Office: 512-282-7274 ext. 329
E-Mail: pastorpaul@manchacaumc.org

Rev. Paul Harris

Paul Harris joins the staff of Manchaca UMC in June 2022 as Senior Pastor. Along with spouse and ministry partner Laura Harris and Paul's father, Rev. W. Boyd Harris, the Harris family brings a connection to Manchaca UMC that goes back to 1943 when Paul's uncle Rev. Warren Ellis served as pastor. What a small world. Paul & Laura have one son Benjamin who lives and works in Virginia with his fiance Rebecca. Paul serves as an Elder of the Rio Texas Annual Conference. A second career pastor of 22 years who re-examined a call to ordained ministry originally felt as a teenager, Paul later affirmed his call through the help of pastors, mentors, churches, and family. As a preacher's son, Paul grew up in the Christian faith with the support of family and churches across the Southwest Texas Annual Conference. Paul and Laura set out on the journey in ministry from their sending church Grace UMC in Calallen (Corpus Christi, TX). Along the Way, Paul has served United Methodist churches in San Antonio/Bulverde, Cedar Park, Cedar Creek, Laredo, and Hunt, Texas. Paul is a 1982 graduate of The University of Texas with a BS Civil Engineering. Paul attended the Course of Study School for Local Pastors through Perkins School of Theology at SMU and served as a bi-vocational pastor for 8 years and later graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with a Master's Degree in Church History and Theology.

Cell: 817-559-4040
E-Mail: chansin@manchacaumc.org

CHANSIN ESPARZA

Chansin serves as our Associate Pastor. She has a background in pastoral leadership, connection ministry, youth ministry, journalism, and managing a nonprofit office. She completed a Bachelors in Biblical Studies at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. in 2008 and a Master of Divinity degree from Truett Seminary at Baylor in 2013. Some of her favorite things about church are small group discussions, celebrating holidays and milestones together, digging deep into Scripture, and having a family with whom to journey the ups and downs of life. She juggles the demands of full-time ministry, marriage, and parenting three small children. As full as life can be, Chansin always loves making new friends.

Office: 512-282-7274 ext. 325
E-Mail: mark@manchacaumc.org

MARK HIXON

Mark is an avid supporter of the arts. As the Director of Music and Fine Arts at MUMC he oversees all music, theater and art activities. Mark co-directs the Children's Choir and directs the Sanctuary Choir.  Mark also manages the church calendar and scheduling of the building and facilities. In addition, Mark is one of the staff representatives for the Worship and Fine Arts Team. Mark has two grown children, Seth and Leah. Mark currently serves as an officer for the Rio Texas Conference Chapter of the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts.

Office: 512-282-7274 ext.324
E-Mail: kim@manchacaumc.org

KIM CARROLL

Kim has been a member of Manchaca UMC since 2001, joined the church staff as Director of Children's Ministries in 2009, and transitioned into the role of Director of Christian Education in 2013.  She is passionate about Bible study and enjoys teaching people of all ages about the love of God through Jesus Christ. She is an avid reader, loves to laugh, and enjoys spending time with her family: her husband Bruce, daughter Kendall, and sweet puppy Gracie.

Office: 512-280-2552
E-Mail: leighanne@manchacaumc.org

LEIGH ANNE MOORE

Leigh Anne has been with Manchaca UMC Child Development Center since January 2001. She received her degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also certified in Early Childhood Education and English as a Second Language.  Leigh Anne taught for ten years in public school, including Menchaca and Baranoff Elementary, before starting at the CDC.

Leigh Anne believes children need a loving and nurturing environment in which they are able to explore learning through a hands on approach.  She resides in Buda with her husband, Greg and their two sons.  Both of boys started in the nursery at the CDC and graduated from the program.

Leigh Anne attends Manchaca UMC and is involved with Vacation Bible School in the summer.  In her spare time, she enjoys attending her son’s sporting events, running with her dog, camping and spending time with her family.

E-Mail: jason@manchacaumc.org

JASON ESPARZA

Jason is married to Associate Pastor Chansin. A bi-vocational pastor, Jason jumps in and helps out at MUMC when he can, be it through preaching, reading announcements or dressing up as the Grinch! He is also known for his BBQ brisket, his humor and his friendliness.

Office: 512-282-7274 ext. 321
E-Mail: deanna@manchacaumc.org

DEANNA CUSTER

Deanna became a member of MUMC in 2015 with her husband, Brice. She became office manager in 2018, when she just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Empty-nesters Deanna and Brice live with their dog Pepper and cats Winston and Simon. Their 2 sons live in nearby Pflugerville, but are always game to drive down to South Austin for any occasion that involves food! Deanna enjoys playing with the Glory Bells and is trying to learn piano in her spare time.

Office: 512-282-7274 ext 328
E-Mail: busadmin@manchacaumc.org

DICK CHRIST

Dick is the man to go to for questions regarding church finance! He has been a bookkeeper for many years. Come into the office and say hi - if you're lucky you will get to hear one or more of his jokes.

E-Mail: office@manchacaumc.org

DANNY GUARDIOLA

Danny is our go-to guy for just about any issue we come across. He keeps the building clean and will volunteer to help with almost everything, except electrical issues...he leaves that to the experts. Friendly and likeable, he can do a mean air guitar and an Elvis impression, if you ask him to.

E-Mail: thadnoland@gmail.com

THAD NOLAND

Thad plays the piano and organ at our traditional worship services. He is actually a professional keyboardist and saxophonist and teaches piano lessons. He has sent shivers down many spines when playing in church. The applause is well deserved!