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Community Corner

Bethlehem First United Methodist Church Welcomes New Senior Pastor

On Sunday, June 22, the Reverend Frank Bernat will be introduced at Bethlehem First United Methodist as their new Senior Pastor. Reverend Bernat replaces the Reverend Parker Benson who recently moved to the Holston Conference (Tennessee) of the United Methodist Church earlier this month. Reverend Benson will be serving as the Senior Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Maryville, TN. He has served as Senior Pastor at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church since June 2005.

Reverend Bernat is a native of Covington, GA, and comes to Bethlehem from Hope United Methodist Church in Dallas, GA, where he served as lead pastor since January 2007. Prior to his appointment at Hope United Methodist Church, Reverend Bernat served at churches in Roswell and Newborn. He received an undergraduate degree in Speech Communications from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Reverend Bernat has been an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church since 1998.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for my family and me,” says Bernat. “Bethlehem First is one of the fastest growing churches in our conference, and we are excited about being in this community for the next several years.”

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Reverend Bernat hopes that Bethlehem First United Methodist Church can be a church for the entire community. “I believe that all of us are somewhere on a spiritual journey,” says Bernat, “and it is our prayer and our hope that this church can help people grow closer in their relationship with God.” Bernat believes there is a place for everyone at Bethlehem First United Methodist. “One of the great strengths of Bethlehem First is that we have a very diverse congregation. There is something for everybody here at Bethlehem First.”

Reverend Bernat has been married to his wife, Lesli, since 1996, and they have two daughters, Rachel, 14, and Rebekah, 12. For more information about Reverend Bernat or to learn more about Bethlehem First United Methodist Church, please visit the church’s website at www.bigwhitechurch.com or contact the church office at 770-867-3727. Bethlehem First United Methodist Church is located at 709 Christmas Avenue, Bethlehem, GA. Service times on Sunday mornings are 8:30, 9:30, and 11:00 AM.

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