- Serving Saginaw More Than 100 YearsOne block, 100 years. Since our founding in 1914, Saginaw United Methodist Church has called the intersection of Greene and Bluebonnet streets home. While we’ve moved buildings over the years, one thing has remained - our dedication to the community of Saginaw. For 100 years, SUMC has been a church focused on growing disciples and serving our city. We are a community of faith bound together in love and service to God and our neighbor. We understand that in order to live the ways of Jesus we must do so in community. Which is why we come together in corporate worship, small groups, Bible studies and service projects.
We know that every person has a story to tell and every person is seeking purpose and meaning in this world. Which is why we feel it is important to help one another in our unified quest.
We affirm that “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity”. This is why we value love, open hearts, compassion, and relationships with all people.
We are a faith community that values bringing the legacy of the “saints that have come before us” into our contemporary culture. Which is why we do our best to fuse our history and our future together into our present.
We are a community of sinners and saints, known by God, called by name, animated by the Holy Spirit and in constant pursuit of being disciples of Jesus Christ. - Meet our Staff
Rev. Ramon Smith
Senior PastorBioRamon F. Smith has served as the Senior Pastor of Saginaw United Methodist Church in Saginaw, Texas, since July 1, 2021. Originally hailing from Raymond, Mississippi, Ramon brings a wealth of experience and a deeply rooted passion for preaching and nurturing disciples of Jesus Christ.
Ramon earned two undergraduate degrees from Mississippi State University in December 2002. He received his Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, in May 2009. He was ordained as an elder in the Central Texas Conference in June 2011.
Ramon's diverse background is a testament to his adaptability and understanding of different church contexts. He has served in various church settings and as a pastor to two predominately African American churches: an urban new church start storefront and an urban traditional church.
Additionally, he served as an associate pastor in cross-racial appointments to a large suburban church and a mega-church. He now serves as a senior pastor in a mid-sized suburban church. He served on the Board of Ordained Ministry and was previously vice-chair, Chair of the Order of Elders, and the East District Committee on Ministry vice-chair. In 2019, Ramon was elected to serve as a
jurisdictional conference delegate. Ramon was a reserve delegate to the 2020 General Conference, postponed until 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In his spare time, Ramon finds joy in reading, being a soccer dad, and grilling. He currently resides in Fort Worth with his wife, the esteemed attorney Gabrielle, his eight-year-old daughter Isabelle, and his son, Ramon F. Smith, Jr., who is eleven.
Rev. Rhonda Chambers
Associate Pastor of Caring MinistriesBIORhonda Chambers is a lifelong Methodist who worked in various roles within the church from the time she was a teen. As an adult, Rhonda has facilitated women’s Bible studies, taught preschool, served as a founding member of the ladies’ Circle of Light, a UMW Officer, and President. She led Sunday School classes, served on multiple committees including Pastor Parish Relations, Administrative Board, and the founding board of Chapel Hill Children’s School. In addition to her work at the church, Rhonda volunteered many years in the local community, public schools, and local hospital. Her involvement with women’s groups such as First Friday Women and NETC Aggie Moms Club reflects her passion for service. Rhonda’s efforts in other capacities such as Habitat for Humanity, Snowball Express (Gary Sinise Foundation), and the Soldier Box Ministry evidence her desire to help others. She prioritized families and children, volunteering regularly with programs such as Marriage Mentors, Project Graduation, Odyssey of the Mind, and Destination Imagination. Rhonda also trained their family dog as an Animal Assisted Therapy dog so they could volunteer at Baylor’s Pediatric Physical Therapy department each week.
Rhonda and her husband, Terry, have been happily married for 39 years. They love their family and are especially proud of their children, Elizabeth & Andrew, and Chip & Britni. Rhonda and Terry also delight in doting on their five grandcherubs, Lily Grace & Chase, and Ady, Leo, & Gabriel!
Before college monopolized her time, Rhonda enjoyed hiking, water sports, photography, quilting, and baking. At the age of 50, God called Rhonda into the ministry. She endeavored to earn her Associates degree at TCC, then a Bachelor’s in Religion at TCU. She finished her Master of Divinity at SMU Perkins and was commissioned as a provisional Elder this year.
Rhonda believes that everyone is called to love God and one another. Her favorite ways to do that are by sharing the Gospel, extending hospitality, and connecting with people – building relationships that draw people closer to others and to the Lord.
