Every week at St. Andrew’s, our Children’s Ministry is guided by a simple but powerful mission—to help every child know they are loved by God and deeply loved by us. As we continue growing together, I want to take a moment to answer the who, what, why, and how behind what we do each Sunday morning.  We are a community of children, families, and dedicated volunteers who come together to learn, laugh, play, and grow in our faith. Our volunteers pour out their time and hearts each week, forming friendships and building bonds that are truly priceless. I am continually humbled by their commitment and grateful to serve alongside them.  Every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. our children experience a unique themed lesson. These themes help us explore different parts of Scripture in creative, meaningful ways—through stories, crafts, activities, and worship. Some Sundays get a little messy, some are loud, and some are filled with quiet moments of wonder. But each one is designed to help our kids see God’s love in action.  We show up every day because children matter. Their hearts, their questions, their joy, and even their wiggles—all of it is precious to God. While we aim to teach clear, memorable lessons, our ultimate goal is much simpler: that every child leaves knowing they are loved—by God and by us. If they feel safe, seen, and valued, then we are succeeding.  How Do We Make It Happen? It takes teamwork, prayer, creativity, and a whole lot of grace. Our volunteers show up, bringing faith, energy, and compassion. Parents partner with us by encouraging their children, asking questions at home, and walking this journey with us. And God leads the way—guiding our steps, shaping our hearts, and reminding us that this ministry is a blessing.  Being the Children’s Ministry Director here at St. Andrew’s is an honor I don’t take lightly. I am grateful every day for the chance to be part of this community—one that loves so deeply and serves so faithfully. Thank you for trusting us with your children. They are a gift, and so are you.  Join The Children’s Ministry Village!   If you’d like more information for your children or have an interest in serving in our Children’s Ministry, I would love to chat with you. We truly are a village, and our little ones grow in faith when we pour into them together. Please contact me, Christine Knudsen, at Christine.knudsen@saumc.net   Wishing you a joyful and hope-filled day!  #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #childrensministry

For over 15 years, the Friday Night Jesus Nuts, our reunion group from the Tampa Bay Area Walk to Emmaus, has gathered faithfully at St. Andrew’s for prayer, fellowship, and spiritual growth. We are blessed to share that Lisa Karpenske, one of our own, will serve as the Lay Director for the Women’s Walk in March 2026. Several St. Andrew’s members will also be serving on the March Walk, and we hope many in our church family will consider attending as pilgrims and experiencing this powerful retreat firsthand. Upcoming Tampa Bay Area Walk to Emmaus Spiritual Retreat – March 2026 The Upper Room’s Walk to Emmaus  is a 72-hour spiritual retreat designed to nourish both your body and your faith. It offers a peaceful setting away from daily distractions, giving you space to reconnect with God and strengthen your spiritual foundation while exploring the core tenets of Christianity within a supportive community. During the retreat, you will engage in talks, worship, small group discussions, and of course, delicious meals. Through laughter and camaraderie, this experience aims to inspire growth in faith, deepen your understanding of God’s grace, and encourage practical Christian living. It will renew your sense of purpose and bring clarity to how God may be calling you to serve. We encourage you to consider joining the upcoming Men’s and Women’s Walk in March 2026, taking place right here in Brandon. If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact Lori Hickman, Church Administrative Assistant, at 813-689-6849 or lori.hickman@saumc.net . #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #2026WalktoEmmaus #smallgroup #community

