MEET OUR STAFF

Ralph Mann

-Senior Pastor
 
Born and raised in Texas, I have over 30 years of pastoral ministry experience. I am married to Verna, and we have five children, but only two are now living at home – Rebekah and Bethany. We are also blessed with five grandchildren. Verna holds a Master’s degree in English, and has taught both high school and college English. She currently is teaching freshman English at Smithson Valley High School. My passion in ministry is Evangelism and Preaching. I hold a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Methodist University. My primary duties are preaching and directing the vision and focus of BUMC. I have a desire for people to serve the Lord in wherever God is calling them. I am a consultant and coach for the Healthy Church Initiative of the Rio Texas Conference UMC; helping churches have a clear vision and vitality for ministry. Prior to entering ministry, I spent 8 1/2 years in the Air Force as a Korean Linguist. I am proud to be an Eagle Scout, and was a chaplain at the 2010 Boy Scout National Jamboree. I enjoy camping, riding motorcycles, and flying airplanes (I am also a certified flight instructor). Even though I have an adventuresome spirit, I still enjoy a quiet day of soaking in God’s creation with a book under a tree, or a casual conversation with a friend.
 

Carmel Burnett

-Associate Pastor
 
I’m excited to serve as your Associate Pastor!  Brandon, my beloved husband, and I have 2 daughters: Millie (5) and Grace (3).   I was born and raised on a ranch in Gillett, TX, about an hour outside of San Antonio.  My family still lives there and we see them often.  I received my undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.   I was a Maintenance Officer in the Air Force stationed at Holloman AFB in New Mexico.  Afterwards, I worked in marketing at USAA managing the corporate sponsorship portfolio.  While there, I commuted to earn my MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. After Millie was born in 2013, I felt called to stay at home which has been the most humbling and sanctifying experience of my life – all part of God’s perfect design and plan.  Our family joined BUMC in 2017 as members and helped lead the Young Family Ministry.  I am passionate about providing families and individuals tools to become stronger in serving Christ.  I look forward to the wonderful opportunities to serve with you!
 

Sarajane Shubert

-Associate Pastor
 
I am a lifelong United Methodist Church member, educated at Baker University where I was active in the music and drama department.  I taught High School English for forty years in Texas and in Kansas, Indiana. Upon retiring in 2014, I began training for UMC Licensed Local Pastor in the Great Plains Conference (Kansas/Nebraska).  I transferred my credentials into the Las Misiones district in our Rio Texas Conference in 2018. I am excited about serving at BUMC as your Associate Pastor.  My passion for the church and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ guides my motivation for service.  My husband, Jerry, and I call BUMC home now after moving to the Canyon Lake area in 2016.  We have a blended family with four children and eight grandchildren.  I eagerly await the opportunities for ministry among all of you!
 

Hannah Hedgpeth

-Director of Programs and Outreach
 
I am excited to be the Director of Programs and Outreach here at BUMC. Since becoming a member here in 2001, I have seen an amazing children’s ministry grow and am blessed to be a part of that. I have a wonderful husband, Darrell, and three beautiful girls; Shelby, Emma and Avery. Like many families we are busy with school and activities but we keep God as the main focus in our family. In our children’s program, our children are fully immersed in Bible stories and how to apply the Bible and God’s grace to their daily lives. Children will experience a loving atmosphere and fellowship with other Jesus followers in our Sunday school program. As for our outreach programs, we are called to get out of our building and to be the hands and feet of Christ.  BUMC goes where God calls us – whether that is feeding children in our community, the homeless in San Antonio or loving on others in Peru – BUMC is a great place to be and to serve!
 

Steve Angle

-Director of Music & Worship Arts
 
Born in Georgia, raised in LA (Lower Alabama), I have loved music since I was old enough to sit in my Mama’s lap and help her play piano.  I received my Bachelors Degree in Music from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama in 1975, and my Masters Degree in Choral Music (Conducting) from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in San Marcos, Texas.  I have served as music and youth minister in United Methodist churches for over 34 years.  I love to play piano, guitar and sing.  I write and arrange music and enjoy a wide variety of styles and types of music.  I have always especially loved choral music, and would like to play more racquetball (my favorite pastime).  I love gizmos, like: Pocket PCs, Computers, Sound Equipment, Television, etc.  More than anything, though, I love serving Christ in whatever capacity possible.  Though I do not do Youth Ministry per se anymore, I still love kids and just love being involved with the wonderful people in the community of Christ.
 

Caleigh Smith

-Youth Director
 

I have been pursuing God’s call to youth ministry since I was in middle school. I am a Michigander at heart braving the heat to serve here in Texas. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry from Asbury University in Kentucky and a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary as part of the Center for Youth Ministry Training’s graduate residency program. My husband, Trevor, and I spend our free time rock climbing and playing board games.

Tiffany Gibbons

-Child’s Morning Out Preschool Director
-BUMC’s Children’s Director
 
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA and have lived in the Texas Hill Country since 2005. I graduated from Salem State University in Massachusetts with a teaching degree and a degree in American Studies. My passion is education and I feel very blessed to be a part of BUMC’s Child’s Morning Out Program. I began teaching at CMO in 2011 and became CMO Director in 2012. In 2019 I took on the additional responsibilities of BUMC Children’s Director church-wide.  I have two children, Tyler and Madison, who have had the privilege of attending CMO. My husband Tim and I have been married since 2005. We enjoy spending time with family, anything outdoors, and traveling.
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Vicki Harwell

-Church Administrator
 

I feel blessed every single day that I get to spend time doing ministry with the wonderful people of BUMC.  My husband’s name is Fred and we have five wonderful children and seven grandchildren.  Living in the Texas Hill Country fulfills a lifelong dream. As my husband says, “The Hill Country is God’s gift to Texas”.  We enjoy long drives down the back roads to take in the tranquil scenery and visit the small town antique and “junk” stores. It is my pleasure to serve our Lord and Savior by serving the BUMC congregation.  Please do not hesitate to come visit me or call me if there is anything I can do for you.

 

Linda Reynolds

-Administrative Assistant
 
I have been blessed to be a part of the BUMC staff as Administrative Assistant since 2006. I help with contributions, attendance, membership records, finances and small ministries. Don, my husband for over 40 years is anxiously awaiting retirement from the band and music business. We have 2 adult children, Clint & Emily, and 4 wonderful grandchildren. We moved to Canyon Lake in 2004 and absolutely love it here. I love traveling and quality time with my family.
 
 

Kathy Rodriguez

-Communications and Technology Assistant
 
I have worked here since 2018, and from day one I have felt like part of the family!  I am honored to be part of this amazing team.  I have been married to a wonderful man, David, for 24 years and we have three terrific kids and a daughter-in-law (Daniel 30 and his wife Theresa, Caroline 21 and Q who is 19 years old).  We attend Bulverde Baptist Church. My ministry is leading a plant-based support group called Plant Strong & Courageous that meets here at BUMC. I have a background in customer service, management, marketing, building & maintaining websites and leading youth groups. God made sure I was very well-rounded for my placement here at BUMC. I can’t wait to meet you in the office!
 

Guy Davis

-Custodian
 
I came to BUMC in 2003 as the drummer for our Praise Band, of which I am still a member.  Not long later, I became our weekday custodian and handyman.  But those who know me,  call me “Mr. Guy”.  If you meet me in the hall, I will always have time for a prayer, a story or a testimony.  I am married to my wife of 28 years, Carolyn and we are both very much in love with this church.