Ministry Team

Vern Swett

Senior Pastor

The Reverend Dr. Vern Swett (he/him/his) began as our Senior Pastor on September 1, 2020. Prior to serving in Sylvania, Pastor Vern faithfully served United Church of Christ congregations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida. Educated at Boston University, Harvard Divinity School, and Chicago Theology Seminary, Vern continues “to seek to always to be growing spiritually, intellectually and in all areas of ministry.”

Mary Meadows

Minister of Faith Formation

I, The Reverend Mary T. Meadows (she/her/hers) serves our church as Minister of Faith Formation and is an active contributor and participant in Sunday morning worship. Pastor Mary is a graduate of Oberlin College, Cleveland Marshall College of Law, and Duke Divinity School. In addition to serving Sylvania UCC, Mary continues to work as an attorney in the area of Social Security disability and, more recently, as an attorney Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children. In her spare time, she rides her bike, knits, and sings in a community choir.

David Andersen

Minister of Visitation

The Reverend Dr. David W. Andersen has led numerous congregations throughout his career, including First Baptist Church of Greater Toledo, The North Shore Baptist Church, and First Presbyterian Church of Maumee. David was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and is happily married to Sharon with two adult children and two grandchildren. He is a graduate of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and McCormick Theological Seminary.

Lynne Dickendasher

Director of Connection and Engagement

Lynne grew up in Toledo where she was active in Monroe Street United Methodist Church. She also attended the University of Toledo. She spent the last 41 years in Arizona. Her primary work experience was in commercial real estate management. She has a wealth of volunteer experience in her church in Arizona plus a variety of other nonprofit professional and civic organizations.

Lynne joined Sylvania UCC in February of 2023 and has been active in the Chidester Lecture Committee, the Outreach Board and Social Justice issues.

Sally Mossing

Director of Music / Organist

Sally Mossing began as the church’s organist in the summer of 2000. As Director of Music, she coordinates the music programs and yearly budget. When not accompanying the choirs, she rehearses with soloists from the congregation as well as guest musicians. Planning and taking part in the Taize Service is something she looks forward to each month. She enjoys composing and hopes to do more of it in the future. She shares her musical talents with other area churches and organizations. Sally is an active member of the American Guild of Organists and in 1983 received a Bachelors Degree in Organ Performance from Bowling Green State University.

Lori Bitz

Chancel Choir Director / Chancel Bell Choir Director / Praise Team Coach

Lori Bitz joined the staff at Sylvania United Church of Christ in August 2015 as Chancel Choir Director. In 2017, she accepted the positions of Chancel Bell Choir Director and Praise Team Coach. Lori has been a church musician for over 25 years, directing adult and children’s choirs, handbell choirs, praise teams, and a trumpet choir. Since the 1990s she has served as the Principal Trumpet for the Adrian Symphony Orchestra and Utility Trumpet for the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. For over 20 years, she has served as Adjunct Music Faculty at the University of Findlay where she teaches Applied Brass Lessons. She is currently on staff at Siena Heights University. Lori earned a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Michigan University.

Bridget Shea

Office Manager

Bridget Shea joined our staff in April of 2022 as the Office Manager. She grew up in Toledo and lived in Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland for 30 years. During her time there, Bridget worked as a manager for nonprofit educational and healthcare organizations. She also owned her own business for over a decade and was very involved in volunteer and community activities. She returned to Toledo in early 2017 to be near family and continued working in a managerial capacity. Bridget graduated from The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University.

Travis Ernsberger

Facilities Manager

Travis Ernsberger is originally from the Toledo area and has lived in Florida and North Carolina. He is a career firefighter and EMT and has recently moved back to the area, where he is working for the Toledo Fire Department. He also has experience in construction, project management, and carpentry. Currently, Travis is serving both as a Toledo firefighter and overseeing Sylvania UCC’s facilities.

Child Care Provider

Christy Konz

Financial Secretary

Christy Konz has served as the church’s Financial Secretary since 2004, tracking all donations and expenses, sending out quarterly and end-of-year statements, and reporting budgetary information.

Christy has a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management from North Carolina State University.