Presented by The Second Act at St. Andrew, this free seminar will provide helpful information for those assisting aging parents as well as healthy-living tips for the brain and body

The Second Act of St. Andrew Methodist Church, a retirement ministry for those nearly, newly, and already retired in our community, invites the community to a Brain Health Seminar, featuring some of North Texas’ leading experts on the topic of brain health and aging. The seminar will take place on Saturday, March 25, 9 a.m. to noon, in Smith Worship Center, St. Andrew Methodist, 5801 W. Plano Parkway. There is no cost for the seminar, but registration is required.

Speakers are Steven Small, Ph.D., M.D., dean of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at University of Texas at Dallas and professor at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas; Kathy Shockley, M.A., L.N.H.A., program director, Alzheimer’s Association, Dallas and Northeast Texas; Anna Tseng, M.D., president of Neurology Consultants of Dallas; Mary Norman, M.D., geriatrician; and Alice Wong, community educator, Alzheimer’s Association. Topics include “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” “Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s,” “Inside the Black Box; The Neuroscience of Brain Health,” and “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body.” Additionally, mini classes focusing on body health will include a balance training class by Kathy Chamberlain, founder, Chamberlain School of Ballet, and a  Tai Chi session by Michael Braitsch, P.T., D.P.T., owner and lead therapist, Tribe Wellness.

The day will begin with a light breakfast, and there will be four breakout rooms available for personal balance and memory screenings by trained professionals.

“What an incredible seminar our Second Act leaders have put together for the benefit of the community,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, Sr. Pastor, St. Andrew Methodist. “I am so proud of our founding pastor, the late Robert Hasley, who had the vision for this new ministry. A task force worked for nine months visiting with organizations throughout North Texas, and a blueprint was put forth as the vision for this new ministry. Church members with experience in management, finance, accounting, nonprofits, law, and community volunteers lead this new ministry, and this is just one of many things the group has been doing. We are thrilled to have a community-wide event with such renowned experts in a field that is going to impact us all.  Please mark your calendar and join us on March 25.”

To register, visit https://www.standrewmethodist.org/thesecondact, and click on Brain Health Seminar.

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St. Andrew 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 worship each weekend. The Sanctuary hosts worship in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an 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 Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call 972-380-8001.

Celebrate a premier Christmas with music and worship as well as fun holiday activities at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, 5801 W. Plano Parkway. From Christmas concerts and candlelight services to photos with Santa and ice-skating in the courtyard, there are many opportunities throughout Advent to celebrate and reflect on the true meaning of season.

On December 8, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, St. Andrew will host “Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tale of the Coming of Christ” Advent song concert - the only Dallas-Fort Worth stop on the national tour - featuring Nashville singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson with guest artists The Arcadian Wild, Jess Ray, Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, and Skye Peterson. The two-part concert brings artists together for a “songwriters in the round” in the first half and a performance of the “Behold the Lamb of God” album performed in full in the second half. For a limited time, receive 20 percent off all tickets at https://events.platformtickets.com/csc?4874#/

On December 11, at both the 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship services in the sanctuary, enjoy a Sunday morning Festival of Music with favorite carols, choirs, full orchestra, and sing-a-longs. Before or after the festival, stop by to see Santa and his reindeer out front for a photo opportunity in his sleigh - complete with falling snow. Come celebrate the birth of our Savior through beautiful music and fill your hearts with Christmas joy.

On December 17, bring your family for a special Children’s Nativity Service at 5:30 p.m. followed by ice skating in the courtyard– holiday fun for the whole family! Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and a holiday movie on the pop-up screen. Come and be filled with the holiday spirit as you glide around the ice. Skates will be provided, and all are welcome to participate.

On December 18, St. Andrew will hold a Service of Comfort and Hope, designed for those experiencing grief and loss, at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary. The service will feature musical presentations as well as inspirational words to provide hope and healing.

At 5 p.m. on December 18, celebrate the season at Christmas Carols and Candy Canes with the international award-winning British vocal ensemble Apollo5, accompanied on the piano by Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional music and worship, St. Andrew. This festive light-hearted evening features favorite Christmas carols and fun for the whole family.

On December 23-24, come celebrate the birth of Christ with beautiful worship and beloved carols at one of the Christmas Candlelight Services. Services will conclude with the traditional lighting of the candles and singing “Silent Night” together.

• Traditional: Friday 12/23 at 7 p.m.
• Contemporary: Sat 12/24 at 2 and 4 p.m.
• Traditional: Sat 12/24 at 6, 8, and 11 p.m.

