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Light in the Darkness-30-minute light show Engage in this 30-minute experience of mystery, music, and wonder with immersive lights, projection, and fog to guide you through the awe of the Christmas season.

An immersive walk-through experience featuring a Christmas Village with soap bubble snow, lights, holiday decor, and costumed characters; Light in the Darkness, a music/light show; and Nativity at the Pond, a live nativity with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus

Share in the Christmas joy at Journey of Lights, a festive, outdoor, walk-through experience, on the event's final weekend, December 18 and 19 from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are only $5 a person (ages 2 and under are free) and sold in time segments in advance online at https://standrewumc.org. All proceeds benefit St. Andrew United Methodist Church's new mental health initiative, which will be available to the entire community! Stroll with your family through St. Andrew's 21-acre campus and explore each immersive experience.

  • 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, who will be there on Saturday, Dec. 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. St. Andrew has partnered with local theater professionals, including the stage manager from the national Hamilton road show, to orchestrate this environment.
  • Nativity at the Pond, a moving experience 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 areas are available at each experience.

All proceeds will go to St. Andrew’s new mental health initiative.

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. “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.”

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.

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Christmas at St. Andrew This holiday event is a new imagining of the Christmas season and is just the sort of tidings of comfort and joy for the year of COVID-19. Browse the list of events and times at standrewumc.org, and join us at your own schedule throughout the month of December. Proceeds will go toward the new St. Andrew mental health initiative, a program that will be available to the entire community.

 

“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.

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2019 Thanksgiving Distribution at The Storehouse Chuck Williams is greeted with smiling faces as he loads a turkey and food box into the car of a neighbor.

In this year of the pandemic, The Storehouse is distributing turkeys and the trimmings over a three-day period and giving thanks for corporate partners Lennox and Sports Value Consulting, who make the effort possible

 

The Storehouse of Collin County invites the community to provide the trimmings for Thanksgiving Dinner for our neighbors in need by donating $20 to sponsor a Thanksgiving Food Box. Each box includes fruit, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cornbread mix, raisins, elbow macaroni, rice, and soup. In lieu of the annual Turkey Drive Thru, this year Collin County families registered with the Storehouse will return with their vouchers over a three-day distribution period, November 19, 20, and 21, to pick up turkeys and Thanksgiving boxes. Sports Value Consulting, a longtime supporter of the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, is the underwriting sponsor of this effort to distribute 1,300 turkeys and food boxes, while employees from corporate partner Lennox International will volunteer on November 16 at staggered times, meeting COVID-19 protocol, to pack all of the boxes. Representatives from KCBI 90.9 FM will be on-site on November 20 with a prayer station, offering a special blessing to each family as they exit.

“This Thanksgiving, The Storehouse is celebrating the incredible value of collaboration and the importance of corporate relationships, which have been especially critical during the pandemic,” said Candace Winslow, executive director, The Storehouse of Collin County.  “Our corporate partners cannot imagine how much we value all that they do not only at Thanksgiving but throughout the year. We, along with the 1,300 neighbors who will benefit from their time and generosity this Thanksgiving, want them to know they are such a blessing to all of us.”

Lennox International’s Director of Human Resources Jamie Son said, “Part of the Lennox culture is to give back to our community and to do so in collaboration with others.  We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with The Storehouse, and we are thrilled to support their Thanksgiving distribution.  Lennox team members will pack the 1,300 food boxes, knowing that each box will make a difference to someone in our community.”

To donate a Thanksgiving Food Box, go to http://www.thestorehousecc.org/thanksgiving-get-involved and click on the “Donate Now” button under the “Sponsor a Box: $20” title. Checks may also be mailed to The Storehouse of Collin County, with the memo notation “Thanksgiving Food Box,” 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano, Texas 75093.  Call 469-385-1813 for more information. 

“In a year where it feels like everything has changed, we felt it was even more important to give back as a company and a family,” said Michael Rapkoch, founder and president of Sports Value Consulting, LLC. “We have seen how The Storehouse has risen to the challenges of COVID-19, meeting the growing needs of our neighbors, and we are proud to be part of this Thanksgiving event for the eighth consecutive year. We hope that these Thanksgiving meals provide moments for families to come together and celebrate during these challenging times.”  

