St. Andrew 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 fourth annual St. Andrew Open Golf Tournament, Monday, June 5, with shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at The Clubs of Prestonwood, Creek Course, 15909 Preston Road, Dallas. Proceeds from The St. Andrew Open support both St. Andrew scholarship programs.

“Last year’s tournament raised a net total of almost $65,000, benefiting the Messenger of Hope Scholarship Fund for high school seniors and the Charles Stokes Seminary Education Fund for students interested in pursuing a life in ministry,” said Jimmy Decker, Senior Associate Pastor of Program Ministries & Campus Pastor at St. Andrew. “Since 2000, we have raised and distributed over $1 million to students through these two scholarships.”

The Messenger of Hope Scholarship Fund, presented by The Methodist Men of St. Andrew, provides funding and mentorship programming for dozens of deserving students each year. Last year, this fund, which receives annual funding from the tournament and additional resources, provided a total of $100,500 in scholarships to 64 high school seniors. These seniors represent nine area high schools:  J.J. Pearce, Lake Highlands, Prosper, Plano East, Plano Senior, Plano West, Richardson, Richardson Berkner, and R.L. Turner. Scholarship recipients attended 26 different colleges including:  Baylor University, Blinn College, Brookhaven College, Collin College, Dallas Baptist University, Howard, Midwestern State, Richland Community College, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F. Austin University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas State, Texas Technical University, Texas Woman’s University, Texas Wesleyan, 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.

“The average tuition cost of each class at area community colleges is $1,000, so it’s easy to 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."

Each year, through a partnership with the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, the Charles Stokes Seminary Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to qualified applicants who show gifts for a promising future in church leadership. In 2022, the fund was able to offer $15,000 scholarships to three seminary students. This scholarship fund was established by the late 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 ministry to attend seminary. Coupled with this scholarship, St. Andrew staff members mentor these students over three years to help develop them into future leaders of the 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 10 years, we have provided well over $200,000 in scholarship funds for seminary students, including two current pastors at St. Andrew: Lauren Gerlach, Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries, and Jimmy Decker, Senior Associate Pastor of Program Ministries & Campus Pastor, who helps oversee this scholarship program. Join us on June 5 in support of two life-changing scholarship programs in one great tournament!

Additionally, on June 4, St. Andrew is hosting a Family Fun Day on its campus, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, at 10:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., offering all ages a fun chance to come together and support this cause. Events include miniature golf, a chipping contest, food and more.

To sponsor or play in The Open or to be a sponsor or learn more about Family Fun Day, visit https://www.standrewmethodist.org/standrewopen.

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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.