The Discovery Class is one of St. Andrew’s legacy Sunday School classes and has been meeting for more than 30 years. It’s a warm and welcoming blend of adults who enjoy laughing together, caring for one another, and digging into God’s Word in a meaningful way. Each Sunday gathering includes these building blocks of faith: Sharing prayer concerns and praises A DVD teaching component Guided discussion of the lesson A closing hymn and prayer Discovery Class studies include books and discussions that deepen our walk with Christ and guide us to live out our faith in the world. Here's a look at our past, current, and future studies: September – Not a Fan by Rev. Kyle Idleman, pastor of a large church in Louisville, challenges us to move from being mere “fans” of Jesus to fully committed followers. October–November – From the Rising of the Sun by Revs. Challies and Keesee take us on a journey to 11 countries, visiting both small and large churches that were started by missionaries and are now sending missionaries of their own. Though the cultures and congregations differ, one thing remains constant: the Gospel. December–January – Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Rev. Louie Giglio, pastor of a large church in Atlanta with two campuses, leads a 6-week study on confronting the negative, destructive thoughts that can take root in our minds. We will also have a special Christmas lesson before we break for the year. February 2026 – Heart of the Psalms by Rev. James Howell, a Methodist pastor from North Carolina who has traveled extensively in the Holy Land, helps connect the land and landscape to the powerful messages found in the Psalms. Come join us! The door will be open, the light will be on, and once a month we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with snacks and fellowship. If you're interested in learning and growing in community, we would love to have you join us for Discovery Class on Sundays. Click HERE to join the group. Questions? Contact: Leonard Henry at lfhenry@verizon.net or 813-263-8531. #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #DiscoveryClass #biblestudy #smallgroups #community

The Men of Valor is a welcoming, informal men’s group that gathers every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Disciples' Hall Conference Room (DH-404). We’re a diverse group of men of all ages who come together for meaningful conversation and fellowship through engaging group studies. Each week, we watch a short video and discuss it as a group—no pre-reading, no homework, just authentic dialogue. Our discussions flow naturally, allowing us to explore topics that matter most to us. At the end of each study series (typically 4–6 weeks), we gather for an off-site dinner at local restaurants for camaraderie and fellowship. If you’re looking for a place to grow, share, and connect with other men, Men of Valor is for you. Come as you are and as you are able—we’d love to have you! For more information, contact Lenny Soto, Ministry Leader, at LSoto126@verizon.net or 813-503-6606. #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #MenofValor #men'sministry #brotherhood #smallgroups #community

The Susanna Sunday School Class is a close-knit group of women who love to learn the Word of God together, and we’re always ready to welcome new sisters.  Currently, we are reading through the Gospels, comparing accounts of the writers, and discussing how Jesus shows up in our lives every day. We alternate between reading and studying a book or section of the Bible and using a guided study by authors like Max Lucado. This past year, we’ve done in-depth studies on the books of Ruth, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and the Book of Revelation. We’ve also read and discussed The Fruit of the Spirit by Jack Kuhatschek, If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg, and Creed by Adam Hamilton.  In addition to our studies, the Susannas work to support various missions in the church. We’ve established an annual scholarship which we award to one female high school senior each year. We also serve by feeding the hungry through The Food Pantry. Each week, we all bring in the same item to help stock The Food Pantry with needed foods to serve our community. We hope you'll join us in the conference room on Sundays at 9:30am! Carrie Gentner , Ministry Leader Susanna Class St. Andrew's United Methodist Church -Brandon, FL #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #SusannaClass #faith #smallgroups #SundaySchool #sisterhood #community

