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St. Andrew Prom Closet Now accepting donations of dresses, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps!

MAKING PROM DREAMS COME TRUE:

16th Annual St. Andrew Prom Closet: Feb. 18 – March 1, 2025

Now collecting donations of dresses, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps 

The fairy godmothers of The St. Andrew Prom Closet announce that the 16th Annual Prom Closet is scheduled for Feb. 18-20 and 22 and Feb. 24 – March 1, 2025, at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano. Girls from ANYWHERE in need of a prom dress are invited to come select a dress and accessories - all at no cost. Donations of dresses (sizes 0-30), jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps are needed.

“This month we begin asking for the community’s help in providing donations of dresses and accessories,” said Devra Helffrich, a founder of the St. Andrew Prom Closet, which was created to provide a unique shopping experience for young ladies who because of finances would be unable to attend prom. “Start the New Year with a clean closet and bring us your gently used dresses as well as shoes, jewelry, and handbags! We also have an option to purchase items for the girls through our Amazon shopping link, which will be on the Prom Closet website. Each year, we depend on donations from individuals, local groups and businesses to provide the many items needed to complete each girl’s prom ensemble.”

For shoppers, appointments are required to improve the overall experience and minimize wait times. Online registration for shoppers as well as volunteers begins Jan. 23. Visit standrewmethodist.org/prom closet. Each shopper must be present to select her own dress and accessories and may have one guest, age 16 or older. A volunteer will assist each girl throughout the process, and there will be 40 shopping spots per each 90-minute time slot.

Prom Closet, a service of the St. Andrew Methodist Women, provides prom attire to approximately 1,000 high school girls each year. While the need is great, the impact the dress makes on the girl and her family is immeasurable. When Prom Closet first began in 2009, 35 girls from local high schools received dresses and accessories. In 2024, 1,073 girls from 213 schools and 103 school districts received dresses and accessories. Over the years, Prom Closet has welcomed girls from across Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma as well as exchange students from Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Thailand. A total of 941 volunteers came together last year to help make prom dreams come true.

“For the St. Andrew Methodist Women, Prom Closet is a year-round labor of love,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor, St. Andrew. “This dedicated group of women, combined with the many volunteers who make it happen each year, know its value. Each volunteer strives to provide an uplifting experience by letting the young ladies know they are loved, and they are beautiful. The Prom Closet has grown into such an incredible outreach program in North Texas and beyond because of the love and hard work of our volunteers. Words are not enough to thank them for going above and beyond each year to make prom dreams come true.”

All donations may be dropped off at St. Andrew, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., just inside the church’s north entry doors on a designated dress rack. Look for the covered walkway leading to the entrance and see the website for specific drop-off hours. To sign up to volunteer, shop or find out more information, visit standrewmethodist.org/promcloset. For any questions, call the Prom Closet informational hotline at 469-385-1810, or email standrewpromcloset@gmail.com.

“Prom Closet needs many volunteers, and we hope you will consider signing up,” added Helffrich. “It is such a joyful and heartwarming place, and there are volunteer positions to suit every individual from set-up to check-in and check-out, to serving as personal shoppers for the girls. Join us!”

 

St. Andrew PROM CLOSET 

 

Website and Registration for shopper and volunteers: www.standrewmethodist.org/promcloset

Hotline: 469-385-1810

Email: standrewpromcloset@gmail.com

Instagram: promclosetstandrew

Twitter: @promclosetStA

Facebook: Prom Closet: St. Andrew

LinkedIn: Prom Closet: St. Andrew 

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St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing.  Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

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St. Andrew Christmas Festival - Dec. 8 A musical celebration of the season with fun surprises!

St. Andrew Methodist Church invites the community to share in the joy of the season while exploring ways to be “a gift” to others. From concerts and fun children’s events to Stations of the Nativity, an advent Bible study and worship, as well as the second year of a new Giving Tree tradition, there are many ways to come together for celebration, reflection, and service to others.

