The new, walk-in shed provides more room for clothing donations and easy cart access

When Dillard Leeds, 15, a freshman at Trinity Christian Academy and member of Boy Scout Troop 815, learned that The Storehouse of Collin County had outgrown its Joseph’s Coat Donation Shed, which receives more than 5,000 donations a month, he knew he wanted his Eagle Scout project to provide a new one!

Leeds, along with his father Jason and 17 other scouts, built the shed in two full days with an additional full day for painting. A concrete foundation was poured a month before building began. Planning for the project started in July of 2020, and the shed was completed in April 2021.  

The new donation shed’s design is much larger which will allow for the collection and storing of more clothing and shoes. It also includes full-height double doors in the back allowing for rolling receptacles inside to catch clothing donations, preventing them from falling on the floor. Also, new hinges on the hatch drop-off door keep the door open while donors deposit their items.

“Our most heartfelt thanks go to Dillard and his team of helpers for investing in The Storehouse and our mission to ‘feed, clothe, and care as neighbors in one community!’” said Christi Ferrell, director of Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, a program of The Storehouse of Collin County. “With the expansion of Joseph’s Coat, we had outgrown the previous donation shed, and the wood had rotted allowing rain and critters inside. Additionally, the height of the new shed prevents us from hitting our heads and the placement of rolling carts inside prevents us from having to lift heavy bags, making the process much safer for volunteers and staff when collecting the items.”

Joseph’s Coat was closed between March and July in 2020 during COVID-19. Staff worked to reopen the program in August of 2020 using an appointment-only model to keep neighbors and volunteers safe. The appointment model has continued as it provides neighbors a peaceful and organized shopping experience without making them feel rushed. Anyone in Collin County in need of clothing can visit www.thestorehousecc.org/josephs-coat to schedule an appointment. Joseph’s Coat distributes approximately 4,000 clothing items each month.

“Dillard’s initiative and hard work has made a remarkable difference in the safety and efficiency of our collection process, the cleanliness of our clothing and updated the aesthetic look of our parking lot as well,” added Ferrell. “His hard work and generosity will benefit our community, our neighbors, and our mission for many years to come.”

“When I heard how many donations Joseph’s Coat receives each month, I knew that I could help by making a new shed that would make it easier to collect clothes and possibly allow The Storehouse to donate more clothes and help more people,” said Dillard Leeds. “Now that the shed is completed, I feel accomplished and proud of all the work we did to build a shed that will help many people.”

Donations of clothing and shoes may be dropped into the Joseph's Coat Donation Shed, located in the parking lot next to The Storehouse of Collin County, 1401 Mira Vista Boulevard, Plano, 75093  

The Storehouse of Collin County provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need through the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, and Project Hope. The nonprofit was founded in 2009 under the name of Seven Loaves Community which provided only food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. Over 1,600 families on average access the Seven Loaves Food Pantry each month. The Storehouse also provides an opportunity to receive clothing at Joseph’s Coat as well as referrals to community resources through the Project Hope relational program. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. 

Here's some information about Joseph's Coat

Jake Kubehl, 17, a junior at Plano West, and his fellow members from the Plano Chapter of Young Men's Service League - YMSL, along with some additional volunteers, collected and delivered 172 pairs of new and gently used athletic shoes to Joseph’s Coat, a program of The Storehouse of Collin County in Plano.

Kubehl was inspired to conduct the shoe drive after attending a Zoom presentation on the impact of poverty and food insecurity in Collin County by Ben Skye, director of communications and culture at The Storehouse. During the meeting, Kubehl and his YMSL group learned about each of The Storehouse programs, including Joseph’s Coat, a clothing closet which provides new and gently used clothing for job interviews, school, and special events. The clothing items are donated by families within the community and cleaned and organized by staff and volunteers before being distributed.

Kubehl was struck by the fact that many Plano students are unable to participate in summer and outdoor activities because they do not have the right shoes. Inspired to meet the need in his community, he invited his YMSL Chapter to join him in organizing a shoe drive. He reached out to the student councils, NHS, and other clubs to help spread the word amongst Plano ISD students. He also used social media to market this drive and set up an Instagram and promoted it by giving students the opportunity to receive service hours. Jake set up an additional drop-off location for the shoes at Elite Care in West Plano. There were 65 total participants in the effort, which included 25 YMSL boys. The original goal of collecting 100 pairs of shoes was surpassed as the total reached 172.