The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit whose mission is to feed, clothe and care for neighbors in one community, provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need: the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, serving 1,300 families a month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, providing an average of 4,000 garments each month; and Project Hope, a mentoring program supporting women in crisis. The program first began in 2009 under the name of Seven Loaves which provided only food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. An estimated 130,000 people in Collin County live below the poverty level, more than half of which are children.  In September 2018, The Storehouse received the North Texas Food Bank’s Partner Agency of the Year Excellence in Impact Award in recognition of its life changing services, meeting multiple needs for each family served. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

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Everything Is Gonna Be All Right - a new book providing hope and strength during the pandemic. RSVP for Night with the Author on Nov. 8. Seating is limited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

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St. Andrew Cruise-In Car Show (2019) The Men’s Ministry of St. Andrew United Methodist Church invites car enthusiasts to bring their cars to the Fourth Annual Cruise-In Car Show “Drive-Through Style,” to benefit The Storehouse of Collin County, on Sunday, October 25, from 1 – 5 p.m.

THE SHOW WILL GO ON!

The Men’s Ministry of St. Andrew United Methodist Church invites car enthusiasts to bring their cars to the Fourth Annual Cruise-In Car Show “Drive-Through Style,” to benefit The Storehouse of Collin County, on Sunday, October 25, from 1 – 5 p.m., at St. Andrew, 5801 W. Plano Parkway. All makes and models of cars are welcome at this year’s non-spectator show.  Drive through, make a $20 donation, and drop off two bags of canned goods to help neighbors in need at The Storehouse of Collin County. Park in front of a display of cars for a photo, which St. Andrew will mail to you. The first 50 participants will receive a goody bag, complete with a T-shirt, and gift cards will be mailed to the top three winners, determined by an independent panel.

“We wanted to keep the show and the momentum going this year and decided to get creative,” said Ron Weaver, organizer. “In past shows, cars have parked and been viewed throughout the day. Last year we had about 80 participants.  With the drive-through model, everyone can still participate, and most importantly, we can continue to provide critical funding to The Storehouse. It’s a win-win, and we hope to see a lot of entries this year!”

“We are so grateful to the men of St. Andrew who organize this wonderful and successful fundraiser benefiting neighbors in need at The Storehouse!” said Candace Winslow, executive director, The Storehouse of Collin County. “As our need for services during COVID-19 has multiplied, so has our need for support. A fundraiser like the car show makes such a difference. Just one dollar will provide three meals to a hungry North Texan!”

“Come early to be sure to receive one of the 50 goody bags that will be provided,” added Weaver. “I along with my fellow organizers, Dave Dishman, Bud Farnham, and Jim Priebe, hope you will join us for another fun event benefiting our neighbors in need.”

For more information, contact Ron Weaver at 972-965-1431. Visit https://standrewumc.org/News/CarShow

# # #

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

 

The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit whose mission is to feed, clothe and care for neighbors in one community, provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need: the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, serving 1,300 families a month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, providing an average of 4,000 garments each month; and Project Hope, a mentoring program supporting women in crisis. The program first began in 2009 under the name of Seven Loaves which provided only food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. An estimated 130,000 people in Collin County live below the poverty level, more than half of which are children.  In September 2018, The Storehouse received the North Texas Food Bank’s Partner Agency of the Year Excellence in Impact Award in recognition of its life changing services, meeting multiple needs for each family served. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

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The St. Andrew Open supports two great causes. Support promising high school students, as well as aspiring seminary students, by sponsoring or playing in this year's St. Andrew Open. The Open will follow new safety protocols to protect the health of all participants. Proceeds support two life-changing St. Andrew scholarship programs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

# # #

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.

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Food Distribution-The Storehouse of Collin County With 1 in 6 households (16.1%) facing food insecurity and 1 in 5 children (21.6%) affected by hunger, the needs of the Collin County community are great. The impact of poverty prevents many families from being able to meet their basic needs.

