A NEW BOOK PROVIDING HOPE AND STRENGTH DURING COVID-19: Everything Is Gonna Be All Right: Devotionals for Faith and Encouragement 

 St. Andrew United Methodist Church Senior Pastor Robert Hasley, Jr., has authored his first book, Everything Is Gonna Be All Right: Devotionals for Faith and Encouragement, releasing in November by Invite Press, for $9.99 to $22.39 (hardback, paperback, audio book, ebook) at https://store.inviteresources.com/product/everything-gonna-be-all-right/. “A Night with the Author,” including a Q&A with Rev. Hasley, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway. Anyone purchasing a book may register for this uplifting evening of encouragement and support. Seating is limited.

As a young man, Rev. Hasley wondered how his grandmother could always say, “Everything is gonna be all right,” when pain, harm and suffering persist? Yet hers was not a Pollyanna faith, but a faith that sustained and comforted in times full of fear, anxiety, and stress. In this book, Rev. Hasley tells homespun stories and anecdotes of a life lived in faith through good times and bad. A compilation of his life experiences and devotional messages, Everything Is Gonna Be All Right is not tied to specific days of the week or year and may be read in any order for inspiration and support.

“Today we are navigating our way through unprecedented times caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and we must look after our mental and spiritual well-being as well as our physical health,” said Rev. Robert Hasley. “It is my goal that this book, a collection of my experiences of seeing God in everyday events of life, will help the reader to see how God is active in their own lives, providing hope and encouragement. My Grandmother Maude Stephens is my inspiration for putting this book together. Whether I skinned my knee, got a bad test grade, or dropped a pass during a big game, she was there telling me that everything would be all right – words which have been with me for a lifetime, words that provide a welcoming sense of comfort, and words that we all need to hear right now.”

Maude Stephens lived from the end of the 19^th century into the very beginning of the 21^st century. She died in 2000 at age 101 in a hospital in Gurdon, Arkansas. Despite a life with much sorrow and many challenges, including seeing her husband off to World War I and her son off to World War II as well as surviving the Spanish Flu and the Great Depression, her deep faith led to an abiding conviction that everything would, indeed, be all right.

“In this book, Robert’s deep pastoral insight leads to unexpected revelations that link a storm over the ballpark to our safety in God’s hands,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, lead preaching pastor, St. Andrew UMC. “His awareness of the faith of children inspires faith from us.  His willingness to admit his own mistakes and embarrassment helps us appreciate God’s love for us in all the circumstances of our lives – even when we are not at our best. His love for his family, friends and church community is genuine and pervasive. And his deeply held belief that things will be all right shows up clearly in his conviction that God does place the right people at the right time at the right place, that needs are met, and prayers answered.”    

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have seen fear, anxiety, and stress among members of the community, our congregation, and within our own families,” added Rev. Hasley. “Every aspect in our lives has been affected, and every day feels uncertain. We are all at risk and many are sick and dying. Life as we once knew it has been turned upside down, movement and gatherings are restricted, unemployment is soaring, and now there are many new anxieties about the beginning of the school year. We must remember that our faith sustains and comforts us, providing us a sense of control during these uncertain times. Like Grandmother Stephens, we must keep that faith knowing that this storm will pass, and everything is gonna be all right.”

Attendance for a “A Night with the Author” is limited to the first 300 registrants and requires an RSVP at the time of registration. Details are available at the church website.  A book signing will follow the event. All proceeds from the book will support the ministries of St. Andrew.

"Everything Is Gonna Be All Right is an inspiring collection of stories that I had the privilege of hearing firsthand while attending Rev. Robert Hasley's church,” stated Troy Aikman, NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback. “His life experiences can bring confidence, peace, and strength to anyone in these trying times!"

“This has been a year like no other for everyone, and without question, we will all be looking for meaningful Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers for friends or family members. This book would be a wonderful choice,” added Rev. Jones. “I’ve known Robert Hasley for 12 years and have benefited tremendously from his wisdom and life experiences from decades of service in ministry to others. I know you will, too.”