“Throughout the four weeks of Advent, St. Andrew will focus on each of these essential themes—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—inviting our congregation and the broader community to engage in meaningful reflection and action,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor of St. Andrew. “Each week will serve as a reminder of the gifts we can bring to the world, encouraging us all to not only seek these virtues but to actively be the change we wish to see.”

The annual Christmas Festival will kick off holiday events at St. Andrew on Sunday, Dec. 8 in the sanctuary with two identical performances at 9:30 and 11 a.m. The Christmas Festival features a full professional orchestra, brilliant arrangements of favorite carols, and new music by Taylor Scott Davis, St. Andrew’s creative director of traditional worship and music. Before and after the performances, Santa and his reindeer will be outside for a photo opportunity in his sleigh – complete with falling snow! There is no cost.

That evening, bring the family back to St. Andrew for the annual Advent Celebration from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The popular and fun event features a Christmas train ride, an exhilarating 8-foot snow tube, musical performances, and a trip back in time to “A Night in Bethlehem,” an interactive family experience for children to explore what life was like in Bethlehem. The event is free, and dinner is available for purchase.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m., St. Andrew presents a new musical event, “A Baroque Christmas,” in the sanctuary.  Led by Gary Levinson, the senior principal associate concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, this event will feature musicians and St. Andrew vocalists performing Christmas music that is nearly 400 years old. The concert will conclude with Antonio Vivaldi’s classic “Gloria.” In lieu of tickets, a donation of $20 is suggested.

St. Andrew’s Children’s Nativity Service, beloved by all ages, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 21, 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Children, from pre-K to Grade 5, lead a worship service. From leading the opening prayer and reading the Nativity story to acting out the story in costume, there is something for each age group at this heartwarming event, which also includes singing from the children’s choir and a message from Rev. Arthur Jones.

For those wanting to take a deeper dive into the season of Advent, visit the outdoor Stations of the Nativity, Dec. 1 – 31, from dawn to dusk, through a podcast available with a QR code. Beginning near the Hasley Chapel, experience the story of Jesus’ birth via audio-guided message as you journey to stations around the scenic creek and pond. With music and spiritual meditations, this inspirational experience allows participants to experience the story alongside the original witnesses of Jesus’ birth. For additional reflection, an Advent Bible Study, led by Rev. Kim Meyers, will be held on Wednesdays at noon, Dec. 4, 11, and 18 in Piro Hall. Bring your lunch and a Bible and attend as you are able. Each week explores a different focus.

Back by popular demand, the “Behold the Lamb of God” Tour will return to St. Andrew in the sanctuary on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Presented by Nashville singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson, the tour, now in its 25th year, tells the “true tall tale” of the coming of Christ in a live concert event, featuring guest artists Jess Ray, The Arcadian Wild, Andy Gullahorn, Jill Phillips, Andrew Osenga, and Skye Peterson along with an all-star cast of Nashville songwriters and musicians. The concert brings the singing and playing of Peterson's original folk-roots infused rendition of the Christmas story as it is foreshadowed in the Old Testament and brought to bear in the New Testament. Exclusive ticket prices for St. Andrew: $45 for floor seating and $30 for balcony seating. Purchase online at standrewmethodist.org/calendar.

The 26th annual St. Andrew Heart of Christmas Silent Auction and Lunch, hosted by Methodist Women, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m., in Smith Worship Center, benefiting 2025 missions, including the St. Andrew Prom Closet. The cost is $25 per ticket or a reserved table of eight for $200. View auction items beginning Nov. 25.

St. Andrew’s Giving Tree, available Dec. 1 – 31, gives participants a way to give back to mission partners including The Storehouse Community Center, Beacon of Light mental health ministry, and 4 Corners. Special trees throughout the campus provide a selection of items to choose from, ranging from $10 to $100.

Each year, St. Andrew’s Service of Comfort and Hope, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m., in the Hasley Chapel, presents a worship experience for those who seek the solace of a quiet Christmas season – one of remembering and preparation. For anyone dealing with death, separation, health concerns and any number of situations, the holidays can be a time of mixed emotions.  Through song and reflection, this service provides the comfort, hope, and knowledge that we are never alone.

