Rev. Dr. Karen Lyons was appointed to Morrow First UMC in June 2019. She received her Doctor of Ministry Degree from Gammon Theological Seminary in May 2017. Her dissertation was entitled, “Multiculturalism and Collaborative Partnerships.” She received her Master of Divinity degree in May 2003 from Emory University, Candler School of Theology, and also Certification in Christian Education. Pastor Karen has extensive training in Clinical Pastoral Education and Care, working as a Chaplain Intern at Metro State Prison for over 6 years and serving as a Chaplain Intern at Southern Regional and a Chaplain Resident at Grady Hospital. She gained extensive experience in the corporate world in banking and in various church ministries before answering her call in 1999.

Pastor Karen was Ordained as an Elder in Full Connection in June 2010. Previous church appointments include serving as Senior Pastor of Cliftondale U.M.C. for nine years, serving as Associate Pastor of St. James U.M.C. in Alpharetta,Ga. in June 2013 for one year and serving as Senior Pastor at Clarkston U.M.C. for five years. One of her treasured scriptures is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways and he will direct your path.”

Pastor Karen has traveled around the world and continues to love traveling, meeting people and learning about diverse cultures, networking, reading and gardening. She has been married 37 years to Dr. Ralph C. Lyons, a Gastroenterologist in Riverdale, Georgia. They have two daughters, Christine and Jeanne. She serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry, the a two year ACE square Clergy support group and is Chair of the North Georgia Clergy Eight Year Assessment Committee. 

Cora has worked as an Administrative/Office Assistant for the last 20 years with organizations such as Clayton State University, Morrow and Community Gardens of Henry County, McDonough. 

Her family church is Bethel UMC in Stockbridge.Ga.

Cora is a member of Turning Point Church in McDonough where she serves on the Dream Team, Hospitality Team, Events Team and as the DT Training and Development Point Leader.  As a small group leader at TPC, Cora teaches Tech Assist,a computer and technology class focusing on MS Office, Google Drive, and overcoming the fear of technology.  Cora loves in her spare time to read sci-fi and fantasy novels and tutor people who need computer or social media assistance.

Becky Mitchell Griffin grew up in Morrow. She and her family have belonged to the church for many years. She joined the church in 1966 through the confirmation class. She married Mike Griffin in 1977. Mike joined the church and was baptized the same year they were married. They have two sons, Mitchell and Nicholas. Mitchell lives in Morrow and works for Clayton County Fire Department. Nicholas married Joanna Richter in 2009 and is an Art Teacher, and they live in College Park.

Through the years Becky has been involved in many positions on various committees of the church in addition to working with the youth. She currently sings in the choir, is a member of the Bridge Builders Sunday School Class, is a member of the Electa Ladies share group, is the treasurer of the UMW, and serves as the Mission Team leader which involves serving on several committees.

Becky enjoys playing tennis and doing some cross fit work outs. Her favorite activities outside of the church include making memories at Lake Hartwell with her family and friends. Her job at the church involves making the weekly bank deposits, posting contributions, payroll and bill paying for the church. She keeps the records for four bank accounts and supplies monthly financial reports for the Finance Committee and sends out quarterly and the yearly contribution statements.

Don is currently the Music Director at Morrow First United Methodist Church. He has 37 years of experience as a choral conductor. He owned and operated Harmonies Music, a retail and education business for 14 years – in the process, meeting his wife, Jackie.

Previous experience includes working as music director at both Gainesville First United Methodist and Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. He also served as a staff vocal teacher at Brenau University music department and preparatory school. Don has been a tenor soloist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and was a member for 11 years of both the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus, conducted by the great Robert Shaw.

Don continues to work creating and producing rehearsal/training media for the Georgia Music Educators Association including All-State and various Honor Choruses. He also works part-time at Soundaround Audio Video as an audio recording technician and cameraman.

Jackie returns to Morrow First United Methodist Church as Church in February 2005. Previously, she served as church accompanist from 1984 to 1998.

Jackie has been a member of Morrow First United Methodist Church since 1987. She has a Masters Degree in Music with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy. Jackie and her husband, Don have two children, Casey and Luke. She has taught many piano students in private and studio settings and continues to share her talent with us, her church family. Jackie and her husband are the parents of two young adults and have one granddaughter.

Tracy Holland has served as part-time custodian at Morrow First United Methodist Church for over 20 years. He served for four years from 1988-1992 and for 15 years from 1998-2013. He returned in January 2015 as part-time custodian at MFUMC.

He has been a full-time custodian for both Clayton County Public Schools and the Henry County Board of Education since 1983. Currently, he is at Arnold Elementary School in Clayton County where he has been Custodian for two years.

Tracy is active in his church and enjoys his hobbies, which include football, basketball, bowling, and pool.

Tracy and his wife Susan reside in Jonesboro, Ga. He is a member of Three Point Bible Church in Jonesboro, Ga.

Jamie Bales and her assistants prepare and serve a variety of meals for Wednesday Night Fellowship Hour and for other special meetings held at the church.