Greater Brandon Area Meals on Wheels (GBMOW) has been serving medically needy, homebound residents in the Brandon, Valrico, and Seffner area since 1976. Seventeen area churches are serving approximately 200 hot nutritious mid-day meals Monday through Friday.  It may be their only meal that day. Also, for many, a visit from our volunteers is the only human contact they may receive that day.  The need is great. Through the third quarter of this year, GBMOW has served over 36,000 meals!   So how does St. Andrew’s figure into all of this? As of the end of the third quarter, St. Andrew's has served 2,325 of those meals!     On Tuesdays, a dedicated group of volunteers, led by Phala “ the flavor queen ” Pesano, prepares and packages between 65 - 70 delicious, nutritious hot meals for delivery to our clients.  Each hot meal is complete with a main course protein item (chicken, beef, pork, or fish), a starch, a vegetable, a salad, bread, and a dessert.  While we have a lot of flexibility in what we prepare, GBMOW does designate what main course protein each church will provide each month.  For example, for the month of October, our main course protein item will include beef.  As you can imagine, Phala does a lot of menu planning, shopping, and prep leading up to Tuesdays.    Once the meals are prepared and packaged, an equally dedicated group of drivers deliver the meals to our clients. We currently have 11 routes that cover an area south of Highway 60, as far east as Dover Road., west to Providence Road, and south to the Alafia River.  We are also blessed with a group of substitute drivers that fill in, sometime at a moment's notice, to cover the absence of one of our primary drivers.  The willingness of these individuals to answer when called is amazing!   Our St. Andrew's Meals on Wheels Team are a " Mission of Many Hearts and Many Hands ". How do YOU figure into all of this?    Volunteer! While we have a very reliable team of 11 delivery drivers, scheduling conflicts do arise. We are always looking to add to our substitute driver list. If you wish to volunteer, contact Tim Bridge at tbridge51@yahoo.com .   Can’t Volunteer? Make a charitable contribution.   GBMOW is NOT government funded but relies on contributions from individual and business donors. Food costs are increasing, and we are fully supporting St, Andrews’ Creation Care initiative by transitioning from Styrofoam food containers to bio-degradable containers which will increase our supplies cost. While GBMOW provides reimbursement to our church, your contributions are what make it possible to sustain this vital program.      Tim Bridge , Coordinator Meals on Wheels St. Andrew's United Methodist Church -Brandon, FL #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #MealsonWheels #community #outreach

A couple of weekends ago, nearly 75 friends of St. Andrew’s gathered at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground for the annual Andy Camping trip. Amid the tall pines nestled 19 sites of campers in tents and RVs to celebrate this decades-old tradition. Though this trip has occasionally been cancelled due to hurricanes, the hearty group that stays true to this weekend does so with great grit and vigor. The rain was quite plentiful at times, but it could not hold down the spirit of these campers. Both big kids and little kids enjoyed pool time, bike rides, scavenger hunts, monorail and boat expeditions, firework sitings, Trick or Treating, golf cart “looping” and fun and loving fellowship.  Andy Camping 2025 was a hit! Rain or shine, Andy Campers are all smiles. The culmination of this event was Sunday morning Worship with Pastor Adam. The sun came out, the group was able to gather together for the first time all weekend, and our littlest campers reminded us of the Holy Spirit’s presence through their portrayal of well-loved songs and parables.  The adventure of camping is not knowing exactly what to expect: will the weather hold out? What if someone gets sick or injured? Is there enough at camp to keep my family entertained? Do I have the right equipment? Did we pack enough food? Fortunately, God provides! (and so does Disney!) With a plethora of activities and amenities, camping at Fort Wilderness is top-notch and sure to appeal to campers of all ages and all types, from those who brave it in tents with some experience, to those who are tenured campers in houses-on-wheels.  Andy Camping 2026 is already in the works, with the possibility of an additional “off season” trip to a smaller, family campground on the horizon. The Andy Camping group is always looking for new and experienced campers to join the fun. Wilderness, water, walks, and laughter with family and friends, what Andy Camping is made for. Are you ready to go Andy Camping? Reach out to Kelly Weckoski with any questions at Kelly.weckoski@gmail.com and see all the latest camping fun on our Andy Camping Facebook page . Kelly Weckosk i, Coordinator/Ministry Leader Andy Camping St. Andrew's United Methodist Church-Brandon, FL #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #AndyCamping #tradition #community #fellowship #faith #nature

