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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is it?

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

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

When and where is it?

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

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

Who is this for?

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

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

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

How does it work?

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

Where are the items from?

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

How many have you served?

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

Can people donate dresses and accessories?

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

Are volunteers needed?

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

What if people have questions?

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

What are some stories of people you have helped?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Andrew PROM CLOSET 

Website and Registration: www.standrewmethodist.org/promcloset

Hotline: 469-385-1810

Email: promcloset@standrewmethodist.org

Instagram: promclosetstandrew

Twitter: @promclosetStA

Facebook: Prom Closet: St. Andrew

LinkedIn: Prom Closet: St. Andrew 

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

Come any time daily from dawn to dusk, Dec. 3-31, access the ten stations via a QR code, and walk alongside Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem

St. Andrew Methodist Church invites the community to go on a transformative journey through “Stations of the Nativity,” a new, outdoor, self-guided, 35-minute audio tour (accessed via a QR code) through ten stations featuring the story of Jesus’ birth with scriptural meditations and music. There is no cost for the experience, which is open Dec. 3 – 31, from dawn to dusk. The tour begins at the Hasley Chapel and continues through the meditation garden, down the hill, and to the cross at the pond in the northern portion of St. Andrew’s campus, located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway.

“This is a magical experience like no other in North Texas that puts you in the Bible story alongside the original witnesses for Jesus’ birth,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, St. Andrew Methodist Church. “Bring your family and friends and walk alongside Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. Listen to eyewitnesses of those who have seen the birth of the Christ child, the light of the world. Without question, this experience will send you forth in awe of the reality of the age-old story of Christmas and the greatest promise ever made.”

Rev. Lauren Gerlach, assoc. pastor and director of education and teaching ministries at St. Andrew, researched Stations of the Nativity, an old but rare tradition, to ensure that St. Andrew’s experience would be authentic and educational. Utilizing scripture, prayer, and music, as well as teaching moments, each station presents the Christmas story in a unique and inspiring way.

“The Christian idea of ‘stations’ relates to following along on a journey,” said Rev. Gerlach. “It makes the story real to us. Last spring, St. Andrew offered a similar experience with Stations of the Cross for Lent, and many shared that walking the stations was such a powerful experience! Having this experience outside takes participants into the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of nature and makes it accessible to anyone any day of the week. It is our hope that through this inviting experience, participants will ultimately see themselves in the story. No matter where you are in your spiritual life, this educational retelling of the Christmas story will take you on a journey like no other.”

The grand opening of the Stations of the Nativity on Dec. 3 is also the night of St. Andrew’s Advent Celebration, a fun-filled evening across the campus for the entire family from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On this evening, the Stations of the Nativity will be lighted for evening tours, and the community may also enjoy a trackless Christmas train ride, a winter wonderland with an 8-ft. snow tubing luge along with a snowy play area, and photos with Santa. Young children are invited to participate in “A Night in Bethlehem,” which includes indoor, themed stations leading to a Nativity display. The St. Andrew children’s choir will perform holiday favorites at 5:40 p.m., complete with sing-along caroling, and all ages will enjoy the big band sound of Imperial Brass performing a concert of holiday favorites. A pasta dinner is available for purchase and hot cocoa will be available at no cost throughout the evening.

For more information and additional holiday events, concerts, worship and activities, visit standrewmethodist.org/Christmas

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

The 7^th Annual St. Andrew Cars for Community Car Show, hosted by the St. Andrew Methodist Men, is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, at St. Andrew Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, from 11 – 3 p.m. (Awards presented at 2 p.m.) Open to the public with no admission fee, the event invites car and motorcycle enthusiasts to show off their vehicles while benefiting The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit which provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties in need.

“The car show is not only great fun, but it supports The Storehouse, which is doing incredible work helping so many in need in our community,” said Ron Weaver, organizer.  “All proceeds go toward supporting its mission to feed, clothe, and care as neighbors in one community. Last year we were delighted to present The Storehouse with a check for $7,400 to help provide nutritious meals, essential clothing items, life-changing resources, and educational opportunities.”

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

Over 20 classes will be judged including “Best of Show,” “Motorcycle Class,” and “Best Paint and Interior.” Onsite registration on the day of the event takes place from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and is $25. Online pre-registration is $20. Go to https://give.thestorehousecc.org/carshow2023.

“We are so grateful to the men of St. Andrew for organizing this annual fundraiser benefiting our neighbors at The Storehouse,” said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse of Collin County. “In our food pantry alone, we are serving more than 5,000 families each month. Without question, the need is great, and each donation we receive enables us to serve our neighbors holistically, not only meeting their needs of food and clothing but also helping them advance on their paths toward transformation.”

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St. Andrew 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 worship each weekend. The Sanctuary hosts worship in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an 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 Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call 972-380-8001.

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

St. Andrew Methodist Church invites the community to enjoy an evening of music at the 20^th Anniversary Organ Recital celebration of its Letourneau pipe organ, on Friday, Sept. 8, from 7 to 8 p.m., in the sanctuary, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano. Free and open to the public, the event will feature Principal Organist Dr. Jonathan Gregoire along with some of DFW’s finest instrumentalists and the St. Andrew Chancel Choir.

St. Andrew’s Letourneau pipe organ, installed in 2003, was handcrafted by the Canadian firm Orgues Letourneau Limitee.  It contains 4,335 pipes made from tin, zinc, and wood, and is one of the largest in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Fr

“For 20 years this magnificent pipe organ has not only supported the singing of our choirs, guest performers, congregation, it has musically narrated weddings, baptisms, memorial services, and every season of life in between,” said Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional music and worship. “During this musical celebration, you will experience all that this grand instrument can do at the masterful hands of Jonathan Gregoire, accompanied by outstanding musicians, each of whom feel like family.  Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy what will be a delightful evening of music as we look back at the first twenty years and anticipate the next twenty.”

For event information, visit www.standrewmethodist.org or call 972-380-8001.

St. Andrew 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 worship each weekend. The Sanctuary hosts worship in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an 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 Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call 972-380-8001.