The beautiful Christmas Candlelight Services of St. Andrew will begin on Monday, Dec. 23 with 6 p.m. services in both the sanctuary (traditional) and Smith Worship Center (contemporary). On Dec. 24, there will be six times for Christmas Eve services, including both traditional and contemporary options from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visit standrewmethodist.org for times and details.

“With the hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays, we hope you will take time to celebrate with us and reflect on the true meaning of the season,” added Rev. Jones. “Come and make new Christmas memories with your family and discover new ways you can be a “gift” to others this holiday season and as we begin a new year.”

Please watch this St. Andrew Christmas Video for more information or visit standrewmethodist.org/calendar for any additional information.

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

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St. Andrew Cars for Community Car Show

Annual fundraiser supports The Storehouse’s mission to feed, clothe, and care as neighbors in one community

The 8th Annual St. Andrew Cars for Community Car Show, hosted by the St. Andrew Methodist Men, is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, at St. Andrew Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, from 11 – 3 p.m. (Awards presented at 2 p.m.) Open to the public with no admission fee, the event invites car and motorcycle enthusiasts to show off their vehicles while benefiting The Storehouse Community Center, a nonprofit which provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties in need.

“The car show is not only great fun, but it supports The Storehouse, which is doing incredible work helping so many in need in our community,” said Ron Weaver, organizer.  “All proceeds go toward supporting its mission to feed, clothe, and care as neighbors in one community. Last year we were delighted to present The Storehouse with a check for more than $5,000 to help provide nutritious meals, essential clothing items, life-changing resources, and educational opportunities.”

The event features raffle prizes and food vendors as well as goody bags for the first 100 entrants.

Over 20 classes will be judged including “Best of Show,” and “Best Paint and Interior.” Onsite registration on the day of the event takes place from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and is $25. Online pre-registration is $20. Go to https://give.thestorehousecc.org/CAR24.

“We are so grateful to the men of St. Andrew for organizing this annual fundraiser benefiting our neighbors at The Storehouse,” said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse Community Center. “Each donation we receive enables us to serve our neighbors holistically, meeting their needs of food and clothing as well as providing resource referrals and educational opportunities, including job, language, and life skills training. This pathway culminates in a job partnership program connecting neighbors with stable, high-quality employment opportunities – a pivotal step on their journeys to transformation.  Last year, The Storehouse served 182,000 unduplicated neighbors – something we could not do without the generosity of our community.”

# # #

 

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit founded in 2009 that provides short-term help and long-term transformation to residents in North Texas through a pathway of programs. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves around 5,000 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides clothing at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, and life skills development as well as job partnership opportunities, connecting neighbors to stable, high-quality employment. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 182,000 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award, and in September 2023, The Storehouse was named a Dallas Morning News Charity. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

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Hasley Chapel New Traditional Service - 11 a.m. "This is a service that will help you root your family in the unchanging tradition and customs of the historical church in a timeless worship experience – one that will not only be rich in meaning but also soul-stirring," said Rev. Arthur Jones.

Anticipating record-high attendance this fall, St. Andrew has added a new service rooted in tradition while expanding programming

 

St. Andrew Methodist Church has added a new Sunday morning traditional service in the Hasley Chapel, on Sundays at 11 a.m., increasing the number of St. Andrew services to five: three traditional and two contemporary services with in-person and online options. Additionally, the church has expanded its programming, from a new young adults’ ministry to The Second Act – a thriving and rapidly growing ministry for retirees – providing ways for all ages to connect and become involved.

“Our new traditional service along with expanded programming will help us serve our growing congregation with multiple, outstanding options for worship and ways for all ages to enjoy fellowship and find community,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor, St. Andrew Methodist Church. “Establishing a Sunday morning traditional service in the Hasley Chapel was one of our goals following its construction, and it is exciting to see it become a reality.”