Orlando Martinez
Building SuperintendentBIOBio forthcoming
Donna Anderson
Director of Stephen MinistryBioWhat I love about Saginaw UMC:
Saginaw UMC has always made me feel safe, loved, and respected; never judged. While my faith is nurtured by learning and fellowship opportunities, many ministries are service opportunities for the congregation and community.
What I love about my ministry area: When we choose to sit with others in their pain, as Stephen Ministers do, we are living out of the awareness that Jesus always sits with us in ours.
Why you should come worship and serve with us:
It’s a safe, caring, and loving place. Wherever you are in your faith journey, you will find ways to grow. And there are many service opportunities to fit everyone’s strengths and passions.
My dream for Saginaw UMC:
To continue to grow in our outreach, being the hands and feet of Christ to our church family, in the community, and in the world.
Favorite scripture:
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 3:18
Michelle Burkholder
Director of Youth Ministry:BioWhat I love about Saginaw UMC:
I love the people!! From the first time I entered the doors of Saginaw UMC back in 2004, I have felt like I am part of a very special family. The warmth and love and acceptance that I felt back then, I still feel today. I love the incredible generosity, kindness, support, and encouragement that we give one another in all seasons of life.
What I love about Youth Ministry:
I love the energy and excitement that youth bring to the “table”. I love the way they challenge me to think outside of the box. I love watching them engage with one another and how welcoming they are to others, especially new members or visitors. I love their enthusiasm when it comes to something they are passionate about. I love their uniqueness and quirkiness. I feel “at home” when I am around them.
Why you should come worship and serve with us:
There is a place and a space for everyone here at Saginaw! It’s a place where gifts and talents can be shared and appreciated; where friendships are formed and deepened; where the soul can be refreshed and fed by the Word of God. We are a loving community that continually seeks to spread that love to as many as we are able!
Favorite Scripture:
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Shawn Bell
Director of MusicBioWhat I love about Saginaw UMC:
I love the people, the warmth, and how we sincerely care to reach out and help others.
What I love about my ministry area:
I love the people, the dedication to making music at the highest possible level to glorify God, the fellowship, and the love they have of SUMC!
Why you should come worship and serve with us: SUMC is a warm blanket of Christian love and acceptance…a place to learn, grow, and worship in the heart of our community.
My dream for Saginaw UMC: My dream for SUMC is to grow into a spiritual centerpiece in the north Fort Worth area…a place where ALL are accepted, loved…and a church that grows in Christian service for our community.
Favorite scripture:
I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Mary Watson
Accompanist (Organ and Piano)BioWhat I love about Saginaw UMC:
It’s a close-knit, caring community with some of the best musicians I know. Serving in our music ministry is something I look forward to each week!
What I love about my ministry area:
I love the theology in our worship as well as the beautiful music. Our worship feeds my heart, soul, and mind! I also love it when I get to collaborate with individuals and small groups. We have a lot of fun together!
Why you should come worship and serve with us:
We are intentional about learning about our faith and growing in godliness together. We have a wonderful Christian community that takes care of each other!
My dream for Saginaw UMC: That we would be devoted, disciplined followers of Christ who are continually growing in grace and in ministry and witness to our community.
Favorite scripture:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.“
Psalms 19:1-3
Sandy Cox
Children's Ministry DirectorBIOI feel blessed to be your Director of the Children’s Ministry. I am enjoying transitioning from working behind the scenes and into this new position - I have been a member of SUMC since 2012. I grew up in California, then we moved to Indiana during my teen years. After attending Indiana Purdue, I joined the Army and was stationed in Germany. My husband and I met in High School; we have been married for 38 years and have 4 adult children, 4 adult foster kids, and 4 grandkids. Soon after having kids, I realized I loved teaching. I graduated from Tarleton (1992) and taught in Mineral Wells and Lake Worth for 31 years. Even though I recently retired, I have been enjoying tutoring at Mathnasium here in Saginaw. SUMC has been a welcoming and friendly church family since day 1. I look forward to many more great memories as God leads us forward.
What makes Saginaw United Methodist Church special for you?
SUMC has always been involved in numerous missions here in our community. I hope to keep that spirit going as we grow our future generation of kids.
What do you love most about Children's Ministry?
I love the eagerness of the kids here at SUMC to learn, question, and explore God’s love and power in their day to day lives.
Why do you think other families should join us in worshipping and participating in children's ministry?
