Sunday, April 3, 2022 – Anniversary Sunday – Rev. Dr. Kent Garner, Dr. Mark Coffey & Dr. Brandon Johnson

On April 3, over 220 people gathered to welcome three returning guests as they led us in worship:  Rev. Dr. Kent Garner, Dr. Mark Coffey, and Dr. Brandon Johnson.

Pastor Garner is Bethlehem’s longest tenured pastor, serving from 1977 – 2008.  He guided BLC during a time of tremendous growth. He is “most grateful to all the wonderful people who allowed me to be a part of their lives.”  In his sermon, Pastor Garner interwove the theme of changing and adapting into our long history, highlighting Place – People – Purpose.

Dr. Mark Coffey served as Organist and Director of Choirs from 1981 – 1984 after earning his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Organ Performance and Musical Literature from the Eastman School of Music. In his short time with us, Dr. Coffey was a great asset to our music program and was instrumental in the selection of the tracker action organ, commissioned, made, and installed during that time.

Dr. Brandon Johnson, Director of the Chancel Choir from 2003 – 2008, is currently the Director of Choral Activities at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti and the artistic director and conductor of the Detroit Concert Choir. Dr. Johnson shares that his memories of his time at BLC include “the strong connections with the members of the choir.  They were so ready to help and strive musically.