Opened in August 2023, the 300-seat Hasley Chapel was built in honor of St. Andrew’s late founding pastor Robert Hasley, who had long wished for a “chapel in the woods,” reminiscent of churches in his Arkansas hometown. The chapel, already home to St. Andrew’s Saturday evening traditional service, is unique for its panoramic views of lush trees and a creek below, which provide a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. Worshippers at the new Sunday morning service will also benefit from this scenic setting and closeness to nature while focusing on the church’s traditional roots, including liturgy and song with organ, hymns, and classical choral song from a vocal ensemble.

“As families head back to school and establish routines this fall, St. Andrew anticipates record numbers returning to church, and we are thrilled to be able to provide a new sacred and reverent worship experience, which will not only help us accommodate growth but also meet an increasing desire for more traditional worship,” continued Rev. Jones. “It is no secret that we live in a complex and challenging society, where reality can often be hard to distinguish. Many, especially young families with children, are seeking the structure, stability, and comfort a traditional service can provide. This is a service that will help you root your family in the unchanging tradition and customs of the historical church in a timeless worship experience – one that will not only be rich in meaning but also soul-stirring. Join us.”

The five St. Andrew services are: 5:30 p.m. traditional Saturday and 11 a.m. traditional Sunday, both in Hasley Chapel; 9:30 traditional Sunday and 11 a.m. contemporary Sunday, both in the sanctuary; and 9:30 contemporary Sunday in Smith Worship Center.

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

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St. Andrew Methodist Church

Open to the Community

St. Andrew Methodist Church will host a premarital counseling workshop on Friday, August 23, from 6-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 24, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., in Piro Hall at St. Andrew, located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway. The workshop, which will utilize Prepare to Last, a premier resource for providing proven, Biblical and inspiring content provided by national experts, will inspire insightful discussions among an encouraging community.

The content includes marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, personal differences, financial unity, sex and intimacy, spiritual unity, and goals and dreams. A Prepare/Enrich questionnaire provides each couple with the ability to know their specific areas of focus as well as the strengths to celebrate and build upon.

“It is our hope to help couples establish their marriage firmly in Christ with a clear understanding of how to tangibly apply Biblical trust to your everyday lives together,” said Defae Weaver, congregational care manager. “Join us as we dive into preparing you for an amazing adventure called marriage!”

The workshop is open to the community for $75 per couple. If St. Andrew is the couple’s wedding venue, there is no charge.  Following the eight-hour seminar couples will receive a certification of completion to receive a reduced marriage license cost. To register, visit standrewmethodist.org/events and select August 23 premarital counseling workshop.

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing.  Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

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Kick Off Fall at St. Andrew

Join Us for Back to School Blessings and the Annual Homecoming and Tailgate Celebration as well as a Mom’s Breakfast with Special Guest Speaker Cynthia Yanof

St. Andrew Methodist Church invites the community to begin the fall renewed, recharged, and inspired by attending the church’s annual fall Kickoff Season events throughout the month of August. Come to receive special blessings for the upcoming school year, enjoy festivities at the annual homecoming and tailgate event, and learn about camps, classes, groups, worship, outings and more at St. Andrew. Additionally, moms from preschool to high school are invited to gather for a breakfast event with special guest speaker, Cynthia Yanof, author of Life is Messy, God is Good and host of the podcast MESSmerized.

Details are below:

Sunday, August 11 | 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. during services in the sanctuary

Back to School Blessing at St. Andrew

Join us as we cheer on the little ones, pray for our students, and recognize all educators and administrators as they begin the new school year!

 

Sunday, August 18 | 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Homecoming and Tailgate Celebration at St. Andrew

Sport your school spirit wear and join us for fun between and after services!  Burgers and hotdogs for purchase, bounce houses, lawn games, and fun for all ages. Additionally, Southern Methodist University has donated four tickets to a regular season home football game of the winner's choice to be drawn and awarded at the tailgate. 

 

Wednesday, August 28| 8-9:30 a.m., Smith Worship Center

Mom’s Breakfast at St. Andrew

Calling all moms from preschool to high school! Join us for breakfast, heartfelt fellowship, and inspiring words from guest speaker, Cynthia Yanof, renowned author of Life is Messy, God is Good and host of the podcast MESSmerized. The cost is $25 per person and registration is required.  https://standrewmethodist.org/events/event-details/?id=239583

 

“As we wrap up the summer and focus on the new season ahead, we invite you to join us at St. Andrew for blessings, fun, and fellowship,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor, St. Andrew. “It’s a great month to meet new people, recharge, and learn about upcoming programs and opportunities for you and your family.”

