of British Columbia. Art for Leslie, like working in her garden, is a spiritual practice that nurtures and feeds her soul. Leslie is also nourished by spending time with her family which includes a big, goofy German Shepherd named Qrash.
Leslie holds certificates in: Mental Health First Aid from the Canada Commission for Mental Health, Resilient Minds from the Canadian Mental Health Association and Vancouver Fire Rescue through the BC Association of Fire Chaplains, Peer Support Worker through Vancouver Coastal Health, and Peer Support Group Facilitation from Sanctuary Ministries.
Leslie strives “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.” -Micah 6:8
Monique Creber
Director of Music
Monique enjoys an extensive career as a vocalist, pianist, organist, producer, teacher, musical director and choir conductor. She is a versatile performer who possesses a rich singing voice that CBC radio described as “eerily similar to that of the late, great Karen Carpenter”. Monique has headlined symphony shows; led NHL anthems; performed in countless concerts; and has recorded, produced and sung on many TV/movie soundtracks and album projects.
Monique especially cherishes sharing the stage with her husband, pianist/composer Michael Creber, and their daughter, singer/songwriter/actor Michelle Creber. Together, the family trio co-host annual events such as their Magic of Christmas and In the Spotlight shows; and co-direct Cypress Singers and The CM Singers vocal ensembles.
Monique has musically directed theatre productions of Wizard of Oz, Fame, 13, Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Sound of Music, and has also appeared in roles such as the iconic “Marmee” in Little Women. Originally from Winnipeg, Monique owned a 500-student music school, wrote music books, adjudicated festivals and trained teachers for Technics Music Canada. After moving to Vancouver in the 90s, she launched Creber Music Academy and also taught music and performing arts for Mulgrave and Brockton schools.
Monique has released several music albums including her own originals collection All For You and holiday albums A Creber Christmas Vol 1 & 2. Monique joined the St. David’s team as Musical Director in 2023 - she firmly believes that music ministry speaks to the soul, brings joy, inspires, heals, and connects us!
Church Administrator
The North Shore has been Leanne’s home since the early 1980’s. It was here that she was introduced to life in the church and has been attending for 25 years. Leanne has been fortunate to work in an administrative capacity for outstanding private companies and to have been an independent business owner. Since her arrival at St. David’s in 2010, she has been blessed to have served as a member of the St. David’s ministry team.
Leanne loves to garden, and spending time alone in the garden is a place of quiet renewal. Another favourite way to spend time is with her three daughters, nieces, grand niece, mom and sister. A lot of girls and a lot of laughter. One daughter has now moved on to her own home, and Leanne has been inspired and proud to watch another become a beautiful dancer and seen her youngest develop an athletic ability that will take her far in life.
Leanne Gilhius
Tel: 604-922-3961
Minister Emeritus
Dal McCrindle
Rev McCrindle has served churches in Manitoba, Northern British Columba, and Maple Ridge. In 1985 Dal became the minister of St. David’s. Dal retired in 2006 and returned to West Vancouver where he became a member of West Vancouver United Church. In 2019 he stepped in as interim minister at St. David's United Church for 6 months which, due to the COVID pandemic, led to 2 years of exciting changes at this church. On July 1, 2022 Dal was appointed as Minister Emeritus at St. David’s.
Dal has a strong commitment to ministry with members of this family of faith and supporting those in the broader community in need. He is a talented musician and brings his gifts to worship through directing the bell choir and offering extensive experience as a player of bagpipes, singing and choosing meaningful musical messages for worship.
Rev. McCrindle believes it is most important to have a vibrant faith community at the corner of Taylor Way and the Upper Levels Highway recognizing that it is the most visible church location in the Vancouver area. St. David's is a light to the saving significance of Jesus to all who pass by and a beacon of hospitality, comfort and peace to all who enter.