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About Robert Hasley - From his birth in Hope, Arkansas, to the eve of his 35^th anniversary as founding pastor of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas, Robert Hasley’s faith and worldview has been shaped by key Christian relationships, including his wife, Sharon, his immediate family, the Highland Park and St. Andrew families of faith, and many good friends, all of whom who have dedicated themselves to “doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). As instruments of God’s amazing grace, they are the reason he said “yes” to serving Christ full time as a United Methodist pastor and why he continues to experience the joy of glorifying God by offering the faith, hope, and love of Christ to others today.

Invite Press is the imprint of Invite Resources, a ministry of St. Andrew United Methodist Church. The mission of Invite Resources is to share the promise of the New Creation by inviting all people to discover a deeper faith and relationship with Christ, use their gifts for the benefit of others, and participate in God’s kingdom. As such, it is a ministry designed for both laypersons and church leaders. Visit www.inviteresources.com

St. Andrew United Methodist Church began in 1986 in the spirit of its namesake, a disciple of Jesus. The life of the Apostle Andrew embodies the church's mission, which is to invite the Christian-ish and the unchurched to become passionate servants of Christ. The congregation of St. Andrew follows Jesus, lives in relationship, serves others, and takes risks in faith. Worship includes four services each weekend on a 21.2-acre campus at the corner of Plano Parkway and Mira Vista in Plano, Texas, where more than 2,000 people gather each weekend. Recent renovation allows the Sanctuary to host worship in both Traditional style, with the classic pipe organ, and Contemporary style, with a new LED center screen and lighting technology. Small groups and Bible studies gather on campus and throughout the region every day of the week. Mission opportunities serve our local area, neighboring regions, and global communities. The church has been repeatedly selected as a "Best Place to Worship in Plano” by the readers of the Plano Star Courier. St. Andrew United Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewumc.org; call 972-380-8001.

The Tournament Combines the Messenger of Hope Tournament (which raises scholarship funds for high school seniors) and the Charles Stokes Tournament (which raises scholarship funds for seminary students) 

St. Andrew United Methodist Church invites the community to support promising high school seniors with dreams of higher education as well as aspiring seminary students by sponsoring or playing in the first St. Andrew Open Golf Tournament, Monday, October 5, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at The Clubs of Prestonwood, Creeks Course, 15909 Preston Road, Dallas. Proceeds from The St. Andrew Open support both St. Andrew scholarship programs.

“For the past seven years, St. Andrew United Methodist Church has hosted two golf tournaments: The Messenger of Hope Tournament, raising college scholarship funds for high school seniors, and the Charles Stokes Tournament, raising scholarship funds for those interested in pursuing a life in the ministry,” said Rev. Jimmy Decker, associate pastor, connectional ministries, St. Andrew UMC.  “When the pandemic caused one of the tournaments to be canceled, St. Andrew decided to combine the two great causes into one great tournament.”

Presented by the United Methodist Men of St. Andrew, The Messenger of Hope Scholarship helps promising high school seniors pursue their dreams of a higher education. This past year alone, $80,000 was raised at the tournament, providing scholarships to 52 high school seniors, representing eight different area high schools: Frisco, J.J. Pearce, Lake Highlands, Plano East, Plano Senior, Richardson, R.L. Turner, and Woodrow Wilson. This fall, these scholarship recipients are attending 25 different colleges including Arkansas Community College, Baylor University, Brookhaven College, Collin College, Howard University, Midwestern State, Richland Community College, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, Tarleton State University, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas State, Texas Wesleyan, Texas Woman’s University, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas, University of Houston, University of North Texas, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at Dallas, and University of Texas at Tyler.

“When you consider that the average tuition cost of each class at area community colleges is $500, you can understand how this tournament can make an impact,” said Ray Adams, Messenger of Hope Scholarship Founder. “Too often, students earn good grades and have a true desire for a higher education, but family disruption, health issues or situations beyond their control make college a financial impossibility. The Messenger of Hope Scholarship helps fulfill this need with funding and mentorship programming for many deserving students each year.”