“The Storehouse of Collin County is grateful to Jake Kubehl for his wonderful initiative to put shoes on the feet of children who need them so desperately,” said Christi Ferrell, director, Joseph’s Coat, a program of The Storehouse of Collin County. “Unlike adults, kids can outgrow their shoes in a few months, and poor-fitting shoes can lead to safety issues on the playground or sports field and even affect the health of their growing feet. Additionally, well-fitting footwear can boost self-confidence in the school hallway, on the gym floor and in the classroom.”

“I have been selling and collecting sneakers for the past six years, and during that time I have noticed a huge divide in the shoes people wear,” added Jake Kubehl. “While I often see sought-after shoes on someone’s feet, I have become more aware of those wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes with holes in them. Shoes are so important, and I am thrilled by the participation in this effort. I’m excited that the shoes we collected will help kids in need, and I hope to conduct another drive near the start of the school year.”

Donations of clothing and shoes may be dropped into the Joseph's Coat Donation Shed, located next to The Storehouse of Collin County, 1401 Mira Vista Boulevard, Plano, 75093. Currently, there is a huge need for children's clothing and shoes for all ages.  

The Storehouse of Collin County provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need through the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, and Project Hope. The nonprofit was founded in 2009 under the name of Seven Loaves Community which provided only food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. Over 1,600 families on average access the Seven Loaves Food Pantry each month. The Storehouse also provides an opportunity to receive clothing at Joseph’s Coat as well as referrals to community resources through the Project Hope relational program. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. 

Anyone in Collin County in need of clothing may sign up for an appointment time at Joseph’s Coat at https://www.thestorehousecc.org/josephs-coat

Watch this short video to learn more.

Pastors, author invite the public to join in a conversation about grief, loss, and hope for the future

Invite Resources and St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano invite the community to “Coping with Loss and Grief: A Panel Discussion,” an in-person event featuring Julie Yarbrough, author of Present Comfort: Meditations on Modern Loss and Grief, and Rev. Jennifer Powell, pastor of congregational care at St. Andrew. The event will be in the sanctuary of St. Andrew UMC, 5801 W. Plano Parkway on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. and will be hosted by Rev. Robert Hasley, senior pastor of St. Andrew. Registration is $20 and includes a copy of Present Comfort.

Loss of life and loss of hope are currently overwhelming our global society. Over one million have died from a worldwide pandemic; loss of income and property are forcing many into food insecurity and out of their homes; natural disasters are altering lives and landscapes; acts of random violence, school shootings, and mass slayings are happening with alarming regularity; and political strife and racial injustice are dominating our daily lives and nightly newscasts. 

During this event, Dallas author Julie Yarbrough will share highlights from her new book, Present Comfort: Meditations on Modern Loss and Grief, while engaging in conversation about grief and loss with Rev. Jennifer Powell, pastor of congregational care at St. Andrew. This is an event for all who have experienced loss of any kind as well as those who are at a loss to understand the myriad of emotions of grief.

Inspired by the death of her beloved husband, Yarbrough has written extensively on grief. She is also the author of Beyond the Broken Heart and other books that address the practical and spiritual challenges of grief. In writing about grief, her premise is that those who grieve seek answers found only when they understand their personal experience of grief. Visit her blog at beyondthebrokenheart.com.

A native of Dallas and a graduate of Texas Christian University, she is president of Yarbrough Investments and serves on the board of Methodist Health System, Texas Methodist Foundation, and the executive board of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Her late husband, Dr. Leighton Farrell, was senior pastor for 23 years at Highland Park United Methodist Church, where she remains active today.

“Present Comfort is a helpful resource not only for those who grieve the death of a loved one, but also for those who feel sad, bewildered, frustrated, or confused by the chaos and uncertainty in the world,” said Julie Yarbrough. “If you are struggling with loss, this event will provide insight into how to move forward and find peace and renewal in life.”