 

On September 17, support the transformative work of The Storehouse to feed, clothe and care as neighbors in one community, and be a part of the largest community-wide giving event in the nation 

The Storehouse of Collin County encourages the community to come together, be a part of the equation, and help multiply hope on North Texas Giving Day for thousands of neighbors in need in Collin County. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, The Storehouse along with the help of the caring members of the community, has continued meeting the growing needs in our community.

In February 2020, The Storehouse had just moved into its new space and exactly one month later, the impact of the pandemic was evident. The number of families seeking food assistance grew from 770 families (2,748 individuals) in January, to 2,369 families (8,840 individuals) in April, sustaining at 1,336 families (5,263 individuals) in July.

“Today we are seeing a sustained average of 1,300 families or 5,000 individuals – a significant increase from the number served during the first of the year,” stated Candace Winslow, executive director, The Storehouse of Collin County.  “As our need for services has multiplied, so has our need for support. For North Texas Giving Day 2020, let us consider the power of multiplication and how together we can make a bigger difference in Collin County and beyond.”

The Storehouse of Collin County began 11 years ago as the Seven Loaves Food Pantry after Sharon Hasley, wife of St. Andrew United Methodist Church’s Senior Pastor Robert Hasley, witnessed the effects of severe poverty in a Collin County grocery store. After seeing a woman buying 20 cans of cat food and learning she had no cats, she left the store with a burdened heart. Soon after, Hasley happened into a conversation with the late Jan Pruitt, CEO at the North Texas Food Bank, and the two expressed a common desire to increase support efforts in Collin County, where even before COVID-19, 65,000 Collin County residents (6 percent) live in poverty; 1 out of 5 children (18.4 percent) in Collin County face food insecurity daily; and women ages 18-44 (23 percent) make up the largest demographic living in poverty.

At first, Hasley tried to feed hungry families on her own but soon realized the needs within the community were larger than one person could handle. She decided to multiply her efforts by bringing in 12 people to brainstorm and work with her. The Seven Loaves Food Pantry opened in May 2009 to a single family on the St. Andrew campus. The effort quickly grew in a program not only supported by the church, but also by local corporations, food service partners, and thousands of volunteers. As other needs became apparent, Joseph’s Coat was added in 2010 to provide clothing items to the families, a program sustained with ongoing clothing donations from church and community members. A third program called Project Hope was added in 2010 to serve women and families who desired to break the cycle of poverty. Today these three programs work in tandem under the banner of The Storehouse of Collin County.

“Looking back, I now know that the only way I could have fulfilled my life’s purpose of ‘service’ was to multiply my efforts by serving alongside others,” said Sharon Hasley, founder of Seven Loaves Food Pantry, now under the umbrella of The Storehouse of Collin County.  “The Storehouse is built on a foundation of individuals who multiply their efforts and their impact through collaboration. Because multiplication leads to exponential outcomes, everyone can play an important role on North Texas Giving Day. Every gift, no matter its size, multiplies hope for many.”

As a partner agency and one of the largest distributors of food for the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), The Storehouse can stretch a donor’s dollar to purchase a larger quantity of food. No gift is too small – just one dollar will provide three meals to a hungry North Texan. On September 17, visit https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/thestorehousecc, give to The Storehouse of Collin County, help those in Collin County affected by poverty, and be a part of the largest community-wide giving event in the nation.

“In a year where nothing has added up, we have found new ways to multiply hope for our neighbors through innovation, resilience, teamwork, and a genuine care for everyone in our community,” added Winslow. “Additionally, the love we have given to our neighbors and the love they have returned has multiplied.  As long as there is a need in our community, we will continue to feed, clothe, and care as neighbors. Please join us on North Texas Giving Day. Together, let’s  #MultiplyHope.”

