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The St. Andrew Open Golf Tournament:Two Great Causes, One Great Event

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.

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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 St. Andrew Open supports two great causes.
The St. Andrew Open will take place on Oct. 5.
Join the Fun and Help Others!
Tuesday, 15 September 2020