About Us Meet Our Staff
Covington First United Methodist Church Church Office: 770-786-7305
1113 Conyers Street
Covington, GA 30014-2391
1113 Conyers Street
Covington, GA 30014-2391
Reverend Dr. Douglas Gilreath, Senior Pastor - Ext. 11email: doug.gilreath@covingtonfirst.org
After hours cell: 404-488-2025
Home: 770-787-7189
Dr. Gilreath is the Senior Pastor at Covington First United Methodist Church. Pastor Doug came to Covington First UMC in June 2009 with his wife Lynn and 3 children. Pastor Doug graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology in 1988 from Kennesaw College and University. His plans upon graduation were to attend Georgia State University and complete a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. However, he had become involved with a young adult Bible study and eventually committed his life to Christ. Through a series of events, he began to experience a call upon his life to enter the ordained ministry. After much prayer, discernment, and counseling, Doug entered the Candidacy program for Ordained Ministry and enrolled at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Doug served as the Youth Minister at Due West UMC in Marietta and as a student-pastor at Trinity UMC in Duluth. After his ordaination as an Elder, Doug was transferred to the Mountain Valley Circuit in Cleveland. After serving the circuit (Mount Pleasant UMC, Loudsville UMC, and Chattahoochee UMC), Loudsville UMC became a permanent appointment and Doug became their first full-time pastor in its 172 year history. Doug served the Mountain Valley Circuit and Loudsville UMC for eight years. In 2002 Doug was appointed to Locust Grove UMC. In 2000 Doug entered the Doctor of Ministry program at Columbia School of Theology in Decatur, Georgia. He completed his studies in 2004 and received his Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality. In June of 2009, Pastor Doug became our Senior Pastor at Covington First UMC. Doug and his family love the United Methodist Church, and growing in their relationship with God in Christ and the people and community they’ve been called to serve.
Reverend Jan McCoy, Associate Pastor - Ext. 12
email: jan.mccoy@covingtonfirst.org
After hours cell: 404-219-9891
Rev. Jan McCoy came to Covington First in June of 2011, along with her husband David and 4 sons. Jan has served as Pastor of the Devereux United Methodist Circuit in the Augusta District for the past four years. She also served as an active member of the Augusta District Committee on Religion and Race. She has participated for 3 years in the Annual Unity Prayer Walk, serving as co-emcee. Jan graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1978, and earned an Associate of Arts degree with Honors at Emanuel County Junior College. She was accepted to both Georgia Tech and Emory University, and attended Georgia Tech for a short time before transfer-ring to Emory. During her senior year in college, she had begun to feel the call into ministry, and in 2009, Jan answered that call. She entered Candler School of Theology, and earned her Master of Divinity in 2009. Through life’s experiences and her seminary education, Jan has worked with many people of all ages, including volunteering at hospice, working in a nursing home, teaching all ages of Sunday School as well as Confirmation Class, Adult Bible study and VBS. She has been active in Chancel and handbell choirs, leading children’s and youth choirs, and traveling as a chaperone/counselor on youth tours. She has taught at a private Christian school in preschool through high school classes, catalogued books for church libraries, worked in church offices as secretarial and publishing support, designed and published bulletins and flyers, and tutored staff in using computer programs. At Candler, she was active in the Order of Saint Luke, serving as Sub-Prior for 2 of her three years of membership. She also sang with the Candler Chorale for three years and was on the Candler Coordinating Council. Jan and David and their sons come to us from their home church of Conyers First UMC, where David played lead guitar for the Contemporary Praise Band, and taught Adult Sunday School.
After hours cell: 404-219-9891
Rev. Jan McCoy came to Covington First in June of 2011, along with her husband David and 4 sons. Jan has served as Pastor of the Devereux United Methodist Circuit in the Augusta District for the past four years. She also served as an active member of the Augusta District Committee on Religion and Race. She has participated for 3 years in the Annual Unity Prayer Walk, serving as co-emcee. Jan graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1978, and earned an Associate of Arts degree with Honors at Emanuel County Junior College. She was accepted to both Georgia Tech and Emory University, and attended Georgia Tech for a short time before transfer-ring to Emory. During her senior year in college, she had begun to feel the call into ministry, and in 2009, Jan answered that call. She entered Candler School of Theology, and earned her Master of Divinity in 2009. Through life’s experiences and her seminary education, Jan has worked with many people of all ages, including volunteering at hospice, working in a nursing home, teaching all ages of Sunday School as well as Confirmation Class, Adult Bible study and VBS. She has been active in Chancel and handbell choirs, leading children’s and youth choirs, and traveling as a chaperone/counselor on youth tours. She has taught at a private Christian school in preschool through high school classes, catalogued books for church libraries, worked in church offices as secretarial and publishing support, designed and published bulletins and flyers, and tutored staff in using computer programs. At Candler, she was active in the Order of Saint Luke, serving as Sub-Prior for 2 of her three years of membership. She also sang with the Candler Chorale for three years and was on the Candler Coordinating Council. Jan and David and their sons come to us from their home church of Conyers First UMC, where David played lead guitar for the Contemporary Praise Band, and taught Adult Sunday School.