The Charles Stokes Seminary Education Scholarship was established by retired St. Andrew Pastor Charles Stokes and his wife Louise. The couple saw the tremendous need for new pastors, and this scholarship enables those with a drive and passion to serve in the ministry to attend seminary. Through a new partnership with Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, the Charles Stokes Seminary Education Scholarship Fund will provide scholarship funds each year to two qualified applicants who show gifts for a promising future in church leadership in the amount of $15,000 each. Coupled with this scholarship, St. Andrew will have the opportunity to mentor these students over three years to help develop them into future leaders of the United Methodist Church. 

“It is our belief that by affirming these men and women and supporting them both spiritually and financially, we can continue the mission of the church by ensuring strong leadership for the future,” said David Keene, Charles Stokes Seminary Education Scholarship Founder. “In the last six years, we have provided over $92,000 in scholarship funds for seminary students, including some of the current pastors at St. Andrew, including Jimmy Decker, who helps lead this important fundraising effort. Please join us on October 5, and together, let’s make the dreams of many area students come true.”

The Open will follow new safety protocols to protect the health of all participants. To sponsor or play visit https://www.standrewumc.org/standrewopen.

 Below, see the story of Rev. Jimmy Decker. He is associate pastor, connectional ministries, St. Andrew UMC, and a past recipient of a Charles Stokes Scholarship.

Below, see the story of Bryna Talamantez, a past recipient of a Messenger of Hope Scholarship. Bryna is now a Marrage and Family Therapist, LMFT-A.

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St. Andrew United Methodist Church began in 1986 in the spirit of its namesake, a disciple of Jesus. The life of the Apostle Andrew embodies the church's mission, which is to invite the Christian-ish and the unchurched to become passionate servants of Christ. The congregation of St. Andrew follows Jesus, lives in relationship, serves others, and takes risks in faith. Worship includes four services each weekend on a 21.2-acre campus at the corner of Plano Parkway and Mira Vista in Plano, Texas, where more than 2,000 people gather each weekend. Recent renovation allows the Sanctuary to host worship in both Traditional style, with the classic pipe organ, and Contemporary style, with a new LED center screen and lighting technology. Small groups and Bible studies gather on campus and throughout the region every day of the week. Mission opportunities serve our local area, neighboring regions, and global communities. The church has been repeatedly selected as a "Best Place to Worship in Plano” by the readers of the Plano Star Courier. St. Andrew United Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewumc.org; call 972-380-8001.

Presented by St. Andrew United Methodist Church, all LIFT podcasts are available at no cost on Apple iTunes; a new season launches in August

LIFT: A Parenting Podcast, launched by St. Andrew United Methodist Church in August 2019 and available at no cost on Apple iTunes, is entering its third season of helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children of all ages in today’s world. Along with focusing on everyday parenting issues such as discipline, anxiety, college preparations, technology, sex, and drugs, LIFT podcasts have tackled many additional timely, tough subjects including mass shootings, grief and suicide, the challenges of COVID-19, and race, featuring community leaders, church members and other experts as guests.

“Parenting is hard,” said Rev. Kim Meyers, host of LIFT and associate pastor, Family Ministry, St. Andrew United Methodist Church. “It requires heavy lifting – both physically and spiritually. This podcast was created to connect with families in a timely manner and be a source of support. Parenting did not come with any instruction booklets, and we often do not know what to do or ask. LIFT is a perfect way to gain knowledge and support as a parent in what is, without a doubt, one of the most challenging times parents have faced in recent years.”

“I started listening to LIFT last fall while in carpool line,” said Sarah Kubehl, mother of three children, ages 12, 16, and 18. “Kim’s voice is positive, kind, and very real, and she focuses on what is happening now in the community and the world, giving me guidance on how best to handle current situations with my kids.  Also a mom, Kim is going through it all with us. Another thing I love is that LIFT is OK for my children to hear, so if they happen to get in the car while I’m listening, it’s OK for us to listen to it together, and that can lead to some helpful discussions.”