On Christmas morning, December 25, at 10 a.m., join us for a special blessing of the toys! Each child may bring his or her new favorite toy for a special blessing and a short message. Kids are invited to come in their PJs and hot cocoa (and coffee!) will be provided in the Narthex.

“As we prepare our hearts for Advent, we hope you will join us throughout the month of December and make your holidays holy days,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor, St. Andrew. “Whether through music, worship, or fun activities, take time to reflect on the true meaning of the season, the birth of our Savior, and turn this season into one that is full of peace, joy, and happiness.”

Visit standrewumc.org/Christmas for information about all events.

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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 invites the community to its annual Trunk or Treat event Sunday, October 30, 5 – 6 p.m., at 5801 W. Plano Parkway. All children are invited to come in costume and enjoy trick or treating from creatively decorated car trunks.

This year’s event will also feature a Bubble bus and bounce houses. Concessions are available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the youth ministry’s annual ski trip.

“It’s wonderful to see families from the community coming together each year for this fun, annual event,” said Rachel Kortum, director of children’s ministry, St. Andrew. “Our staff and volunteers do an incredible job decorating their trunks and providing a fun atmosphere for all. Join us!”

For more information, call 972-380-8001 or visit www.standrewumc.org.

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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.

A devoted and passionate servant of Christ, Rev. Hasley touched many lives within St. Andrew as well as in the community, inspiring others to serve in His name

After more than 15 months of thriving with cancer, St. Andrew United Methodist Church’s founding pastor, Rev. Robert Hasley, age 70, died the way that he lived – with hope and confidence. It was May 1, 1986, when Hasley, a young associate pastor at Highland Park United Methodist Church, was appointed by the Bishop of the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church to organize a new church in a growing area of Plano. He did not know what the future held, but with the gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ, he was confident – as he often said – that everything was going to be all right. He always believed that God places the right people at the right time at the right place, that needs are met, and prayers are answered.

For the past 36 years, he devoted his life to serving Christ full time as a pastor at St. Andrew, not only shepherding his congregants but also reaching out and inspiring others to be the hands and feet of Jesus to help those in need. Even before St. Andrew had its own building, Rev. Hasley began mission work with an apartment ministry in East Plano for latchkey children; giving them a safe place under the influence of the church to come after school. In 2009, Hasley and his wife Sharon had the vision for The Storehouse of Collin County, which began as a food pantry feeding one family of four on its first day. Today the Storehouse feeds more than 600 families on a single day and provides clothing and care as well as a new educational program promoting skill development. Additional projects led by Hasley include launching Helping Hands, a ministry which provided meals to first responders and hospital workers during the pandemic; assisting those affected by natural disaster; providing funding and volunteers to build over 20 Habitat for Humanity homes; and establishing St. Andrew’s 4 Corners Global ministry serving the Cabécar people in the remote southern mountains of Costa Rica by providing them with a medical clinic, care, and most recently, cook stoves.

Hasley often stated, “Jesus teaches us that each time we help the hungry and reach out to the sick, helping someone in need, we are serving Christ. We thank God for reminding us of who we are and giving us hope for the future. If by His grace, we move forward, there are many miracles to be performed. We must continue to serve in His name.”

Rev. Hasley served on various boards such as the Methodist Hospital System, Perkins School of Theology at SMU, various committees with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, and with Plano Independent School District related to strategic vision planning and diversity.

With vision and faith, Hasley was instrumental in the church’s growth. Up until his final days on this earth, Rev. Hasley was busy with the launch of a new ministry for those newly, nearing or already retired called The Second Act. In 2012, St. Andrew launched a contemporary service to reach and engage a younger generation as the church continued toward the next 25 years. This was the beginning of his friendship with Rev. Arthur Jones, who came to St. Andrew to lead this service. Just a few weeks prior to his cancer diagnosis in 2021, Rev. Hasley passed the baton of senior pastor to Rev. Jones, who became only the second senior pastor in the history of St. Andrew.

“Robert was the shepherd of the St. Andrew community for 36 years and showed each person he knew how to live with grace, kindness, and love,” said Rev. Jones, Sr. Pastor, St. Andrew. “Robert lived each day knowing that death is not the end but the beginning of life eternal and his voice and legacy will forever echo in the walls of St. Andrew and in our hearts. As a dear friend to so many, we will miss him deeply; but in the words of Robert Hasley, ‘we have faith that everything is gonna be all right’ as we celebrate his life and vow to continue the mission.”

