People
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The Board of Elders is made up of those chosen for their skills, wisdom and spiritual gifts to lead the congregation. They are the governing body of the congregation.
The Rev. Ryan Slifka (Chair)
Alison Mewett (Treasurer)
Gerry Schoberg (Secretary)
Joyce Wilson (M&P)
Rosemary Carnahan (Property)
Keith Kovacs
Carolyn Touhey
Candice Woloshyn
Delia Von Schilling
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 God 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.
Zoe Ozirney, Office Administrator
Zoe is no stranger to church life. Born the eldest daughter in a line of Anglican ministers, she married the son of a Baptist pastor, and has worked in several church and para-church contexts. Most recently, Zoe has held administrative jobs in a few different contexts, but has also worked in software and non-profit fields. A few things she loves about working at St. George’s: connecting with church and community members, solving problems, and listening to the radio while she works.
Zoe loves the outdoors, especially hiking and camping with her two kids, husband, and their giant dog.
Maureen Bedford, Director, Music Ministry
Born and raised in Montreal, Maureen and her late husband raised their family of 4 children in Edmonton. A strong musical background in performance, vocal coaching and choral leadership, coupled with diplomas in Liturgy and Pastoral Service (Newman Theological College), equip Maureen with a unique skill set that she is delighted to bring to St. George’s worship experience. Since moving to the Comox Valley in 2013, she has enjoyed playing flute, cello and recorder in various musical ensembles as well as teaching piano to adult students. Her involvement in Music Ministry extends over 3 provinces and 4 decades.
Cheyenne Hutt, Children’s Church Coordinator
Cheyenne has coordinated St. George’s flourishing Children’s Church ministry since early 2025. Cheyenne was born in Revelstoke, BC. She attended the University of Calgary and earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Bachelor of Education and taught high school English. She met her husband, Ryan and they began their life together. Cheyenne and Ryan have been living in the Comox Valley for a decade with their three children. Cheyenne has always been passionate about education and the ways in which our Christian story can be shared with kids in a joyful and fun way. Cheyenne checks out way too many library books, enjoys going on walks, and has succumbed to the inevitable hobby of paddleboarding.
Purushottam (Puru) Dotel, Janitor
Purushottam Dotel started with St George’s in January of 2024. Puru and his wife and daughter, are recent immigrants from Nepal. In 2025, Puru and his wife welcomed a baby boy. 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.
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.