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing.  Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

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St. Andrew Preschool St. Andrew Preschool children present a check for $1,500 to The Storehouse of Collin County

 New Fundraising Project at the 10th Annual St. Andrew Preschool “Art Makes Me Smart” Gala Benefited The Storehouse of Collin County

On the first day of school, 215 students from St. Andrew Methodist Church’s Preschool began working on an art project – the first of many that would be created throughout the school year to be featured at the 2024 “Art Makes Me Smart” St. Andrew Preschool Art Gala, celebrating its 10th anniversary year.

On March 24, parents, students, teachers, friends, and family gathered at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano to see over 1,000 pieces of art created by children in five age levels, 12 months to Pre-K 5, and enjoyed an afternoon full of artistic experiences. Throughout the school year, their art teacher, Erin West, visits each of the 22 classrooms, bringing her “Art on a Cart,” with all the supplies needed for a specific project. The goal is to expose the students to different mediums, art forms, and artists. Some projects take place over many weeks demonstrating the processes involved in creating a masterpiece. Students learned about acrylic painting, collage, batik, Chihuly with coffee filters, and they used a brayer for printmaking.

This year, the students also participated in a fundraising project for The Storehouse of Collin County. Inspired by Empty Bowls, an international project to fight hunger, each grade level decorated a bowl auctioned at the gala. This project exposed the students to using clay, processing through a kiln, glazing, and painting. While working on the bowls, the children learned more about the mission of The Storehouse of Collin County to feed, clothe, and care for neighbors in need. Through this silent auction, $1,500 was raised to benefit The Storehouse of Collin County.

“Our own Mrs. Erin handmade each bowl on a pottery wheel, and the children painted them,” said Pride Mersbach, director, St. Andrew Preschool. “These bowls are an important reminder that there are many who are less fortunate in our community and how we can strive to be more like Jesus.”

On March 27, Mersbach and West gathered a group of their students to present the check to The Storehouse of Collin County. The students learned more about the work of The Storehouse’s Seven Loaves Food Pantry from Jeff Morton, COO, The Storehouse, who gave them a tour and showed them bags of food that are provided to the neighbors who come to the food pantry.

The children enjoyed learning more about The Storehouse and several shared their thoughts during their visit. Upon seeing the bags of food, one child said, “This is awesome…they have the same fruits and vegetable we have at my house.  One little girl admired the flowers that would be provided to neighbors that afternoon and said, “I bet that makes them feel special.”  After the tour ended, a little boy shared, “I would like to work here someday!”  After the check presentation, a little boy expressed with joy, “Now they won’t be poor anymore.”

“We were thrilled to have the children involved in the check presentation as we know the importance of teaching them to help others and give back at an early age,” added Mersbach. “The Storehouse is doing amazing work in our community, and our students, while only preschoolers, could see that!”

“The Storehouse is so honored to be the recipient of the students’ fundraising efforts this year,” said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse of Collin County. “The proceeds from the beautiful bowls they created will help us feed our neighbors. On behalf of those families, we thank the St. Andrew Preschool for their thoughtfulness and generosity.”

For more information about St. Andrew Preschool, visit standrewmethodist.org/ministries/st-andrew-preschool or call 972-380-5323. St. Andrew Preschool students learn to love Christ, love others, love learning, and take those lessons far beyond the walls of the school.

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing.  Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit founded in 2009, provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties through four programs. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves 5,000 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides clothing at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, or life skills development. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 146,922 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

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Easter Sunday at St. Andrew Methodist Church

The Easter Season is one of the most important celebrations in the life of the church. Join us and experience the power of faith and hope and the joy of Easter as we journey to Glory and celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

This Easter season St. Andrew will once again offer its powerful Stations of the Cross experience, an outdoor, audio-guided, spiritual walk of prayer and reflection. Come on your own time from dawn until dusk during Holy Week, download the QR code in front of the sanctuary, and prepare your heart for Easter Sunday as you journey through Jesus’ experience making His way to the cross. We also invite you to visit standrewmethodist.org to discover our Lenten Companion Guide and an inspirational Lift Podcast.