Pamela Consuegra, KidMin (Children's Programming) & Preschool Director- Ext. 13 email: pamela.consuegra@covingtonfirst.org
Pamela Consuegra is our Director of Children’s Ministries. She is responsible for the nurturing of Covington First's children and managing our Sunday School program and Children’s Church and Worship on Sunday mornings. She is also responsible for Children's Programming throughout the year as well as being our Preschool Director. This includes coordinating teachers and volunteers as well as managing all curriculum for both Sunday activities and our weekday Preschool. She organizes holiday activities for the children such as Advent, Easter and Halloween, Family Nights and Date Night activities, field trips and Vacation Bible School. Pamela acquired her Associates Degree from Young Harris, her Bachelor's from West Georgia, and her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Georgia. She joined the staff in January of 2011. Pamela is married to Corey Consuegra and they have two children - a son, Tucker and a daughter, Addi.
Jennifer Morganthall, Youth Director - Ext. 16email: jennifer.morganthall@covingtonfirst.org
Jennifer Morganthall is our Church Youth Director. Her outgoing, caring and friendly attitude as leader of our Youth Program has been a blessing to the teens at Covington First. Jennifer's responsibilities include organizing Youth Sunday School classes, Bible Studies, UMYF fellowship on Sunday evenings, Youth Missions, various field trips and fellowship activities of our middle and high school age members. She also leads a weekly prayer breakfast for the youth on Wednesday and Thursday mornings during the school year. Jennifer coordinates the Youth and Adult Praise Bands. Jennifer is married to Garth and is the mother to two daughters, Madison and Mallory. They have been members of Covington First UMC since 1999.
Jennifer Morganthall is our Church Youth Director. Her outgoing, caring and friendly attitude as leader of our Youth Program has been a blessing to the teens at Covington First. Jennifer's responsibilities include organizing Youth Sunday School classes, Bible Studies, UMYF fellowship on Sunday evenings, Youth Missions, various field trips and fellowship activities of our middle and high school age members. She also leads a weekly prayer breakfast for the youth on Wednesday and Thursday mornings during the school year. Jennifer coordinates the Youth and Adult Praise Bands. Jennifer is married to Garth and is the mother to two daughters, Madison and Mallory. They have been members of Covington First UMC since 1999.
Becky Ramsey, Church Organist and Director of Senior Musicemail: becky.ramsey@covingtonfirst.org
Cell: 770-365-6106
Becky Griffin Ramsey is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, where she began piano at the age of five and was soon discovered to have absolute pitch. A graduate of Agnes Scott College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, she pursued a career in church music while performing extensively with her twin sister, Alice Griffin Walker. Mrs. Ramsey studied organ performance with Dr. Raymond Martin, Dr. Timothy Wissler and Sarah Martin. She has completed Master Classes with Jean Langlais, Diane Bish, Dr. Alec Wyton, Dr. Roberta Gary and Dr. Gerre Hancock. As a part of the duo team Ramsey and Walker, Concert Organists and Pianists, Mrs. Ramsey has performed in Europe, Canada and Mexico. In London, she played the organ at the historic Wesley Chapel. In the United States, she has played the Hazel Wright Organ at the Crystal Cathedral in Gardens Grove, California; the largest church pipe organ in the world at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles; and the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world at Balboa Park in San Diego. Mrs. Ramsey has performed in the southeast United States at Spivey Hall, Berry College, Reinhardt College, the Georgia Dome, and Emerson Hall of Emory University. She has appeared as soloist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the DeKalb Symphony and concerts for the Atlanta Music Club, the Southern Arts Federation, the Georgia Council for the Arts and other arts Associations throughout Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Mrs. Ramsey’s recent achievements include postgraduate study at Valparaiso University in Indiana and certification from the American Guild of Organists as both a Colleague and Associate. She and her twin sister are the only set of twins in the United States to complete the stringent requirements for the Associateship on the same day. Mrs. Ramsey lives in Covington with her husband, former Covington Mayor Sam Ramsey. We recently had the joy of honoring Becky with a celebration of her 40 years of service as our church organist.
