Rev. Nelson Furtado is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he grew up, met his wife, and received his call to ministry. Before answering his call to ministry Rev. Furtado was an attorney and practiced law in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Rev. Furtado is a Candler School of Theology graduate with a Master’s in Divinity. He is pursuing his Doctorate in Ministry through Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington – DC.

Nelson is passionate about discipleship and helping people to use their unique God-given gifts. He also champions diversity in the local church and best practices for churches seeking to reflect the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. Nelson has been heavily involved in training and cohorts focusing on church revitalization, multiethnic ministries, and church and community engagement.

Rev. Furtado currently serves on the board of the Hispanic-Latino committee and at the Standing Rules Committee of the North Georgia Annual Conference.

Nelson loves meeting new people, playing the acoustic guitar, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and cooking Brazilian barbecue, which is the best barbecue in the world!

Nelson and his wife, Michelly Furtado, have been married for nine years. Michelly is a Portuguese and Literature teacher specializing in psychopedagogy and special needs education. Nelson and Michelly have a seven-year-old daughter named Sophia.

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.

Brett comes to Morrow First UMC with 10years of music directing experience. He holds a degree in church music from Truett-McConnell College. He began singing at an early age in a children’s choir. His love for music grew throughout his high school years as he participated in the high school band and his home church’s sanctuary choir. Brett strives to bring choral excellence to any choir he has the privilege of directing.

Outside of music, some of Brett’s hobbies include hiking, traveling, sports, and anything that allows him to spend time with family and friends.

Lucy has 18+ years’ experience teaching andcoaching singers and instrumentalists from Kindergarten through Adult Professionals. Lucy earned her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at Georgia State.

Lucy currently teaches 29 students in voice, piano, and guitar. She looks forward to sharingher talent and enthusiasm with the members of Morrow First.

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.