Wednesday Lenten Services are held weekly through March 27 in the Hasley Chapel, from 12 to 12:30 p.m. Services feature music, scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion. These serene gatherings offer a peaceful mid-week pause for spiritual reflection and communion.

During the week of March 24 – 31, St. Andrew will celebrate Holy Week – the events leading up to Easter – and Easter Sunday. On Palm Sunday (March 24), we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We will continue with teachings about Maundy Thursday (March 28), the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Holy Communion and washed the feet of his disciples as an act of humility and service. As we reflect on the sacrifice and love of Jesus for humanity, we will celebrate Good Friday (March 29), His crucifixion and death at Calvary, and, finally, on Easter Sunday (March 31), we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

 

Holy Week | March 24 - 30:

Palm Sunday | March 24 | 9:30 and 11 a.m. | Sanctuary

Celebrate Christ’s triumphant return into Jerusalem as he rides in on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy. The people rejoice and lay palms in his path and shout, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Children of all ages are welcome to participate in the Palm Processional at all Palm Sunday services for the waving of the palms.

 

Maundy Thursday | March 28 | 7 p.m. | Sanctuary

Share Holy Communion remembering Jesus with his disciples at the Last Supper. Music, scripture, and spoken word will tell the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal of Judas, and Jesus’ arrest.

Maundy Thursday Children's Programming: Children will eat a meal together and be in fellowship with their friends just like Jesus and his disciples did at the Last Supper. We will learn about this special day and partake in Holy Communion (3 months to 5th grade).

 

Good Friday | March 29 | 7 p.m. | Sanctuary

The weight of the crucifixion is impossibly heavy, yet it’s necessary for us to fully understand Easter. Unexpected music powerfully weaves through scripture, liturgy, and messages in this service of gradual darkness.

Good Friday Children's Programming: Children will walk with the disciples from the table to the cross. Though the story of this day is dark, it is holy, and it is good. It is important, even for a child, to know the whole Easter story (ages 3 months to 5th grade).

 

Holy Saturday | March 30 | 8 p.m. |Hasley Chapel

Holy Saturday is a time to acknowledge the darkness from Good Friday with Jesus in the tomb while also recognizing that the resurrection is imminent. This intimate service in Hasley Chapel starts in darkness and gradually becomes lighter as music and scripture are shared.

 

Easter Services:

Sat., March 30

5:30 p.m. | Traditional Easter | Sanctuary

5:30 p.m. | Contemporary Easter | Smith Worship Center

 

Sun., March 31

7 a.m. | Sunrise | Hasley Chapel

8 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. | Traditional Easter| Sanctuary

9:30 a.m. | Contemporary Easter| Smith

11 a.m. | Contemporary Easter | Sanctuary

 

Visit https://www.standrewmethodist.org for more information. Join us!

 

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing.  Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 West Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

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St. Andrew Prom Closet Online registration opens Jan. 22 for shoppers and volunteers!

Now collecting donations of dresses, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps

St. Andrew Methodist Church announces its 15th Annual Prom Closet will be held Feb. 20 – 22, 24 and Feb. 26 – March 2, 2024, in Smith Worship Center, at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano. High school girls from ANYWHERE in need of a prom dress are invited to come select a dress and accessories - all at no cost. Appointments are required to improve the overall shopping experience and minimize wait times for the shoppers. Online registration opens Jan. 22. Each shopper must be present to select her own dress and accessories and may have one guest, age 16 or older. A personal shopper volunteer assists each shopper throughout the process. There are 35 shopping slots per each 1.5-hour time frame.

Prom Closet, a service of the St. Andrew Methodist Women, provides prom attire to approximately 1,000 high school girls each year. When it first began in 2009, 35 girls from local high schools received dresses and accessories. In 2023, 1,060 girls received dresses and accessories. Over the years, Prom Closet has welcomed girls from across Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma as well as exchange students from Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Thailand. Approximately 500 volunteers come together each year to help make prom dreams come true.