A memorial service for Rev. Robert Hasley will be held Tuesday, July 26, at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. Andrew, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas. The St. Andrew family has chosen to celebrate the life and legacy of Robert Hasley with the building of the Hasley Chapel, to be completed in early summer 2023.

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.

Twelve vans of 65 high school students, 33 middle school students, and 30 adult volunteers and staff headed to Oklahoma City on June 12 for a week of serving others as participants in St. Andrew United Methodist Church’s 2022 Mission Trip. Students were divided into groups that served through three organizations: Mission OKC, Reaching Our City (ROC), and Habitat for Humanity.

“All of the students felt a strong connection to this year’s theme, ‘The Rebuild,’” said Michael Agnew, director of student ministry, St. Andrew UMC. “The theme was tied to the story of Nehemiah who was tasked with rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. He gathered his people together, equipped them, and led them in rebuilding the city walls while ensuring all understood God’s Law. Our students came together in this same spirit of rebuilding not only with the physical building and tasks they completed but also with mental and spiritual rebuilding – reconnecting their lives in community while serving our neighbors in need. The pandemic impacted everyone, and after three years of not having mission trip, it felt so good to be together and watch the life-changing impact of this special week not only on those we served but also on our students.”

At Mission OKC, which provides hope to children and families living in poverty areas across Oklahoma City, students made 300 lunches a day for inner-city children and personally delivered the lunches while inviting the children to join them in the afternoon for Vacation Bible School and activities. The students returned in the afternoons to help pick up the children and take them to Mission OKC. On average, 150 children participated each day.

“We had seven groups working with Mission OKC,” added Agnew. “Our students were blown away at the thought that these children were willing to get on a bus with people they did not know because they knew it was their best option for a meal that day. It was quite a reality check for the students. As the week progressed and the students returned to the neighborhoods going door to door, the parents started coming out, hugging, and thanking the students. Our kids could not quit talking about how cool that was, and they went all in to make sure the kids had an amazing time each day. They set up the activities for the children, led them in worship, and played and connected with them.” 

“We packed tons of lunches, played basketball hoops, had a snow cone machine, and basically just spent each afternoon from 2 – 4 p.m. loving on these kids and having a blast,” said Blake Rossley, 20, a college intern on Mission Trip.

“My favorite part of the Mission Trip was making friends with two of the campers, Christian and Dimari,” said William Wonsmos, age 11. “I noticed that one of them wore the same shirt to camp every day, so on the last day, I gave him one of my St. Andrew shirts. It felt really good to help people and spread God’s love."

At Reaching Our City, a nonprofit that provides resources for impoverished and homeless communities, the students participated in landscaping, laying a gravel driveaway, painting, carpeting, repairing a fence, and laying epoxy on floor. They also worked in a local resale shop helping organize the retail space.

“On the day our students were tasked with laying a gravel driveway, ROC staff thought it would take them an entire day,” added Agnew. “They were done in a couple of hours, which amazed the organizers. These kids worked hard and made an impact everywhere they worked.”

At the two Habitat sites, the older kids worked on construction tasks, including weatherproofing, roofing, and putting up boards.

“You know when people think of mission trips, building projects like this are what they think of,” said Cody Meyers, 18. “But at night and in the mornings, when you get to sit and worship, sing songs, and hear a message, you get closer to God by serving others. There is nothing better than that.”

During mission trip, the group awakens at 6:45 a.m. and begins the day with a devotional at 7:15 a.m. and breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Everyone heads to their worksites at 8:15 a.m. and returns around 5 p.m. for dinner and worship.

“Starting and ending each day with a time of worship really helped set the tone for our group to put Jesus at the forefront of all we were doing,” said Jeff Wonsmos, who volunteered with his son William. “It was really inspiring to watch our kids step out of their comfort zones and befriend the children in the community we were serving.”

"I have always known and loved God, but by serving on the mission trip, I really felt connected to Him,” added William Wonsmos. “Since this was my first mission trip, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had the best week and can't wait to go back next summer.”

“Making earth as it is in Heaven is what we aim to do every day,” said St. Andrew Senior Pastor Arthur Jones. “These kids got a taste of that this week. One mother of a student shared with me that her child discovered on mission trip that there is a better way to live, and they want to feel on most weeks like they did on the trip. On mission trip, the students discover that there is hope and possibility, and we can change the world.”

St. Andrew mission trip participants share their thoughts about the 2022 trip in this video link:

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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.