The meditations in Present Comfort reflect on many of the complicated, more complex issues of modern grief and identify many of the issues that may arise from the devastation of loss. Topics include collective grief, collateral grief, survivor torment, outcast grief, unresolved grief, and reconciliation, to name a few. The book offers direction and guidance from a spiritual perspective through the comfort and support of scripture.

“As a society, we grieve more often and more publicly than ever before, with an urgent need to understand our experience of grief,” said Julie Yarbrough. “The meditations in Present Comfort offer assurance, encouragement, and spiritual insight for those who grieve and context for those who desire to share in the heart and language of grief. The hope is that Present Comfort willinspire a deeper faith that in each whisper of comfort, there is the presence of God.”

Rev. Jennifer Powell, pastor of congregational care at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, will provide insight on what she finds to be the most effective in coping with loss and grief, not only from working with others through the St. Andrew Grief Care Ministry, but also on a personal level. Powell experienced the tragic loss of her first husband and two of her children, each at different times in her life. She has been on the pastoral staff at St. Andrew for 17 years and previously served as the nursery director, pastor of children and families, director of missions and outreach, and executive director of The Storehouse of Collin County. She is the founder of Gary’s Angels, a ministry for children with special needs and currently serves as the executive director of Four Corners Global Outreach, which provides medical care to the Cabècars, an indigenous people of Costa Rica.

“With the ongoing pandemic, there are many who are experiencing devastating personal loss, anxiety, isolation, and loneliness,” said Rev. Jennifer Powell. “There is hope for all, and there are wonderful resources such as Present Comfort to guide us through some of the most difficult times in our lives. Please join us on April 25 and learn how you can navigate these incredibly hard times and move forward to a brighter tomorrow.”

For more information and to register for this event visit this link. Present Comfort is $17.99 (paperback) and is available for purchase at  Invite Resources and through major booksellers everywhere.

# # #

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.

Invite Press is an imprint of Invite Resources. The mission of Invite Resources is to share the promise of the New Creation. Visit inviteresources.com for more information. Follow us on social media at the following links: FB: facebook.com/Invite-Resources-105782847823987; Instagram: instagram.com/inviteresources/; twitter: twitter.com/inviteresources.

Cars will receive battery-operated candles upon arrival for the traditional singing of Silent Night during this beautiful service.

Return to St. Andrew for the culmination of the Advent season and celebrate the birth of the Christ child on Thursday, December 24, at one of three DRIVE-IN Christmas Eve Candlelight services, featuring Imperial Brass, on an LED screen. All cars will receive battery-operated candles to utilize during the singing of Silent Night, an annual tradition at St. Andrew’s Christmas Eve services.

The one-hour Drive-In services will take place in the St. Andrew United Methodist Church north parking lot, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, at 5, 7, and 11 p.m. If the weather is nice, bring chairs and blankets for sitting and enjoying the service with your family in the adjacent parking spot just outside of your car.

Please register for only one service at standrewumc.org/christmas#candlelight. If you are unable to register for your first choice, we encourage you to try one of the other services.  Only one person per car needs to register. 

For any questions, call the church at 972-380-8001, Monday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 23.

“Please join us at one of our multiple Christmas Eve worship services this year and share in the joy and beauty of Christmas with your loved ones,” said St. Andrew Senior Pastor Robert Hasley. “Many blessings to you and your family during this holiday season!”

All COVID-19 protocols will continue to be in place for each of these live, in-person events.

# # #

St. Andrew United Methodist Church is celebrating 35 years 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.

“Journey of Lights,” a new multi-night outdoor Christmas Event, and "A St. Andrew Christmas" 2 Drive-In Concerts will benefit a new mental health initiative, which will be avaialable to the community

St. Andrew United Methodist Church invites the community to safely celebrate the season at “Journey of Lights,” a new outdoor, immersive Christmas experience, December 11 - 19, 6 – 9 p.m., 5801 W. Plano Parkway, benefiting the church’s new mental health initiative, a program that will be available not only to church members but also to the community.

“With a generous gift from an anonymous St. Andrew member family, St. Andrew leadership is excited to begin this new mental health initiative – a need we have been discussing for a long time that has only grown during the pandemic,” said Jenny Gomez, MS, LPCS, RPTS, at St. Andrew UMC. We are most grateful for their generosity and excited to announce our new ‘Journey of Lights’ event, which gives community members a chance to also support this mental health initiative – an effort which will reduce the stigma associated with mental health, open the lines of communication with families and individuals and connect them to important resources.”

