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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

St. Andrew United Methodist Church is celebrating 35 years in the spirit of its namesake, a disciple of Jesus. The life of the Apostle Andrew embodies the church's mission, which is to invite the Christian-ish and the unchurched to become passionate servants of Christ. The congregation of St. Andrew follows Jesus, lives in relationship, serves others, and takes risks in faith. Worship includes four services each weekend on a 21.2-acre campus at the corner of Plano Parkway and Mira Vista in Plano, Texas, where more than 2,000 people gather each weekend. Recent renovation allows the Sanctuary to host worship in both Traditional style, with the classic pipe organ, and Contemporary style, with a new LED center screen and lighting technology. Small groups and Bible studies gather on campus and throughout the region every day of the week. Mission opportunities serve our local area, neighboring regions, and global communities. The church has been repeatedly selected as a "Best Place to Worship in Plano” by the readers of the Plano Star Courier. St. Andrew United Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewumc.org; call 972-380-8001.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Andrew United Methodist Church celebrating 35 years in the spirit of its namesake, a disciple of Jesus. The life of the Apostle Andrew embodies the church's mission, which is to invite the Christian-ish and the unchurched to become passionate servants of Christ. The congregation of St. Andrew follows Jesus, lives in relationship, serves others, and takes risks in faith. Worship includes four services each weekend on a 21.2-acre campus at the corner of Plano Parkway and Mira Vista in Plano, Texas, where more than 2,000 people gather each weekend. Recent renovation allows the Sanctuary to host worship in both Traditional style, with the classic pipe organ, and Contemporary style, with a new LED center screen and lighting technology. Small groups and Bible studies gather on campus and throughout the region every day of the week. Mission opportunities serve our local area, neighboring regions, and global communities. The church has been repeatedly selected as a "Best Place to Worship in Plano” by the readers of the Plano Star Courier. St. Andrew United Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewumc.org; call 972-380-8001.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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.