Calendar

11/4/2026 6:30 PM (CST) An Evening with N.T. Wright

Elizabeth Lenart — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 18:30:00 Z

World-renowned theologian and author to discuss some of lifes most important questions, drawing from his decades of scholarship and ministry

St. Andrew Methodist Church is proud to announce that world-renowned theologian and author N.T. Wright will return to St. Andrew as part of the Dr. Scott L. Engle Lecture Series on Wednesday, November 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in the sanctuary at 5801 W. Plano Parkway in Plano, Texas. Wright will speak on practical hope found in the Christian faith, followed by a Q&A moderated by St. Andrew Senior Pastor Arthur Jones. Together, they'll explore some of life's most important questions in an evening that takes both faith and doubt seriously.

St. Andrew is thrilled to share this opportunity with the wider community, said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor of St. Andrew. We all carry questions about God, faith, and the world around us. We all carry fear and worries; this night we will explore the hope that we have in Christ and ask the question: What is Christian hope really about, and how can I connect this hope to my everyday life?

Professor Wright is a distinguished New Testament theologian, ordained Anglican Bishop, professor at the University of Oxford, and the author of more than 85 books. Known for his accessible and faithful explanations of the Christian message, Wright served as the Bishop of Durham from 2003 to 2010, one of the most senior positions in the Church of England. His unique combination of scholarly excellence, pastoral wisdom, and theological creativity has secured his legacy in 21^st-century Christianity. Through his prolific writing and teaching, Wright invites believers into a renewed vision of the Kingdom of God one that is ancient yet urgent, cosmic yet deeply personal.

In addition to his academic work, Wright also known as Tom Wright is widely celebrated for his writing for general audiences. His books, which bridge the gap between academia and the church, have inspired countless readers to think deeply about the implications of Christian faith in everyday life.

Tickets are available for $30 at www.standrewmethodist.org/calendar. https://standrewmethodist.org/events/event-details/?id=267158

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St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is an independent Methodist congregation in Plano, Texas, with more than 8,000 members. St. Andrew is committed to faith that is real, practical, and life-changing, while offering opportunities for traditional and contemporary worship, discipleship, and service locally, regionally, and globally. The church is home to Invite Ministries, its publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry. St. Andrew is a community of people 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, TX 75093, www.standrewmethodist.org, (972) 380-8001

11/5/2026 7:56 AM (CST) Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference 2026

Elizabeth Lenart — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 07:56:00 Z

Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference 2026

Uniting Faith and Science to Strengthen Mental Health and Recovery

WHAT: Beacon of Light Mental Health Ministry will host its 2026 Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference in partnership with the DFW Spiritual Care Network, bringing together faith leaders, mental health and addiction professionals, civic leaders and community members for a day of education, connection and practical resources.

Under the theme Uniting Faith and Science to Strengthen Mental Health Ministry, the conference will explore some of the most pressing mental health challenges affecting individuals, families, churches and communities across North Texas. Topics include mental wellness, trauma, suicide prevention, overdose awareness, substance use and relationships, with an emphasis on strengthening connections among mental health care, faith communities and community-based resources.

More than 20 resource tables will feature nonprofit organizations, treatment centers, counselors, hospitals, and other community programs. These connections can help individuals, families, churches, and professionals better understand the treatment and support resources available in our area.

WHO: The conference is designed for anyone who wants to better understand mental health challenges and become more prepared to respond whether as a faith leader, mental health professional, community leader, or concerned family or community member.

Speakers include experienced professionals and subject matter experts: Rev. Allyson Johnson, St. Andrew Methodist Church(Keynote Speaker The False Divide: A Sacred Bridge Between Mental Health and Faith); Garrett Woods, PhD; Sandi Morse, LCSW-S; Bryna Talamantez, LMFT; Theresa Little, The Family Place; Shirley Weddle(survivor of suicide loss); Brittany Tinsley(author, Stories Our Scars Tell) as well as educational sessions addressing some of the top mental health issues affecting our community. Continuing Education Credits (4) will also be available for qualifying professionals.

WHY: People often turn to someone they trust before they seek professional help. This conference prepares churches and faith leaders as well as community members for those conversations, providing knowledge on how to respond and connections for appropriate care.

WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 8 a.m. 2 p.m.

WHERE: St. Andrew Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas

COST: Individual tickets range from $20 (general attendee) to $50 (Professionals, 4 CE credits provided).Breakfast and lunch are included.

Registration required: spiritualcarenet.org/event-details/beacon-of-light-plano-2026

Event information (full schedule): Beacon of Light Mental Health Conference 2026

Conference is sponsored by the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA).

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ABOUT Beacon of Light Beacon of Light Mental Health Ministry is an independent nonprofit that equips churches to respond to mental health challenges with compassion, confidence and appropriate care. Through Christ-centered, clinically informed training, practical resources and church partnerships, Beacon of Light helps pastors, staff and lay leaders recognize needs, support individuals and families, and connect people with professional help when needed. Learn more at beaconoflightmh.org.

ABOUT DFW Spiritual Care Network - the mission of the Spiritual Care Network is to bridge the gap between mental health providers, addiction professionals, and the faith community through collaboration and education. They host monthly networking meetings in Collin County, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Learn more at spiritualcarenet.org.

11/5/2026 11:00 AM (CST) Free Guided Tours of SOAR at St. Andrew

Elizabeth Lenart — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:00:00 Z

Following St. Andrew Methodist Churchs 40th anniversary, the community is invited to experience SOAR, a one-of-a-kind origami art installation featuring more than 1,500 hand-folded doves and cardinals suspended throughout three worship spaces.

Designed by Taros Origami Studio in Brooklyn, New York, SOAR (uniquely named by St. Andrew) is only the fourth origami installation of its kind in a U.S. church and the first in the Southwestern U.S. to feature cardinals alongside doves. Each bird was sponsored by a member of the congregation in honor or memory of someone special.

Guided Tours: 11 a.m.-noon, Nov. 5, Dec. 3 and Jan. 7
Location: St. Andrew Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, 75093
Enter: Sanctuary doors (Register at standrewmethodist.org/SOAR. There is no admission fee.)

Tours include an overview of SOAR, the symbolism behind the doves and cardinals, and time for reflection. Tour participants will receive a complimentary songs of SOAR Spotify list (via QR code), curated by Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional music and worship at St. Andrew.

SOAR will remain on display through January 2027.

Private tours are available for groups of 12 or more. For more information or to schedule a private tour, contact Jordan Wonsmos at jwonsmos@standrewmethodist.org or 972-380-8001.

More information: standrewmethodist.org/SOAR

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