The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit whose mission is to feed, clothe and care for neighbors in one community, provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County in need: the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, serving 1,300 families a month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, providing an average of 4,000 garments each month; and Project Hope, a mentoring program supporting women in crisis. The program first began in 2009 under the name of Seven Loaves which provided only food pantry staples and grew over the years to meet a variety of needs. An estimated 130,000 people in Collin County live below the poverty level, more than half of which are children.  In September 2018, The Storehouse received the North Texas Food Bank’s Partner Agency of the Year Excellence in Impact Award in recognition of its life changing services, meeting multiple needs for each family served. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

 

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Rev. Kim Meyers, Host of LIFT: A Parenting Podcast

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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.

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12 Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse hosts fundraiser Benefiting The Storehouse of Collin County

 

12 Cuts to donate 5 percent of proceeds from Father’s Day weekend; Art of Strategy Consulting to match those donations 1:1 

12 Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse owners will donate 5 percent of proceeds from all in-house and carryout diners celebrating dad throughout Father’s Day Weekend (June 19-21) to the Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit that provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin County.  Art of Strategy Consulting (AOS) will match donations 1:1. Additionally, throughout that weekend, 12 Cuts welcomes donations of nonperishable food items for The Storehouse and will honor all donations with dessert “on the house.”

During the pandemic, The Storehouse, whose mission is to feed, clothe and care for neighbors in one community, has directed its focus to meet the critical need of providing food and has more than doubled the number of households served. For many families seeking assistance at The Storehouse, it is their first time to visit a food pantry.

“This is an unbelievably hard time for everyone,” said Brazilian American Restaurateur and 12 Cuts CEO Alda Boiani. “People are hurting and hungry. Restaurants are struggling. So many have lost their jobs. At 12 Cuts, we believe strongly in giving back and wanted to do something to help others especially during this unprecedented time.”

As Boiani was contemplating a beneficiary of the fundraiser, she shared her idea with Tina Winslow, a partner at Art of Strategy Consulting (AOS). Winslow, who works with Boiani and 12 Cuts, told Boiani that her sister-in-law Candace Winslow was the executive director of The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit serving hungry families every week.

“As I shared this news with Alda, I could see her face light up as she immediately shared that she and her son had volunteered together at The Storehouse prior to the pandemic and had seen the nonprofit’s incredible work firsthand,” said Winslow. “This partnership was meant to be and also presented a wonderful opportunity for AOS to serve alongside 12 Cuts by offering a match.”

“The Storehouse of Collin County is elated to be the beneficiary of this fundraiser, which is a wonderful example of how working together can make an impact,” said Candace Winslow, executive director, The Storehouse of Collin County. “Without question, God’s hand was in the creation of this extraordinary partnership. We anticipate that even after the veil of Covid-19 is lifted, The Storehouse has reached a new normal of service that will continue for an undetermined period as families struggle to get back on their feet. The generosity of organizations like 12 Cuts and AOS ensures we can continue to help the many families in need during this challenging time.”

Located at 18010 Dallas Parkway in Dallas, 12 Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse opened in fall of 2019 and grew steadily until the start of COVID-19. This Churrascaria-style restaurant blends a traditional Brazilian steakhouse with elements of Argentinian cuisine.

# # #

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

12 Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse offers a unique and upscale dining experience capturing the charm of the gaucho-cooking style. A variety of skewered Brazilian prime cuts are carved tableside, offering guests a traditional churrascaria experience as well as à la carte options. The steakhouse is located at 18010 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75287.  Visit www.12cutssteakhouse.com, email info@12CutsSteakhouse.com, or call (469) 779-7012.

Art of Strategy Consulting is a boutique marketing agency that was formed to address marketing needs in the multifamily, legal, and business sectors. Its founder Kristina Winslow has served multiple industries as a marketing leader for over 25 years. A current team of 11, comprised of a graphic design team, a team of writers, and content specialists, all to help our clients maximize their output. Visit www.artofstrategyconsulting.com, email info@artofstrategyconsuling.com, or call (214) 499-4684.

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Summer Enrichment St. Andrew Family Ministry Summer Enrichment program, a paid, professionally designed program with weekly themes for early childhood to lower elementary ages, now through July 27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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