Holy Grounds: A Space for Coffee, Conversation, and Community at St. Andrew's UMC Coffee and Conversation, this mission has been around for over 15 years, maybe even 20! Every Sunday our congregation has the opportunity to catch up with their fellow church family members over a cup of coffee and a donut. Golf scores are compared, fish stories grow larger, and folks lend a compassionate ear for a member’s ailment. Whatever the narrative, everyone is uplifted with a little help from a sweet bite, and it provides a little sustenance for those heading off to Bible study. For the children, Holy Grounds is a magnet for when their Sunday School lets out. Children in their Sunday best, come running to the window, way faster than Mom and Dad, clutching their Bible verse or drawing, for their Sunday treat of chocolate or vanilla with sprinkles! Fellowship tastes a little sweeter at Holy Grounds. Join us on Sunday mornings for coffee and a donut.   Rain or shine every week an amazing team of volunteers gets to Publix, picks up the donuts, makes the coffee, and sets everything up ready for when the 8:15 a.m. service lets out. For staff and volunteers working on Sunday, a hot cup of coffee just may be what is needed to jump start their day. I am privileged to lead this mission and serve, meeting and greeting my fellow churchgoers as they come and go along the breezeway. A huge shout out to a very generous donor who has supplied this mission with great tasting coffee for several years now. May this mission out last all of us! Stop by Sunday mornings after the 8:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. worship services, Holy Grounds stays open until 11:00 a.m. And don't forget to drop a dollar in the can for your donut! Justin Darnell, Ministry Leader St. Andrew's United Methodist Church-Brandon, FL #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #HolyGrounds #coffee #conversation #community #fellowship #faith

I n 1998, Janet Severi-Bristow and Victoria Galo, both graduates of the 1997 Women’s Leadership Institute at the Harford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut, gave birth to the first Prayer Shawl Ministry. Here at St. Andrew’s UMC, our Prayer Shawl Ministry was born in July of 2024. Our group has crocheters and knitters of all skill levels from beginner to those with many years of experience. Knitting and crocheting supplies are available to those experiencing need. Shawl making begins with prayers and blessings for the intended recipient and these intentions are carried out throughout the making of the shawl. Upon completion of the shawl, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. The shawl can be used for those that are: unable to leave their homes, for those experiencing medical issues, recovering from medical procedures as a comfort in times of loss or stress, during prayer, as a celebration of a marriage, birthday or graduation, or if you would like to bless someone with a gift. We have a basket of shawls and gift bags in the Narthex that can be picked up on Sundays for gifting. We also have shawls in the pews in the Sanctuary that can used if you are chilly or you can pick one of these up for gifting as well. Starting this year, we will be blessing the Campaign Against Human Trafficking as well as Best Care Senior Living with some of our prayer shawls. Our group meets the first Monday of the month from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30-7:30pm. We are excited to be offering crochet classes in October. One set of classes will be in the mornings and the other in the evenings. The Monday set of classes will be on October 13 and October 27 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The Wednesday set of classes will be held on October 15 and October 29 from 6:30-7:30pm. To sign up for either of these classes, click CROCHET CLASSES . Please join our group if you would like to be a part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, by clicking HERE . Holly Midboe, Coordinator Prayer Shawl Ministry St. Andrew's United Methodist Church-Brandon, FL #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #PrayerShawlMinistry

Creation Care is a new ministry at St. Andrew's and has about twenty members in the group. Creation Care Team members live the call of being good stewards of God’s creation, loving our neighbors, and helping those in need by dedicating their time, talents and gifts to advocating for the earth.  In our first two meetings we explored ways to ensure St. Andrew's is ecologically responsible and promoting sustainability.  As a result, the team decided on several initiatives to protect, sustain, and enhance the natural environment of our church. The first initiative is to ensure that our beautiful church campus is maintained free of trash and other debris. Creation Care Team members have volunteered to walk over the campus to pick up trash every other week starting in September (see image below).   Church campus cleanup is something all of us can do to maintain an attractive church landscape. Please volunteer to help one Saturday if you are interested. A second initiative involves reducing the volume of refuse the church sends to the trash dump by recycling.  You may be surprised to know that, unlike your house, Hillsborough County does not provide any recycling services for our church.  Some church members have taken recyclable trash home from time to time, but there has not been an organized effort to collect and recycle refuse until now. The initiative is starting by collecting recyclable paper and plastics in the church office, the Kitchen area, St. Andrew's Academy and eventually collect all recyclables in all areas of the church in the future. The Creation Care Team is also interested in starting a community garden on the church campus.  Garden produce could be shared with those coming to our food pantry.  Feasibility planning is in the early stages so stay tuned in for more information on this effort. The United Women in Faith at our church are looking to find ways to make the church “plastic and foam free”.  This is also one of the priorities for the Creation Care Team. If you are planning an event at the church, contact Julie Ramga for ways to reduce or eliminate plastic and foam at your event. The Creation Care Ministry is open to all who are interested in joining the team.  If you are interested in joining or helping with any of these initiatives, contact George Miller at georgefmiller@gmail.com or click HERE . View our current Creation Care Team Member List below: George Miller, Creation Care Ministry Leader St. Andrew's United Methodist Church-Brandon, FL #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #CreationCareMinistry #FLUMC #environment #earth

