Staff
 | James Gwin - Senior Pastor
James and Beth have five children and moved to Varnell 2005. They love their family, their church, mission work teams, fun vacations, and seeing lives transformed by Christ.
Having grown up in East Point, GA, James left for Young Harris College (where James and Beth first met. He went on to graduate from the University of Georgia (UGA) with a Business Degree in Small Business Management. James worked as a Senior Programmer Analyst before starting the journey toward becoming an ordained United Methodist pastor in the late 1980’s. Graduating from seminary in 1993, James has been serving God through the United Methoidst Church every since. Varnell is his third full-time pastoral appointment.
Others describe James as humble, light-hearted, lives a life of faith, and a team player. James does not take himself very seriously, yet, takes his faith very seriously. He loves family and faith more than his own life.
James says:
“To experience individual lives being transformed by Jesus Christ through the local church is the most powerful hope I see in the world today.”
|  | 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.” |  | Matt Laskey - Youth Dude
I was born and raised in Conyers, Georgia. I professed faith in Christ at the age of 13 and received my calling to ministry around that time as well.
I am stoked to be a part of God's great commission and love to see youth come fully alive to God's purpose for their life...
Matt says:
"To know Him and make Him known!!!" |  | Bethany Laskey - Childrens Ministries
Bethany Laskey was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and moved to the States after marrying Matthew Laskey a Georgia Native. They met through Youth With a Mission working in the US and many South East Asian Countries.
One day they hope to be able to go back to the mission field overseas full time. But for the present she and Matt are excited to be apart of what God is doing here at Varnell United Methodist Church.
She is grateful for the opportunity to serve your families through the children's ministry here at Varnell and looks forward to be able to watch you children come alive to the knowledge of knowing Christ.
They also with great anticipation await the arrival of their first child due in August of 2009.
Bethany says:
"God is Good" |  | 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.
|  | Teresa Binford - Preschool Director
Teresa is married to Bob Binford and they have two beautiful daughters adopted from China.
Teresa attended Arizona State University. Teresa is a Girl Scout leader and loves the great outdoors.
Teresa and her family enjoys traveling and learning new things every day.
Teresa says:
"When I was very young, on Sunday mornings, I would watch our neighbor's children getting on the church bus. One morning, I got up and got ready and went out to catch the bus. My mom said where are you going? and I said "I am going to church! At 5 years old, I chose Christ! I got on the church bus and have been a follower ever since"! GOD IS GOOD! |
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