Nathan Autry, Music Directoremail: nathan.autry@covingtonfirst.org
Nathan Autry comes to Covington First UMC as our Music Director in May of 2012, overseeing all Music Ministries at Covington First UMC. He is also the Director of Choral Music and Fine Arts Department Chair at Sprayberry High School in the Cobb County School District. Prior to these current positions, Nathan was the Choral Director at White County Middle School, where he was named “New Teacher of the Year” for the White County School System, and the Director of Music Ministries at Cleveland United Methodist Church. Nathan holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Kennesaw State University, a Masters Degree in Choral Conducting from Georgia State University, and is currently a candidate for the Educational Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership at Piedmont College. Nathan studied conducting with Dr. Leslie Blackwell, Dr. Randall Hooper, and Dr. Deanna Joseph. His voice instructors have included Eileen Moremen, Sharon Stephenson, and Sandy Calloway. Choirs under his direction have performed for Governor Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Legislators, the Atlanta Braves, and other dignitaries around the southeast. In 2004, he was named the Kennesaw State University “Alumni on the Rise” for the College of the Arts. During the summer Nathan directs the Senior High Musical Theatre Camp at the Grand Theatre in Cartersville, Ga and has recently held positions with the Fox Theatre, Camp Broadway, The Atlanta Opera, and the Gainesville Chorale.
Elizabeth Holcombe, KidMin Assistant/Children's Choirs and Hand Bell Choir Director email: elizabeth.holcombe@covingtonfirst.org
Elizabeth Holcombe is a member of our church family at Covington First. Elizabeth is the Interim Music Director. She directs the Ila Piper Randle Handbell Choir and is the Coordinator of the Children's Choirs. She teaches Kindermusik two days a week in the Covington First UMC Preschool. She is our Children's Program Assistant under the direction of Pamela Consuegra, where she will assist with Children's Programming and events in the church as needed. Elizabeth is married to Adam Holcombe and they have a daughter Delaney. The have been members of Covington First UMC since 2004.
Jennifer Davis, Financial Manager - Ext. 17email: jennifer.davis@covingtonfirst.org
Jennifer Davis serves as Financial Manager at Covington First UMC. Jennifer graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. She Lives in Loganville with her husband Matt and her two sons Michael and Ryan. Matt is an Engineer for the City of Covington Fire Department. They have been members of Covington First since 2009.
Lori Wasson, Assistant Preschool Director and Church Finance Assistant
email: lori.wasson@covingtonfirst.org
Lori Wasson assists Pamela Consuegra in all aspects of the Church Preschool. She works with the POPS (Parents of Preschoolers) Committee, manages the Preschool special events such as Art Day, Book Fair, Secret Santa Shop, Farm Day, etc., and she is responsible for managing and auditing the Preschool finances. As our Church Finance Assistant, Lori will also be assisting Jennifer Davis as needed with the church bookkeeping. Lori is a member of the First Baptist Church of Conyers and is married to Glenn Wasson and they have two children, Katelyn and Garrett.
Lori Wasson assists Pamela Consuegra in all aspects of the Church Preschool. She works with the POPS (Parents of Preschoolers) Committee, manages the Preschool special events such as Art Day, Book Fair, Secret Santa Shop, Farm Day, etc., and she is responsible for managing and auditing the Preschool finances. As our Church Finance Assistant, Lori will also be assisting Jennifer Davis as needed with the church bookkeeping. Lori is a member of the First Baptist Church of Conyers and is married to Glenn Wasson and they have two children, Katelyn and Garrett.
Tamra Holder, Administrative Assistant - Ext. 10email: tamra.holder@covingtonfirst.org
Tamra Holder is our Administrative Assistant. Her responsibilities include greeting visitors, keeping the church calendar, compiling the Sunday worship bulletin, assisting in the daily operations of the office and helping the staff with their administrative needs. Tamra is married to John and they have one daughter, Noelle. They have been members of Covington First since 2003.
Claudia Minge, Administrative Assistant/Communications/Special Events - Ext. 10email: claudia.minge@covingtonfirst.org
Claudia Minge is our Administrative Assistant. Her responsibilities include greeting visitors, assisting in the daily operations of the office and helping the staff with their administrative needs. Claudia maintains the church membership files, the church calendars. schedules events and works with the trustees on building maintenance. Claudia handles the communications of the church creating and publishing the Informer, various brochures and handles all church communications such as maintaining the church website, congregation emails, mailings, church directory and all media communications. Claudia coordinates special events such as Change The World Day, Blessing of the Animals, Pumpkin Patch, Relay for Life, Stations of the Cross, Live Nativity and other special events. Claudia is married to Ed Minge, Media Chair. They have a daughter, Katie, a son, Patrick, and a grandson, Clayton. They have been members of Covington First UMC since 1994.
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