Clergy
Minister Emeritus: Rev. John Davis
Rev. S. Dean Sellars:
Rev. S. Dean Sellars grew up in the small Conception Bay North community of Ochre Pit Cove, NL. It is part of the Blackhead-Western Bay Pastoral Charge-the birthplace of Methodism in NL. In 1981 Dean made his personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by way of Confirmation, and from that point onwards he became actively involved in the life and work of his community of faith.
After completing grade school, Rev. Sellars attended the Cabot Institute of Applied Arts and Technology from which he received a diploma in Civil Engineering Technology. However, sensing the call of the Lord stronger than ever upon his life, he decided to enter the inquiry process within the church, and eventually was recognized as a Candidate for Ordained Ministry. He went on to attend Memorial University of Newfoundland Labrador, attaining a B.A. in English with a minor in Business. With his degree in place, Dean was accepted into the four year Master of Divinity program at Atlantic School of Theology, Halifax, NS. While studying, he was placed in service at Oxford Street United in Mississauga, Ontario who eventually employed him to work in the area of evangelism. In 2002, Dean was ordained by the NL Conference, and settled on the Burgeo Pastoral Charge. Since then, he has served the Red Bay, Bay Robert’s, and Labrador West Pastoral Charges, before coming to Carbonear and Victoria Communities of Faith in the summer of 2023. He is an active member within our Regional Council here in NL.
Rev. Sellars is passionate about the United Church of Canada, especially as it relates to her particular articulation of the Gospel. One of the aspects of the church that he loves is her respect for diversity, including Her affirming and welcoming nature—an emphasis that he has always strived to model wherever he has ministered
If asked, Dean would describe himself as a moderate within the church—committed to maintaining the evangelical roots of the church while affirming the church’s theological development over the years as expressed by way of Her creeds, articles and statements of faith. His time at Carol United church, Labrador City, for example, came as a time of great learning and appreciation for the more liberal elements within our church, and is where he learned to value highly the inclusion of Contemporary Music within worship. As he is quick to point out, “we are a united but not uniform church,” and he feels confident in providing leadership within any congregation, regardless of where they are at on their faith journey.
Dean is married to Georgina (nee Fudge) of Francois, who is a cook by trade with Marine Atlantic. They have two children, Sami and Deanna, and are grandparents to their beautiful granddaughter, Elodie. Roxie, their Havanese dog, is an important part of their lives, who wants to go everywhere Rev. Sellars goes.
Some years ago, Rev. Sellars renewed his Baptismal Covenant that his parents, the Late Simeon and Audrey Sellars, made so many, many years ago in his home church. He is committed more than ever to strengthening the United Church of Canada wherever the Lord calls him to go by way of Word, Sacrament, and Pastoral Care, especially during this time of great change for the Church.
Secretary
Secretary/Bookkeeper: Hilda Squibb
If you need to reach our secretary, you can reach her at 709-596-6754:
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Organist/ Choir Director
Caretaker: Sharon Butler
Bethany United Church 