Staff
 | Stephen Streett - Senior Pastor
My wife, Karen, daughter Melodie and son, Stephen, Jr. joined the Varnell community and church in June of 2011. We are thrilled to be serving God with the wonderful people of Varnell United Methodist Church.
I have served God through the United Methodist Church for the last 18 years. I'm originally from Florence, S.C., and have been a member of the North Georgia Annual Conference since 2002. I was ordained an Elder in full connection in 2002. Before being appointed to Varnell UMC, I served 9 years at Covenant UMC in Greer, S.C. and 9 years at Dunwoody UMC in Dunwoody, GA. I have served the last 20 years in Youth Ministry in the local church and throughout the Southeastern Jurisdiction. I have a calling to share God's love with all generations.
My family and I look forward to serving God with the wonderful people of Varnell UMC. One thing I have learned in ministry is that God always remains faithful as 2 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us, "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord and your labors in the Lord will not be in vain." Blessings, Stephen
|  | John Demerdjian - Music Minister
John Demerdjian , aka "Johnny D.", has always loved music, and loves leading people in worship.
Born in Jerusalem, Israel, John grew up in TN where he sang in church all his life, began piano lessons at age 6 and continued them throughout college, majoring in Music Education.
A 2007 graduate of Lee University, John has been privileged to minister in churches all over the world( 35 states and 4 countries so far !) as a member of Lee University Campus Choir.
Finishing up his second year of teaching music in GA while serving as Music Minister @ VUMC, John is returning to Lee for his Master's Degree in Music Education.
John says:
" Worship is NOT about the style of music. God's favorite kind of music is any song His children sing to express their love and glorify God for His amazing grace. Let's make His praise glorious ! "
|  | Tammy Burek - Office Administrator
Tammy grew up in a small town in Virginia, along with her three sisters and one brother. She was smack dab in the middle and definitely put some “gray hairs” on her parent’s heads during her formative years.
Tammy enjoyed playing basketball, swinging on the family’s tree swing, wading in their creek out back and going to the beach with her family every summer. Her family still gets together for these summer beach trips, except now the family has grown to 15 nieces and nephews of all ages!
Tammy attended Virginia Tech and majored in Communications and English. She worked for Pepsi Cola Company for 15 years.
Tammy is married to Mark and has a beautiful daughter, Jessica. The family has a crazy dog named Daniel, but they still love him!
Tammy says:
“I was blessed to have been born in a Christian family with strong parents who encouraged me. Even during some tough times, Jesus Christ has never let go of me and has always been a faithful friend. Jesus has never let me down and never will.”
|  | Kurt Baron - Youth Dude
I was born in Wooster, Ohio on June 30, 1987. I moved to Georgia when I was six and have been here ever since. I grew up at Varnell UMC and was part of the Youth group. For the past fourteen years I have been a played the drums, and got my start playing at Varnell.
I attended and graduated from Lee University with a degree in Business Administration with a minor
in Religion. Around my Junior year in College I felt the call to Youth Ministry and worked in a youth program four years.
I am honored and truly blessed to be home at Varnell as the Youth Minister. GOD IS GOOD!!!! God has some amazing things up His sleeves for the Youth Program.
So, let's sit back and enjoy the ride.
Kurt says:
"Keep the Faith"
|  | Ashley Reed - Childrens Ministries
Ashley was born and raised in California!! Even though she attended college in GA and has lived here for almost 17 yrs, she will always remain a "CALI" kid!!
Ashley has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Piedmont College and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. After many years of teaching, she was fortunate enough to stay home for a few years with her children, until GOD game knocking once again...
Ashley is married to Larry, a native Varnellian!! They have 2 children. Luke is 8 and loves history and sports, and Annie is 3!! Annie definitely keeps her mom and dad busy!!!
If you know Ashley you know she is a big kid at heart!! She is very excited to take over the position of Children's Minister! She knows God will guide her on how to plant permanent seeds of faith into the lives our children, not only the children of VUMC, but also to the other kids of the community!! She wants VUMC a place where KIDS WANT TO BE!!!!
Was blessed to be raised by a strong Christian momma, who planted seeds of faith! "Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6 Thanks Momma for laying a solid foundation!!
|  | Sonia Harness - Facility Manager
Sonia “Hall” Harness grew up in Calhoun, Georgia with four sisters and a very loving mother and father. She met Tony Harness in November of 1988 and they were married in July of 1989.
Sonia has lived in Tunnel Hill for the past 15 years. Sonia and Tony have a daughter, Taya, and Sonia has two stepsons “TJ and Wesley Harness as well as two grandsons, AJ & Christian. Sonia has also worked at Varnell United Methodist Church as a Preschool teacher for the past five years.
|  | Sharon Ewing - Preschool Director
Sharon Mullins Ewing was born and raised in Dalton, Georgia. She graduated from Northwest High School and Dalton College. She faithfully attended church with her family her whole lifetime. Raised as a Southern Baptist, she and her husband began attending Varnell UMC in January of 2010. She quickly learned that it doesn't matter what denomination a church is, it's the people and presence of God that make up a church. She and her family were welcome into VUMC with open arms and have made it their church home. After working for 22 years in the legal profession as a legal secretary and paralegal, Sharon attempted to retire from the business world in 2005. But she was convinced to come to work at Praise and Play Preschool in August, 2006, and for the first year taught the 2-year old class. The next year, she moved into the Financial Coordinator position at the Preschool, where she has been for the past 5 years. She accepted the Director position in June, 2011. Sharon is the wife of Phillip, the mother of Olivia, age 6, who attends New Hope Elementary School, the mother of Amy, age 29, who teaches at Westside Middle School, mother-in-law of Ryan, who works with the Department of Public Safety, and the nana of Bo, age 2, who attends Praise and Play Preschool. She enjoys playing with her family, travelling, reading, cooking and loves naps. She loves Mexican food but does not like chocolate. Sharon believes that children are an integral part of the church. They are the future of the church. Bringing children into church, whether at Preschool or the worship service, gives them a foundation in Christ that will be a part of their lives forever. Sharon is excited about being able to show and share God's love with the preschool children and their families. "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.´ Proverbs 22:6.
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