The third season of LIFT will launch this August and will initially address the challenges parents will face as school begins in the fall. There are 13 podcasts in each season.

“Depending on what is happening in the world, we may adjust the schedule or add additional podcasts to address important topics,” added Rev. Meyers. “Last year when our church family experienced the tragic suicide of one of our youths, we quickly put a podcast together on grief, featuring Bryna Talamantez, a licensed professional counselor. The podcast had hundreds of listeners, and following the funeral, multiple people stopped to speak with me about how the podcast had helped them cope.”

“My son was a close friend and classmate of this young man,” added Kubehl. “In fact, we had just seen him the night before. I happened by chance to hear the podcast addressing grief soon after this happened, and it helped me to help my son cope. I learned that kids prefer to grieve with other friends, so I knew it was a good thing to encourage my son to be with his friends during this difficult time. This podcast proved to be quite beneficial at a time when we all needed help in coping with such a devastating tragedy. Other LIFT podcasts that I have found especially helpful include one on the power of our words and expectations, which affect our kids more than we know, and a podcast on race, which provided valuable perspective at a critical time.”

“The podcast on how to talk to your children about race aired on June 16,” added Rev. Meyers. “We invited Jenny Gomez, a licensed professional counselor with years of experience in both private and non-profit settings, to join us along with Dr. Kari Roan, assistant principal at Prosper High School. Our guests shared their insight into the best ways to have conversations with your family about race; how to help children after they have seen violent videos on the news or social media; how seeing skin color is a good thing; and the importance of continuing conversations about racial injustice in our homes.”

Kathy King, a retired educator who served as principal of Plano West Senior High School for 12 years, and a guest for a Lift podcast stated, “Kim’s passion for connecting with and serving her community is evident. She knew there was a need to connect in different ways with our community about relevant topics, and she made it happen through LIFT. She clearly understands the importance of getting helpful resources to families in a timely manner.”

Podcasts available to date are: How to Talk with your Children About Race; Parenting Under Pressure, Marriage In COVID-19; COVID-19 Week 4: Checking in with a Family; Adjusting to Online Learning; COVID-19 Q&A; COVID-19: How do we do our new normal?; What to Expect: College 101; Depression and Anxiety; Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll; Divorce; Expectations: The Power of Our Words; What is Discipline?; Teens and Technology; Technology: What Do We Do with It?; Success in Sports; Grief 101; Let’s Talk about Sex; Allowing Your Children to Experience Failure; Faith and Family; How do I Talk to My child about God when I Don’t Feel Qualified?; Our Family Rules vs. Others; Enneagram and Parenting; Who is in Your Web?; How Do We Live into a New Back-to-School Rhythm and Where is God in That?; and Mass Shootings.

“Recently, I learned that our podcasts are not only benefiting parents, but they are also benefiting prospective parents,” added Rev. Meyers. “I recently spoke with a young man familiar with our podcasts. He shared that he had a difficult childhood and was not sure if he would be a good parent. After listening to our podcasts, he has changed his view and is feeling more confident about becoming a father one day. That was a wonderful moment for me as I had not even thought about this young, single man being a part of our audience. Please join us and consider subscribing to LIFT: A Parenting Podcast and see firsthand how it can be helpful to your family.”

LIFT Podcasts are available at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lift-a-parenting-podcast/id1475570506  

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St. Andrew United Methodist Church began in 1986 in the spirit of its namesake, a disciple of Jesus. The life of the Apostle Andrew embodies the church's mission, which is to invite the Christian-ish and the unchurched to become passionate servants of Christ. The congregation of St. Andrew follows Jesus, lives in relationship, serves others, and takes risks in faith. Worship includes four services each weekend on a 21.2-acre campus at the corner of Plano Parkway and Mira Vista in Plano, Texas, where more than 2,000 people gather each weekend. Recent renovation allows the Sanctuary to host worship in both Traditional style, with the classic pipe organ, and Contemporary style, with a new LED center screen and lighting technology. Small groups and Bible studies gather on campus and throughout the region every day of the week. Mission opportunities serve our local area, neighboring regions, and global communities. The church has been repeatedly selected as a "Best Place to Worship in Plano” by the readers of the Plano Star Courier. St. Andrew United Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewumc.org; call 972-380-8001.

