People

Rev. Ryan Slifka, Coordinating Minister

Ryan Slifka shepherds St. George’s as Minister of Word, Sacrament, and Pastoral Care. He was called as minister to the congregation July 1st, 2014, having previously served as Campus Minister for the United Church of Canada at UBC, and as Associate Minister at University Hill Congregation.

As minister, Ryan is primarily charged with carrying our story and tradition forward, and empowering others in our community to live out the Way of Jesus day-to-day. He does this through leading worship, teaching and spiritual formation, building community relationships, offering one-on-one guidance and compassion, and keeping us focused on our vision in all things we do.

Though originally from Calgary, Alberta, Ryan grew up in Black Diamond, a small town just south of the city. He received his Bachelor’s from the University of Calgary, and is a graduate of Vancouver School of Theology (MDiv, 2013), where he currently serves on the Board. He was ordained by British Columbia Conference of the United Church in May of 2014.

Ryan discovered the Christian faith as a young adult and is passionate about making the connections between the wisdom of ancient tradition and all aspects of life in the present. He sees a future for a church that is anchored in humility, committed to changing lives, and one that practices a generous welcome with neighbors, friends and strangers alike. He believes the Spirit is up to something new and that the Christian Story has the power to transform people’s lives and heal the world God loves.

Ryan is happily married to Cheyenne Hutt. Together they are doing their best to raise their three children: Walter, Abraham, and Martha. They both feel deeply privileged to call such a beautiful community their home.

If you are seeking community, are exploring life’s big questions, or would just like to chat, he would love to meet you. He’s always up for conversation over coffee or tea, no matter who you are, where you are on life’s journey, or the journey of faith.

Contact Ryan

Sarah Provan, Minister of Children, Youth and Families

Sarah was born and raised in Victoria, which is also where she started her journey in Children's Ministry, as a volunteer in 2005 and then was hired in 2008. After graduating from UVic (2015) with a degree in Linguistics and Philosophy, she moved to the lower mainland, eventually settling in Langley.

Sarah was introduced to Jesus through a Christian Preschool, and was immediately curious to learn more about God's love and what it means to follow Jesus. This curiosity continued, as she grew to realize she loved teaching while she was still in elementary school. Encouraged by various leaders and mentors, she gained experience working in children and youth ministry of various sizes, as well as extensive camp ministry experience.

She likes to approach children and youth ministry from a holistic view, exploring worship through song, dance and art, teaching through different voices and activities, and engaging a child’s sense of imagination to inspire them to live out God’s story in our lives. She is excited to see children develop within the church; she strongly believes they are not the next generation of the church, but fully part of the current church body. She has found that they often have a lot to teach us about life, and enjoys learning from them as much as she enjoys teaching them.

Contact Sarah

Kara Derma, Worship Music Leader & ADMINISTRATOR

Kara grew up in Guelph, Ontario and moved  to the Valley from Edmonton in 2013 .

She  is a freelance artist who works in fine arts, music and theatre. Kara  feels beyond blessed to be able share her gifts and joy of music with St. George’s every Sunday.St. George’s has become her spiritual home since 2016 when she was invited to sing with St. George’s by former Music Director, Eve Mark. Kara was baptized and became  an official member of St. George’s in 2018 and was married to her partner of 10 years, Terry, at the church in 2019. Kara has been actively involved in church life, serving on the worship committee and as Elder on the board  (2019-2021).

Andrew Sims, Accompanist

Andrew Sims completed the Master of Music in Piano from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta and the Bachelor of Music degree in Piano from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He was the accompanist at Riverbend United Church in Edmonton for ten years. He maintains a busy teaching schedule with remote lessons in Edmonton and teaches local students in the Comox Valley. Andrew is also an examiner for the Canadian Conservatory of Music. Aside from music, Andrew is a skilled knitter and spinner and loves to spend his time creating socks, sweaters, shawls, and toys. He and his husband, Bryan Mortensen, have enjoyed getting to know the community in the Valley; he is excited to be sharing his musical gifts at St. George’s!

Purushottam (Puru) Dotel, Janitor

Purushottam Dotel  started with St George’s on January 2nd. Puru and his wife and daughter, are recent immigrants from Nepal. As Christians, it was hard to practice their faith without persecution and they hope to be able to live with greater religious and political freedom here in the Comox Valley.

Clinton Wise, Custodian

Clinton ensures everything that happens at the St. George's facilities happens as smoothly as possible by providing regular maintenance, upkeep, and supervision of renovation of the St. George's building.

A former heavy duty mechanic by trade, Clinton retired after a cancer diagnosis which he eventually beat. Ever-busy and interested in practical problem solving, Clinton joined the St. George's team as volunteer custodian in 2015. You'll find Clinton fixing, painting, mowing the lawn, moving furniture or something completely different, depending on the day and time.

Clinton lives in Courtenay, with his wife Ellen, who is a long-time active member of St. George's. Before he took over the custodial role, Clinton was new to church. Clinton was eventually baptized on Christmas Day of 2016, much to the joy of St. George's, and especially Ellen, who renewed her baptismal vows at the same time.

Rev. Ray Brandon, Minister Emeritus

From 1970-1992 Ray was the Lead Minister of St. George's. Ray completed his studies at Union College (now Vancouver School of Theology) and completed a Master of Theology degree at Princeton Seminary in New Jersey. During his tenure, St. George's underwent a period of growth and revitalization, a time fondly remembered by many. He have continued to attend St. George's ever since Ray's retirement from ministry in 1992, serving in various official and unofficial capacities. He was accompanied by his beloved Pat, his partner in ministry until her passing in 2023.

Ray brings a lifetime of experience in ministry, and continue with the same passion and love for God and the world God loves.