Come get acquainted with the people who work tirelessly to make Manchester First United Methodist Church run smoothly.
Dr. Joe Harrington was born and raised in Duluth, Georgia. His home church is First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville. He graduated from Duluth High School in 1967 and received his BBA degree from the University of Georgia in 1971. After a 26 year career as a Certified Public Accountant, Dr. Harrington received a call into ministry, returned to school and received his Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology/Emory University in 1999. He was ordained as a deacon and became a probationary member of the North Georgia Conference in that year. He was received into full connection and ordained elder in 2003. Dr. Harrington received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2013. Dr. Harrington has served on the staff of Sandy Springs United Methodist Church and as pastor of New Hope at Between United Methodist Church, Big Springs United Methodist Church in Woodstock, Mount Zion-Ellenwood United Methodist Church, Woodstation United Methodist Church in in Ringgold, and North Fayette United Methodist Church before being appointed to Manchester First in June 2017. Dr. Harrington and his wife Faye have been married since 1970. They have two married sons and five grandchildren. Gwen is administrative assistant for Manchester First United Methodist Church. She has approximately 20+ years in the administrative support field. Gwen has two wonderful, adult children: Michelle (married to Tim Garner) and Jeff. She is thankful her children are Christians and active members in their respective churches. She has three grandchildren: Cheyenne, Brandon & Chloe and her oldest granddaughter made Gwen a “great Grandee” of Elijah Carl. She is also “doggie Mom” to her rescued dogs: Cochise (golden retriever mix) and Homer (blue-heeler mix). Gwen enjoys reading, spectator sports (baseball, football, ice skating), music, live theater and travel (especially to the beach!) She also enjoys mini-golf and horseback riding. She is thankful to be a staff member at Manchester FUMC. She enjoys the administrative support she gives to the Pastor, staff and the caring, loving congregation at Manchester First, a United Methodist Church. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” -Psalm 16:11 Patty Dees is Music Director. [Bio coming soon] I am so excited about working with the children at Manchester FUMC! I think it is so important to give our children a good foundation in which to grow their faith. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my church in such an awesome position! “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 Clarice’s Bio
Joe Harrington
Gwen Bankovich
Patty Dees
Youth Director
Kelley Henderson
Kelley Gill Henderson is the part time Director of Children Ministries at Manchester First United Methodist Church. She has been a member of Manchester FUMC for 51 years! She is a graduate of Manchester High School, LaGrange College, and Troy State. Kelley recently retired from Meriwether County Schools where she taught in elementary education for 30 years. Kelley is married to Sandy Henderson and they have one daughter, Keaton (16 years old). Kelley enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.A Word From Kelley:
Clarice Marion
Doris Gill
Doris Gill has served as the organist for Manchester First United Methodist church for 44 years. She studied voice for 2 years at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. Doris earned a BA Degree in Education from the University of Georgia. She earned a Masters Degree in Education from the University of West Georgia. Doris taught at Manchester Elementary School for 34 years. She is the mother of two children, Kelley and Patrick, and the grandmother to Keaton and Jaylin.Melanie Hester
Melanie’s Bio.Willie Eva Carter
Willie Eva Carter has served as a Nursery Worker at our church for 14 years. She is a housekeeper and a sitter for an elderly lady in Manchester. She has been a housekeeper and sitter for 6 years. She really enjoys both jobs!Angela Hamler
Angela’s Bio.
