Rev. Dr. H. George Myers, “Skip,” was born and reared in Warren, Ohio, attending Warren City Schools through 12th grade. He was also an active member of First United Methodist Church during his Warren years. Following high school, he attended Ohio Wesleyan University from 1963-1967, receiving both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degree.

He then attended Garrett Theological School (Now Garrett-Evangelical) on the campus of Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, receiving his Master of Divinity degree in 1970. He spent his middle year of seminary, 1968-69, in England, attending Wesley Theological College, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol.

After completing his M. Div., he spent the next two years completing a Master of Arts degree in Church History at Northwestern. During that time, he also served as Youth Minister at Crete United Methodist Church, Crete Illinois.

Returning to Ohio in 1972, he then served the Palmyra, Oak Chapel, Tallmadge, and Macedonia United Methodist Churches before coming to Berea. In the process he received basic certification in Clinical Pastoral Education at Fairview General Hospital and completed a Doctor of Ministry degree in preaching at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Skip delights in parish ministry. Preaching, teaching and the daily opportunities to share in the lives of others of God’s children is a constant joy. It is a privilege to serve in this congregation, committed as it is to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone.

Vivien Swaddling came to Berea in 1959 as a student at Baldwin-Wallace College.  After graduation with a BS in Education, she taught for Berea City School for 30 years.  She received her MED from Kent State University and taught child development in the Early Childhood Education Department at KSU.  She began at the United Methodist Church as a volunteer in the toddler room during college.  She has also been an active volunteer and chairperson of many committees over the years.  She joined the staff officially in 1989 as the Director of Children’s Ministries.  The position of Facility Manager was added to her responsibilities 2006.  She has also been an active volunteer in Girl Scouting for over 35 years.She has 2 adult daughters, Rachel Swaddling and Rebecca Swadding Krol, and 7 grandchildren, and one fat cat named Rowdy!

Sarah Johnson is UMC Berea born and bred. Sarah attended the church starting at 4 years old and was an active participant throughout her youth. Sarah was confirmed in 2002 and went to hold many leadership positions with in the church and East Ohio.

Upon graduating from Berea High School in 2006, Sarah began her four years at Bowling Green State University, majoring in Tourism and Event Planning, with a minor in Journalism. At Bowling Green, Sarah fell in love with working with students in their personal development and even their spiritual development. After her father’s passing in 2009, Sarah decided to return to Berea to be closer to her family.

When hearing that the church was looking for a Youth Ministry Leader, Sarah only considered the position briefly before being encouraged by several congregation members to apply. Despite her doubts, Sarah applied and has been leading, and growing, with the youth group since June 2011.

Sarah has several goals as the United Methodist Church of Berea Youth Ministry Leader. They are as follows:
1. Provide an example of what it means to be a young adult and a Christian
2. Create an honest and safe environment where students can explore their faith
3. Be an active participant in student’s lives as someone they can relate and talk to
4. HAVE FUN!

If you would like more information about the UMCB Youth Program, please don’t hesitate to email Sarah at sjohnson@umcb.org or look up the UMCB Youth Group page on Facebook.