Annual trip gives students an opportunity to make a difference for others in need, make new friends while working together, and strengthen their faith
St. Andrew United Methodist Church invites students, Grades 6 to 12 and recent high school graduates to sign up for the annual mission trip, Sunday, June 12 to Friday, June 17. More than 100 students and 20 adults will head to Oklahoma City to fix up houses for those in need and partner with multiple local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Mission OKC to serve the community. The week-long trip includes a variety of work projects, fellowship, worship, and fun social activities. The final day of registration is Monday, June 6.
“We are excited to be headed off campus this year as this will be our first out-of-town mission work since the pandemic,” said Michael Agnew, director of student ministry, St. Andrew UMC. “There is nothing like spending days and evenings together and seeing the impact that one week has on the students. To meet the families that we are helping and see firsthand the joy and emotion in their eyes when our students complete a project at their homes is so rewarding. To see the students make new friends while working hard together at 10 worksites, caring for others, and worshipping together is powerful. This trip is life-changing for our students as much as it is for those we serve.”
This year, the construction projects through Habitat for Humanity will include painting, roof repair, flooring installation, landscaping, demolition, and more. Students will also enjoy working with children in an afternoon Vacation Bible School program with Mission OKC.
Buses will caravan from St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, to Oklahoma City at noon on Sunday, June 17, and will return to Plano by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 17. The cost for students is $550 for students and $350 for adults and college student helpers. The deadline to register is June 6. Register at https://standrewumc.org/students.
“Seeing God working through people in their darkest times is what impacts me the most on the multiple mission trips I have been on,” said Bryce Farnham, 21. “We always need to act and stand up for the faith we believe in. On mission trips you not only learn more about God in your small groups, you also get to know new people as you work together. Mission trips have allowed me to have amazing friendships with five guys who have shaped me into the person I am today.”
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.