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.”

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.

Minister of Faith Formation

Director of Connection & Engagement

Lynne Dickendasher 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.

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. 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.

Chancel & Bell Coir Director

Lori Bitz joined the staff in August 2015 as Chancel Choir Director. In 2017, she accepted the positions of Chancel Bell Choir Director. Lori has been a church musician for over 25 years, directing the adult choir, handbell choir. Since the 1990’s 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.

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 andcommunity activities. She returned to Toledo in early 2017 to be near familyand continued working in a managerial capacity. Bridget graduated from The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University.

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.

Contact Staff

To contact staff, please call or email: 419-882-0048, church@sylvaniaucc.org