At “Journey of Lights,” attendees will enjoy multiple immersive outdoor Christmas environments throughout the 21-acre campus, filled with photo opportunities, including a Christmas Village, featuring a magnificent oak tree filled with lights; a 3D snowfall lane; music with projection of Christmas carolers; holiday décor throughout the village with candy canes, reindeers, and snowmen; a larger-than-life advent calendar utilizing actual windows; costumed characters along the path; and visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus (Dec. 16 and 19); Light in the Darkness, a highly curated, immersive 30-minute light show experience throughout the trees and creek area, timed and synchronized with music of all St. Andrew Choirs and Imperial Brass, including visual projection, live Christmas vocalists, live handbells, readings, and actors sharing the Christmas story as guests walk through and savor the awe of the season; and culminating with a moving experience at Nativity at the Pond, with hanging lights, lanterns on the path, luminaries in the water, peaceful Christmas music such as Silent Night, and a live nativity on the island in the pond featuring Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Seating is available throughout all experiences for viewing and reflection of the season.

Paperless tickets sold in designated time segments are $5 each. Attendees may show their tickets through an App on their phones upon arrival at this timed event. Ages 2 and under are free.

Christmas at St. Andrew will also include its traditional, ticketed “A St. Andrew Christmas” musical celebration on two different dates in a drive-in format:

On December 20, at 6 p.m., St. Andrew is partnering with the VOCES8 Foundation to present Handel’s Messiah, performed by VOCES8 and the Academy of Ancient Music at Trinity College in Cambridge, England, through video on an LED wall. Sound will be available through car speakers via a designated radio station.

On December 21, at 6 p.m., the Imperial Brass big band will perform Christmas favorites live in a family friendly concert. The Ladies Liberty Show Troupe, featuring St. Andrew’s Sarah Brammer and Natalie Loftin Bell, will sing live. Throughout the concert, an LED wall will display pictures of Christmas card favorites that St. Andrew members may submit for this purpose in the days/weeks prior to the concert.

Both concerts will also benefit St. Andrew’s new mental health initiative. Only vehicles are permitted for both drive-in concerts (no standing or chairs for safety) at $20 per car. Additionally, there will be limited VIP tickets, including 2 parking spaces with room for outdoor seating, prime location, and goody bags for the kids. Each of these VIP tickets are $50 each (regular car is $20).

“Don’t miss this unique, COVID-19-year edition of our long-standing St. Andrew Christmas concert, one of the highlights of the season for the Dallas-Fort Worth region,” said Taylor Davis, director of music and worship arts. “We know that these types of events would not be possible without St. Andrew’s incredible musical partners including the VOCES8 Foundation, helping us to keep the tradition of a Christmas Messiah performance alive during this season of the pandemic; Imperial Brass and the Ladies Liberty Show Troupe, and last but not least, all our talented and flexible choirs bringing joy to others with their gift of song in some of the most creative ways.”

Additionally, St. Andrew will hold its Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services outdoors, online, and in the sanctuary.  Visit www.standrewumc.org for more details of all St. Andrew Christmas events and to purchase tickets for any of the ticketed events.

“This is a time like no other we have ever experienced,” said Rev. Robert Hasley, senior pastor, St. Andrew United Methodist Church. “Within our own church we have seen families and individuals struggling with and hurting with increasing anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and fear just as many others are in the community. Our new mental health initiative is going to be a life-changing and life-saving program for so many. We are beyond thrilled to finally be launching this effort and are most grateful to the generous family who kick-started this effort. Not only will this Christmas season at St. Andrew contribute to this critical effort, it will bring comfort of tidings and joy to everyone who celebrates with us. I am grateful to our hard-working and creative team who has put together all these amazing, affordable, and safe Christmas experiences at St. Andrew and invite you to join us.  Many blessings to you and your family during this holiday season!”

All COVID-19 protocols will continue to be in place for each of these live, in-person events.

Take a look at this video for a tour across St. Andrew's 21-acre campus, where these events will take place! There is nothing like this!

St. Andrew United Methodist Church celebrating 35 years 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.