Spark More Learning & More Love for Jesus SPARK is our Wednesday night Kids Ministry program for children in preschool through 5th grade. The goal of this program is to "spark" more learning and more love for Jesus in a child friendly way. Children are welcome to join us on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Powell Hall.   This mid-week program is full of singing, dancing and interactive stories that complement our Sunday morning curriculum. Through music and movement, we are able to engage our children in Bible stories and the important messages behind them. SPARK is a great opportunity for fellowship for our little ones. Lots of children already know each other from school, sports, or VBS. Coming together on Wednesday nights are more than just the lessons we learn.  It's about building connections and friendships in a space where they can be reminded how much Jesus loves them. We clap for each other when we remember the end of the Bible verse. We cheer each other on when we're dancing and forget the steps. We laugh as we each try to sing the loudest. We bow our heads and fold our hands as we all pray together as "the SPARK kids".   Parents are always welcome to stay and volunteer during SPARK. Volunteering includes helping little hands with crafts and activities. For more information on our SPARK program or to sign up to volunteer, contact Christine Knudsen, Director of Children's Ministry at  christine.knudsen@saumc.net . Erika Buckley, Ministry Leader St. Andrew's United Methodist Church-Brandon, FL #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #SPARK #KidsMinistry

Andy's Angels - St. Andew's UMC, Brandon Are you or someone you know in need of a little extra care during tough times? Andy's Angels are here to help! Whether you’re recovering from an illness or simply need a break, trust Andy's Angels to bring a helping hand and a touch of kindness to your day. We take care of a meal, so you can focus on what truly matters. The meals are made in the church kitchen, frozen, and ready to be reheated in your kitchen. This ministry ensures that those with short-term needs have access to nutritious meals without the stress of cooking. The volunteers take great care in preparing these meals, ensuring they are both delicious and healthy. Our dedicated members then deliver a meal right to your door, offering comfort and nourishment when you need it most. Our motto is: Showing the love of God in a tangible way.       Andy's Angels are a quiet group of people serving in the background of St. Andrew's. They are dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to bring a blessing to the church and its community. This service is especially valuable for elderly members of the community, busy families, and anyone facing difficult times. Andy's Angels' meal program is just one example of their dedication to serving others and making a positive impact in the community.  This is showing  the love of God in a tangible way.       Andy’s Angels are also a blessing to our St Andrew’s Academy parents. Twice a year, the angels meet the academy parents in the car line with a gift from St. Andrew’s. If you were with us on Easter Sunday, you saw Andy’s Angels blessing our guests with homemade cookies. Just a few more ways in offering the love of God in a tangible way .       The commitment and dedication of this group is truly inspiring, and they embody the spirit of selfless service. The church is incredibly grateful for their unwavering support and the positive difference they make every day. Contact us to learn more about this heartfelt blessing! Delivery Angels needed!! Call Lori in the church office, or leave a note in the offering plate. This is the love of God given in a tangible way!    Susan Lewis, Ministry Leader Andy's Angels -St. Andrew's UMC, Brandon #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #St.Andy'sAngels #mealministry #ShowingGod'sLoveInATangibleWay