“God is on the move in many mighty ways today”. This song has been stuck in my head recently and I can certainly feel His love and energy all around. I hope to continue keeping SUMC a safe space for kids and families to learn about and experience God together in worship – through the tough times and the joyous times. Building strong church family friendships, connections, and relationships will help see this next generation of Christians through any storm.
What's your biggest dream for Saginaw United Methodist Church?
I appreciate that SUMC is always asking tough questions and continually transforming to meet the needs of the members, congregation, and community. My vision is that as we grow in faith and understanding, as disciples for Christ, we will be proactive in making a difference in this fast-paced, ever-changing world, knowing that God’s Word and Love is steadfast and everlasting.
Favorite Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
Jennifer McIntyre
Office and Financial AdministratorBIO
Kathie Thompson
Nursery AssistantBIO
Kacey Anderson
Little Blessings Preschool DirectorBIOI'm so excited to be the new director of Little Blessings Preschool and for the chance to work and serve with each of y'all! I was born and raised in The Colony, Texas and only left Texas to attend college at BYU-Idaho. There I met my husband; Tyler and we have been married for 15 years. After we graduated, we moved to Saginaw, TX in 2016. We have four children: Leah (13), Liam (9), Louisa (6) and Lincoln (2). We love Saginaw and love the feeling of community that is abundant here, especially at SUMC!
1. What makes Saginaw United Methodist Church special for you?
There is such a desire to do good here at SUMC, and to serve others as the Savior served. It is a privilege to work alongside the members and families here. I’m especially thankful for the chance I have to work with the children at Little Blessings! Seeing them learn and make friends is precious to me, but I especially love seeing their faith grow each year!
2. What do you love most about Little Blessings?
I love the sweet faces I get to greet each Tuesday and Thursday as they enter our school! The children who attend Little Blessings are truly that, “little blessing’s” in our lives! Each of them brings an excitement for learning that is infectious to our school!
3. What makes Little Blessings the best place for kids?
Little Blessings allows children to learn in a safe and fun environment with the best teachers! Our students leave Little Blessings with the skills necessary to succeed in their future school endeavors, along with an understanding that they are “wonderfully made” from a loving God.
4. What's your biggest dream for Little Blessings?
My biggest dream for Little Blessings is to see our children love to learn, know they are loved by God, and that they can share their knowledge and light with all those they interact with as they grow up!
-Favorite Scripture: Joshua 1:9- “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Chantell Covert
Little Blessings Preschool TeacherBIOHello everyone, my name is Chantell Covert (Giannantonio). About 37 yrs ago I was born in Utah, where I was raised and lived until 2015. I then moved to New York, with my husband Anthony, and 2 of our children: Ben and Cheyenne. We lived there for a little over 6 years before finally getting to settle here in Texas. Between my husband and I we have a total of 6 children, their names are Andrew (22), Blade (19), Ellysa (15), Jameson (11), Cheyenne (10), and Benjamin (9).
Many years ago, I was classroom aide for pre-k and kindergarten for my sons Blade school, which was my first taste of teaching started to blossom. During covid lockdowns, I rediscovered that passion for teaching, when we were forced to teach our children at home. So now I am currently a substitute teacher for Lake Worth ISD and have been with them for 3 years. When the opportunity with Lake Worth presented itself, I was more then happy to start my journey in childhood development.
For me teaching is not only about helping children transcribe and memorize what someone else writes or says. Teaching is about watching them grow and being able to apply what they have learned into their everyday life. See the joy from accomplishing tasks presented, and figuring out what they must look forward too next. There have been some many great teachers throughout my life that have helped me learn and grow, my only hope is to be able to give that back as well.
Rachel Caudillo
Little Blessings Preschool TeacherBIOHi, I'm Rachel Caudillo and I am married (13 years) and we have 3 children. Julia (12), Lillian (10) and Stevie (9). I am a preschool teacher at Little Blessings, here at the church, and starting my 3rd year teaching a 3 year old class. All of my children attended Little Blessings and it was truly such a blessing to our family.
I've worked with children in some capacity since I was a teenager. I've been a nanny, kindergarten aid, worked in a children's shelter, worked in youth ministry, volunteered at my kids schools for years and have taught preschool.
I truly have a passion for children, they are pure joy. I love getting to know them and their likes, dislikes and struggles and having a positive impact on their lives. no open positions right now
- To view see who is involved with SUMC leadership, please click here.
LOCATION
209 S. Bluebonnet St.
Saginaw, TX 76179 |
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