St. Andrew United Methodist Church offers the community two summer “to-go” programs: “Family Ministry Summer Enrichment” a paid, professionally designed program with weekly themes for early childhood to lower elementary ages, now through July 27, and “Faith at Home,” a free program, June 7 through August 9, for early childhood to 12^th grade age groups. Program participants do not need internet or a computer to complete activities, and they are not required to be members of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

“With many in-person camps and activities canceled, parents are searching for ways to keep their kids engaged this summer,” said Rev. Kim Meyers, associate pastor, Family Ministries. “Our ‘Summer Enrichment’ program provides fun, hands-on activities with a variety of themes, from beaches to outer space! If you have multiple children in the home, activities will be similar but developmentally appropriate for each age, making it fun for the child and easy for all family members to participate together.”

Packages for the Family Ministry Summer Enrichment program, June 1 – July 27, are available for purchase weekly, monthly, or for the full summer and include four daily activities based on science, physical games, snack ideas, and fun crafts. Each activity will take approximately one hour a day and can be planned around a family’s schedule. Weekly themes, in order, are beaches, sea life/oceans, real superheroes, camping, patriotic/July 4, zoo animals, circus, dinosaurs, and outer space.  Packets may be picked up weekly and include a passport-to-fun guide for each activity, theme-specific supplies, and recipes as well as a shopping list for snacks needed for the week. Package pricing is $35 weekly; $100 monthly; and $200 for the full summer package. Visit https://standrewumc.org/News/enrichment

“During this time of COVID-19, we also know that in the physical absence of church ministry leaders, the greater responsibility of guiding our children in their faith is falling on families,” added Rev. Meyers. “Our staff has created ‘Faith at Home,’ providing daily, age-appropriate activities up to 12^th grade that align with our sermon series.”

Faith at Home is free and designed to support families on their faith journeys with daily, age-appropriate activities aligning with St. Andrew’s sermon series, June 7 – August 9, titled “The Good News of Matthew.” Families may follow the activity sheets, which offer daily activities, Monday through Saturday, for the early childhood, elementary (K-5), and student (6th-12th grade) age groups. Visit https://standrewumc.org/News/FaithAtHome

“This summer could be challenging for parents, and it is our hope that these programs will provide special times each day for families to engage and unplug together,” added Rev. Meyers. “If you have any questions, we would love to answer them.  Please email Kelley Dock at Kdock@standrewumc.org. We hope you will join us this summer in one or both programs as we navigate these challenging times together.”

St. Andrew United Methodist Church began in 1986 in the spirit of its namesake, a disciple of Jesus. The life of the Apostle Andrew embodies the church's mission, which is to invite the Christian-ish and the unchurched to become passionate servants of Christ. The congregation of St. Andrew follows Jesus, lives in relationship, serves others, and takes risks in faith. Worship includes four services each weekend on a 21.2-acre campus at the corner of Plano Parkway and Mira Vista in Plano, Texas, where more than 2,000 people gather each weekend. Recent renovation allows the Sanctuary to host worship in both Traditional style, with the classic pipe organ, and Contemporary style, with a new LED center screen and lighting technology. Small groups and Bible studies gather on campus and throughout the region every day of the week. Mission opportunities serve our local area, neighboring regions, and global communities. The church has been repeatedly selected as a "Best Place to Worship in Plano” by the readers of the Plano Star Courier. St. Andrew United Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewumc.org; call 972-380-8001.