“This year Prom Closet will celebrate its 15th anniversary of making prom dreams come true,” said Devra Helffrich, a founder of the Prom Closet, which was created to provide a unique shopping experience for young ladies who because of finances would be unable to attend prom. “Not only is the need great, but the impact the dress makes on the girl and her family is immeasurable. Each volunteer strives to provide an uplifting experience for the young ladies letting them know they are loved, and they are beautiful. There are countless beautiful and emotional stories of girls and their families who have received prom dresses and accessories.”

The Prom Closet is accepting donations of dresses (sizes 0-30), jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps. All donations may be dropped off at St. Andrew, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., just inside the church’s north entry doors on a designated dress rack, Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. - noon. For the north entrance, look for the covered walkway and sign on the building.  A link on Amazon is available for anyone that would like to help by purchasing items, which will be shipped directly to the church. To review items available for purchase, go to this link: Prom Closet Wish List

“We are so grateful for the support and donations from the community as well as our wonderful volunteers – all of whom make Prom Closet possible,” added Helffrich. “We collect dresses, shoes, jewelry, wraps, handbags, and other accessories year ’round and encourage the community to bring in items to support this important effort.”

To register for a 1.5-hour time slot and to volunteer, visitstandrewmethodist.org/promcloset.

For questions and more information email promcloset@standrewmethodist.org, or call 469-385-1810 for more information.

“What I love most about St. Andrew’s annual Prom Closet is the absolute joy that it brings to the lives of so many,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor, St. Andrew. “This program is about so much more than just providing dresses or accessories. For many, it’s about hope and discovering there are people who care. The St. Andrew Women work on this program year ’round because they know its impact. If you are looking for an incredible and uplifting volunteer experience, join us for our 15th anniversary year! Prom Closet has grown to be an extraordinary outreach to girls throughout the metroplex and beyond.”

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is it?

St. Andrew Prom Closet, run by the Women of St. Andrew, is celebrating its 15th year! Prom Closet provides donated dresses, sizes 0-30, as well as accessories such as jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps to high school girls for prom– all at NO COST. Organizers estimate more than 4,000 dresses will be available when Prom Closet opens Feb. 20.

Requirements for shoppers: each girl must sign up online for an appointment at www.standrewmethodist.org/promcloset (beginning Jan. 22); each girl must be present to shop for her own dress; and each girl is allowed to bring ONE guest, age 16 or older with them. A personal shopper volunteer assists each girl throughout the process, and there are 35 shopping slots per each 1.5-hour time frame.

When and where is it?

Feb. 20 – 22, 24 and Feb. 26 – March 2, 2024

Smith Worship Center, St. Andrew Methodist Church, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano 75093

Who is this for?

This is open to any high school girl from ANYWHERE. If you live outside the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you can still come! Over the years, Prom Closet has welcomed girls from across Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma as well as exchange students from Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Thailand. Girls must sign up for an appointment time online.

What is the history of Prom Closet? How did it begin?

Prom Closet first began in 2009 when the Women of St. Andrew in Plano were searching for an idea for their yearly mission project. The daughter of one of the group’s leaders worked for a local school district. She had noticed a huge need for girls to acquire prom attire so they could attend their senior proms. The idea of providing a unique shopping experience for young ladies who because of finances would be unable to attend prom was presented to the group, and all agreed to move forward with Prom Closet. The program, which remains a service of the Women of St. Andrew, also depends on many additional volunteers from the community. Each year, approximately 500 volunteers assist with Prom Closet serving in a variety of areas. Prom Closet organizers and volunteers confirm that not only is the need great, but the impact the dress makes on the girl and her family is immeasurable.

How does it work?

The room is set up like a boutique. Each girl checks in for her appointment and is greeted by a personal shopper who helps her find dress racks with her size. Once she has selected her dress, she may try it on in one of 20 dressing rooms. Then she visits the boutique to look for jewelry, shoes, a handbag, and a wrap.

