Leadership and Staff
Meet Our Team
Together, the leadership and staff foster a welcoming environment, oversee worship services, and coordinate efforts to serve both the congregation and the wider community.
Rev. Beth Rambikur
Pastor
My name is Beth Rambikur, you can call me Beth or Pastor Beth. I have been serving in ministry since 2006, serving United Methodist Churches since 2009, and I came to Christ Church in 2020. I love being outside, learning new things, and sharing the good news of God's love for us in Christ in everything I do. Peace out!
Candi Eppley
Church Administrator
Hello, I'm Candi Eppley. I am a native Tusconan and have worked for Christ Church United Methodist since September 2015. I started as the Financial Secretary and in October 2022 stepped into the Office Administrator portion while keeping the Financial Secretary role as well.
Luis Ortiz
Shared Director of Youth Ministries
My name is Luis Ortiz, and I serve as the Shared Director of Youth Ministries. I work with Christ Church and our Shared Youth Ministry with
St. Paul’s and Desert Skies, and I came to Christ Church in August 2024. I enjoy outdoor adventures, cross-cultural learning,and helping young people feel welcome, grow in faith, and serve others.
Janet Tolman
Organist and Accompanist
I'm Janet Tolman. I have served as organist and pianist at Christ Church since the spring of 2009. I get to play our Schlicker pipe organ and our Steinway grand piano as solo instruments and in collaboration with our choir, soloists, and instrumentalists. Music is the word of God in sound, and I love getting the word out! I enjoy reading and studying books, being outside with my dog, going to concerts and plays, and all things in nature.
John Neve
Director of Bell Choir
My name is John Neve, and I have been in music ministry since 1965, serving in Presbyterian and United Methodist churches in the Chicago area and in Tucson. I became the director of the Christ Church Ringers in 2008. My passion is handbells and serving others. Christ's blessings!
Dr. Sinamar Respicio
Director of Choral Music
I’m Sinamar Pascua Respicio, or just “Sina,” originally from the Philippines, and I am the Chancel Choir Director at Christ Church United Methodist, where I have served since 2021. My passion for music began in the church and continues to shape my ministry in worship and choral leadership.
I also serve as Artistic Director of the Tucson Women’s Chorus and High School Director of Music at the Academy of Tucson. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Church Music, a master’s degree in choral conducting, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting. A dedicated advocate for Philippine and Southeast Asian choral music, I share this passion through my work with choirs and the wider choral community.
Pierre Bashikire
Church Custodian
My name is Pierre Bashikire, and I am from Burundi, Africa. I am married, with a big family - I have 6 children and 21 grandchildren. I have been living in the USA since May 2007. I did my first job in Wilcox, and after that I started to work at Christ Church United Methodist from May 2008 until today. I left my country when I was eighteen years old. I had been living in exile outside my country for 34 years before coming to the USA. Now I live in the USA permanently, here in Tucson.
Mary Beth Butler
Director of Communications
Hello, I'm Mary Beth Butler. I worked at Christ Church as the Youth Group director for several years and after that role continued on as the manager of their website and social media. I now work full time as a kindergarten teacher but enjoy keeping up with CCUM through their online presence. I was a Methodist PK (pastor's kid) so am happy to be involved at Christ Church UM.