We are entering a season of both bittersweet farewells and exciting new beginnings.
Pastoral Transition
As part of the 2026 appointment cycle, Rev. Nelson Furtado will be moving to a new posting this summer.
During his time at Morrow First UMC, Pastor Nelson has continued his theological studies and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary. He also serves on the Connectional Ministries Team and the Standing Rules Committee of the North Georgia Annual Conference. We have been blessed to see the Furtado family grow during their time here with the birth of their daughter, Olivia. We wish Nelson, Michelly, Sophia, and Olivia the very best in their next season of ministry.
__
We are pleased to welcome Rev. Whitney Hair as our new pastor effective July 1, 2026. Her first Sunday in the pulpit will be July 12, 2026.
Pastor Whitney Hair is an ordained elder in the North Georgia Conference. A native of East Tennessee, she moved to Georgia during seminary and quickly fell in love with the people and the state. She has served as a pastor for the past five years and previously worked in a group home with adults with intellectual disabilities.
Pastor Whitney is passionate about ministry, walking alongside others in their faith journeys, and helping people find a home in the Body of Christ.
Outside of church life, Pastor Whitney enjoys creative pursuits such as quilting, crafting, painting, and scrapbooking. She also loves spending time in nature.
“I’m looking forward to joining the life and community of Morrow First United Methodist Church. I’m excited to see how God is already at work here and where God is leading in this next season.” — Rev. Whitney Hair
Financial Office Update
Teri Rodgers is retiring from her position as Financial Secretary; her final day with the church will be April 1, 2026. Teri has served in this role since April 2023, and we wish her a restful and blessed retirement.
To ensure a seamless transition of our financial operations, Cora Johnson, our Executive Administrative Assistant, will expand her current responsibilities to perform the essential duties of the financial office. Cora will work closely with our lay leadership, including Finance Chair Karen Kelly and our Church Treasurer Laura Patrick, to execute the church’s financial business with the same diligence and care our congregation expects.