Rev. Laura Smith Adam, a graduate of Southwestern University and Candler School of Theology, was appointed Senior Pastor at Manchaca UMC in June, 2009. She holds a B.A. with a double major in Christian Education and Psychology, as well as a Master of Divinity degree. Laura’s ministry spans a total of 21 years so far, grounded in locations like Utopia, Edinburg, Port Lavaca,and Brownsville. During a sabbatical leave, she received additional training in mediation, especially for families. Laura deeply appreciates United Methodism for its openness to all people and for its strong history of service to those in need.

Laura currently serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Southwest Texas Conference. She has contributed extensive leadership on the district and conference level in the supervision of pastors moving through the educational and evaluative processes toward ordination.

Laura has never forgotten her western Nebraska roots. Go Huskers! But Austin has been like “home” for Laura since 1972. Her two children, Jeni and Jeff, were born in Austin prior to Laura’s call into the ministry – as she likes to tell it, “when I was a regular person.” She enjoys any time spent with her four grandchildren and loves reading a good book, visiting with friends, Whole Foods Market and Threadgills, and just chilling out at home.

So … from one regular person to another … You’re always welcome!

Rev. Dan Harrington is especially interested in worship, songwriting, singing, guitar playing, band leading, activity planning, Christian faith formation, theology, preaching, Bible study, retreat and mission leadership, contemplative prayer, table fellowship, community action, and spending quality time with his wife Maria and daughter Lyla.  Dan graduated from Appalachian State University and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.  Dan and his family live in beautiful south Austin. Check out Dan's blog at southaustinrev.blogspot.com

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Kim joined the MUMC staff in 2010 after 8 years of service in the Children's Ministry. She is passionate about encouraging children's spiritual growth and equipping parents with the tools they need to be the spiritual leaders in their family's lives. With the Children's Ministry Team, Kim oversees Sunday school, VBS and other seasonal ministry and mission projects for families. She is an avid reader, loves to laugh and enjoys spending time with her family. Kim and her husband, Bruce, have a 9 year old daughter named Kendall.

Mark is an avid supporter of the arts.  As the director of Fine Arts at MUMC he is in charge of all music, theater and art activities.  Mark oversees the children's choirs, the Youth choir and Praise Bands, the Sanctuary Choir, and Hand bell Choir.  Mark also manages the church calendar and scheduling of the building and facilities.  In addition Mark is the staff liaison to the Worship and Fine Arts Commissions.  Mark has two teenage children, a son, Seth and a daughter, Leah.  In Mark's free time he is active in area musical productions.  Mark is also active in planning Music camps and workshops for the Conference.

Beth enjoys the challenge of working with the youth age 6th grade through 12th grade. Beth is in charge of the youth mission trips, the Sunday evening Youth Group, the Christmas Tree lot, the Youth Praise Band, and all other Youth activities. Her position is a part-time 20 hour a week job. Beth also works to insure adults volunteer for the Youth program. She is passionate about mission work and has traveled to places like Russia and Guatemala doing mission work. In her spare time she takes piano lessons, works out and reads veraciously. Beth is married to Jeff McCulloch and they have a soon to be teenage son, Ben with whom she shares much in common.

Leigh Anne taught in elementary schools before becoming the Director of CDC. She believes that every child needs quality care and a nurturing environment. She oversees the church's CDC program with a staff of more than twenty and enrollment of more than 125 children. Leigh Anne is married to Greg and they have two sons, Garret and Marshall. In her spare time she rides motorcycles, enjoys sports and spends time with family.

Linda Crail was born in Oklahoma. No one knows for sure when she began working in the church office but everyone knows that she is a real asset to the church. Anything you need to know about the church Linda can tell you. She has been married to her husband Troy for 56 years. Linda enjoys spending time with her family, four grown children and 1 granddaughter and grandson-n-law and four grandsons. She is a favorite with the children of the church, attends three worship services a week and is always there with a helping hand.

Glenn Hunter - Accompanist

Glenn Hunter was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in Ottawa. He started playing the organ at age 10, taking lessons first from his mother, then from Wesley R. Warren. He won awards from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto for highest marks awarded in the eastern provinces on both the grade 9 and grade 10 organ exams. In 2007, he was the First Prize winner in the American Guild of Organists Regional Organ Competition for Young Organists sponsored by the Cleveland AGO chapter. He is in his second year of Masters studies in organ and sacred music at UT Austin, after graduating from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music where he studied with James David Christie. Here at UT he is studying with Drs. Gerre and Judith Hancock at the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music.

Glenn Hunter was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in Ottawa. He started playing the organ at age 10, taking lessons first from his mother, then from Wesley R. Warren. He won awards from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto for highest marks awarded in the eastern provinces on both the grade 9 and grade 10 organ exams. In 2007, he was the First Prize winner in the American Guild of Organists Regional Organ Competition for Young Organists sponsored by the Cleveland AGO chapter. In the Spring of 2011 he graduated with a Masters degree in Organ Performance from UT Austin, and is continuing his studies there at the doctoral level. For more information, or to hear some of his recordings, please visit his website at www.glennmhunter.com.

Warren Williams - Custodian

Warren Williams was born in Bastrop. He has been with the church for 15 years. In addition to his work at the church, Warren retired from the US Postal service after 35 years in 2001. Warren is all about being productive with several side businesses. He enjoys spending time with his family, and loves to read westerns and history books. Warren is always there with a smile and a helping hand.

Danny Guardiola - Custodian

Danny is a wonderful custodian, faithful Christian, and general all around good guy. 

Danielle Perez - Custodian

Danielle is a hard worker with a sweet and welcoming spirit.  She is great with children and also works part time in our CDC.