The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit which provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need, has more than doubled the number of households served since COVID-19 began. As a participant in “North Texas Giving Tuesday Now,” April 14 – May 5, The Storehouse has created a fundraising theme, “As One Curve Flattens, Another Rises,” to emphasize that while social distancing helps flatten the curve of COVID-19’s spread, another curve is rising that is demanding a response from the community.

Since the shelter-in-place was instituted on March 13, service numbers at The Storehouse’s Seven Loaves Food Pantry have climbed steadily each week: 309 families in the first week, 348 in the second, 555 in the third, and 573 in the fourth.

“Pre-COVID-19, we averaged 250 families per week,” said Candace Winslow, executive director, The Storehouse of Collin County.  “With the closing of businesses, increasing unemployment, and children at home full-time, many of our Collin County neighbors are finding themselves at the doors of our food pantry for the first time. While many sheltering at home may feel helpless, ‘North Texas Giving Tuesday Now’ gives us all a way to do something that will make an impact.”

As a partner agency and one of the largest distributors of food for the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), The Storehouse has the ability to stretch a donor’s dollar to purchase a larger quantity of food. Through its partnership with NTFB, The Storehouse has access to food items, many of which have been provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While The Storehouse doesn’t pay for the food, it pays a small transportation fee to cover handling charges. For example, through NTFB, a $200 donation to The Storehouse could provide 1,224, 16-ounce jars of USDA generic brand peanut butter, equating to approximately 16 cents per jar, compared to a cost of approximately $1.94 for a brand name peanut butter of that size in an area grocery store. Monetary gifts also allow for the purchase of more healthy items such a fresh produce and proteins along with exactly what is needed to provide a family with balanced meals.

“Currently, The Storehouse is relying more heavily on NTFB since our other regular sources (individual food drives/donations and grocery store pickups) are not possible due to our building’s closure and limited resources,” added Winslow. “Our neighbors are currently receiving food items in an outside, revised walk-up model, following CDC guidelines.”

Prior to COVID-19, the need in Collin County, one of the most affluent counties in Texas, was already great. One in 6 households (16.1%) faced food insecurity and 1 in 5 children (21.6%) were affected by hunger. In 2019 The Storehouse provided 1.8 million pounds of food (equivalent to 1,535,231 meals, feeding 36,803 individuals of which 12,466 are children and 3,664 are seniors). The Storehouse served on average 1,000 families per month through its Seven Loaves Food Pantry, supported not only by NTFB, as well local corporations, food service partners, and thousands of volunteers. Presently, that number is on track to be doubled.

“We anticipate that even after the veil of Covid-19 is lifted, The Storehouse has reached a new normal of service that will continue for an undetermined period of time as families struggle to get back on their feet,” added Winslow. “While many will be able to go back to places of employment, there will be many who will not be so lucky. Savings will be depleted, families will face debt, and we will see an increase in needs beyond food in our Project Hope Program, which supports women in crisis. This “echo crisis” will be evident among many nonprofits serving on the frontlines.”

“What food banks and food pantries are experiencing now on a national level is unprecedented,” added Winslow. “During natural disasters and other emergencies, there is the option of relying on other areas for support, but during COVID-19, there is hunger everywhere, and people are hungry every day. We hope you will consider supporting The Storehouse of Collin County during “North Texas Giving Tuesday Now” through May 5 at midnight. Visit www.northtexasgivingday.org/thestorehousecc, and please remember that no gift is too small – just one dollar will provide three meals to a hungry North Texan.”

Visit thestorehousecc.org to learn more.

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The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit whose mission is to feed, clothe and care for neighbors in one community, provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need: the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, serving 1,000 families a month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, providing an average of 4,000 garments each month; and Project Hope, a mentoring program supporting women in crisis. The program first began in 2009 under the name of Seven Loaves which provided only food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. An estimated 130,000 people in Collin County live below the poverty level, more than half of which are children.  In September 2018, The Storehouse received the North Texas Food Bank’s Partner Agency of the Year Excellence in Impact Award in recognition of its life changing services, meeting multiple needs for each family served. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333