Where are the items from?

Community and church members, businesses, organizations, and local groups donate dresses, shoes, wraps, jewelry, handbags, and other accessories for this annual event. Some dresses have never been worn.

How many have you served?

The first year, Prom Closet provided 35 dresses to local high school girls. In 2023, 1,060 girls from 290 schools and 103 school districts received dresses and accessories, all donated by community members, local groups, corporations, and businesses.

Can people donate dresses and accessories?

Prom Closet is accepting donations of dresses (sizes 0-30), jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps. All donations may be dropped off at St. Andrew, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., just inside the church’s north entry doors on a designated dress rack. Drop-off hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. - noon. For the north entrance, park in the large north parking lot off Mira Vista and look for the covered walkway and sign on the building. A link on Amazon (www.standrewmethodist.org/promcloset) is available for anyone that would like to help by purchasing items, which are shipped directly to the church.

Are volunteers needed?

Yes. Prom Closet relies on volunteers for various roles of all levels of physical capability, including check-in desk and check-out desk, personal shoppers, dressing room assistants, and set-up and tear-down crew members. Volunteers for the shopping days must be adults. All adult volunteers must complete a background check. Sign up online to volunteer beginning Jan. 22. Upon registration you will receive an email within 24-48 hours asking you to complete the background check.

What if people have questions?

Call the Prom Closet informational hotline at 469-385-1810, or email promcloset@standrewmethodist.org. 

What are some stories of people you have helped?

- A Prom Closet recipient contacted St. Andrew because she wanted to donate her dresses back to the Prom Closet. Because of Prom Closet she was able to attend her Homeschool Prom twice during some of the family’s hardest financial and personal years. The family was struggling with money and the death of her father. “I didn’t want to go out shopping and see dresses I couldn’t afford, but when I came to Prom Closet, everyone was so welcoming and wanted me to be filled with joy. They provided everything I needed including shoes and jewelry. I learned that there are people out there who watch out for others facing difficult times. It’s important for us all to give back when we can do so.

- While volunteering as a personal shopper for the first time, Cid Smith quickly discovered that what mattered the most were the genuine compliments she provided when a young woman looked beautiful in a dress. “They would stand a little straighter and smile a little brighter.” She assisted exchange students from Germany and Poland. As she shared stories from her travels and volunteer work abroad, they found comfort in talking about their homes. Their smiles when they each found “the one” dress made her smile as well. As with many volunteer opportunities, she felt like she got even more out of the experience than the girls!

- The Waco Children’s Home made three separate trips to bring girls to the Prom Closet because the van could not hold everyone that wanted to come at one time. Every girl found a dress!

- Prom Closet has served: girls whose current residence was at the Samaritan Inn; a group of six foster teens brought in by a social worker; and three vans of Roosevelt High School girls, brought in by ROTC instructors, who needed gowns for the school’s Military Ball. The Prom Closet made a difference, lifting financial burdens, giving hope, and making dreams a reality.

- One year a young lady, who later attended University of Texas on scholarship, needed a dress for prom. A church member who was mentoring her told her about the Prom Closet. As it turned out, the young lady had been mentoring a special needs freshman boy at school and was able to take him to the prom since she found a dress.

- A family shared they had been fretting over how they were going to afford everything for their daughter to attend her prom. They were watching the news and learned about Prom Closet. The mother and daughter jumped in the car as soon as they saw the news story. The father called them and provided directions so they could make it in time. The daughter found a dress and accessories, and both mother and daughter were so appreciative and thankful.

- Another favorite story is about a young woman who had been nominated for prom queen but could not afford a dress to attend. She found the perfect dress at Prom Closet and had a night she will always treasure.

 

St. Andrew PROM CLOSET 

Website and Registration: www.standrewmethodist.org/promcloset

Hotline: 469-385-1810

Email: promcloset@standrewmethodist.org

Instagram: promclosetstandrew

Twitter: @promclosetStA

Facebook: Prom Closet: St. Andrew

LinkedIn: Prom Closet: St. Andrew 

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St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.