The dictionary defines hospitality as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. I see hospitality as being friendly to those you know and to those you don’t know. Going that extra step to help someone if they have that “lost” look on their face, or need help to get to the sanctuary, even picking up an item that fell from their arms. When you see a smile coming from them or a laugh because you took the time to talk to them that is my definition of hospitality. Honestly, extending God’s grace is my passion. Several years ago, I was asked by Pastor Jayne to focus my energy on hospitality systems that would help us make sure everyone experienced the love of Jesus when they visited. If this is something you would enjoy, we would love to have you join the hospitality team. It is fun working with great people that you get to know on a more personal and closer level. Hospitality teams work 4 weekends then have 2 months off. Seeing the people coming into the church on Sunday morning being greeted at the parking lot first and then at the front doors and then again at the Sanctuary brings me great joy. Our greeters are also making sure our church looks tidy and welcoming. It goes beyond what words could ever express what I get from volunteering in hospitality especially when I see someone looking for a little bit of extra help or someone in the same position I was in a few years ago as a first-time visitor. Just know, if you join the hospitality team, you can make all the difference on what their next hour is going to be like at St. Andrews. If you are interested in joining the Hospitality Team at St. Andrew's, click HOSPITALITY for more information. In His Service, Robert Hasselbach, Hospitality Leader/Greeter St. Andrew's United Methodist Church #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #hospitality #worship #service #grace #love

Members of St. Andrew’s United Women in Faith spent a great morning on Friday, March 6, visiting Cornerstone Family Ministries in Tampa  to learn more about their work serving children and families throughout the area. Through time spent with staff, classroom visits with the children at the Rosa Valdez Early Learning Center, and a tour of the historic Wolff Center in Ybor City, we experienced firsthand the heart of Cornerstone’s mission. The visit offered a beautiful reminder of the life-changing impact of ministries dedicated to nurturing children and strengthening families. Our morning began over coffee with Cathy Stone, Executive Director of Cornerstone Family Ministries, where we learned about Cornerstone’s history with Rosa Valdez, t he namesake of the Rosa Valdez Early Learning Center. Valdez, in 1892 with her own funds and the help of benefactors, established a small school in her west Tampa neighborhood during the era of segregation serving the plight of immigrant children. Afterward, we attended Friday’s children’s chapel with Cindy Cisco who led the children in song…they were excited and precious with their robust singing and animation. Leaving chapel, we divided up into the classrooms, some going to 2-, 3-, 4-, & 5-year-olds. We played with Play-Doh, read to them, and helped with puzzles, all the while each of the children wanted to hug us; to tell us their names and all about themselves. Some of us got to rock and hold the babies. We all agreed that God, with the teachers and staff are doing amazing things at the Rosa Valdez Early Learning Center. After leaving the Rosa Valdez Early Learning Center, we drove to the Wolff Center, named after Eliza Wolff, in Ybor City. This is the original United Women in Faith settlement from 1892.  Wolff, who wintered in Tampa, pleaded with the Women’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church South (today known as United Women in Faith) to form a mission school for the immigrants living in east Tampa. We toured the administrative hub of Cornerstone and learned about their outreach to 150 Daycare Centers in five (5) counties, helping them follow good nutritional meals for their children.  Our group then proceeded to their garden at the back of the property, established for the surrounding community. We had lunch from La Segunda Bakery and a freshly prepared salad from the garden. We toured their Health Hub (close to a remodeling completion) that will teach children and families about healthy food. Using produce from the garden, they will teach healthy choices, prepare a meal with the families, and send them home with produce. Our Call to Prayer and Self-Denial program on Sunday, March 8 included an offering going directly to our National Mission Institutions, of which Cornerstone Family Ministries is one of the original institutions. We were blessed to have had a beautiful day outdoors and enjoyed time with the precious children and staff from Cornerstone Family Ministries, a United Women in Faith and St. Andrew's UMC community partner. Join us in making an impact locally and globally with United Women in Faith! Contact Shari Gillis, UWFaith-Gulf Central District of the Florida UMC Conference at sharimgillis.umw@gmail.com or Carolyn Miller, UWFaith President-St. Andrew's UMC at wareaglemom2002@gmail.com to learn more about how you connect and can make a difference. Visit the United Women in Faith website at United Women in Faith | Love in Action to learn more about the UWFaith mission and vision. Also, visit the Cornerstone Family Ministries website for more information on how they are helping children and families thrive in the Tampa Bay Area at CORNERSTONE . #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #UnitedWomeninFaith #CornerstoneMinistries #children #families #communityoutreach

Grief is a strange companion. It arrives uninvited, lingers longer than expected, and can feel like a weight that never ends. Whether your loss is recent or long past, sudden or after a long goodbye, grief rarely follows a neat timeline. That’s why this support group, Good Grief, exists. We meet every Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in Disciple's Hall Room 421 with a Zoom option available as needed for those who prefer to join from home. This is a welcoming, open support group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. There’s no sign-up, no “right way” to participate, and no expectation that you should be over it by now. Each session stands on its own, and you’re welcome to join whenever you feel ready. The support group is led by Gary Uremovich and Viveca Yoshikawa, authors of "Good Grief," a practical, hope-filled guide to wholeness after loss. As a married couple and members of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, they bring both compassion and lived experience to the group. Both have walked through widowhood and draw from six years of facilitating grief support groups, with a steady conviction that grieving done intentionally and in community can lead to healing, connection, and even unexpected growth. As Gary often says, “Grief is painful, but how we grieve matters. Done in community, grief can lead us back to wholeness. That’s what we mean by Good Grief.” Each gathering is interactive and gentle, making space for honest sharing, listening, and mutual support. You are welcome to talk, listen, or simply be present. No pressure. No need to perform. Beyond Sundays, we also stay connected throughout the week with simple points of contact that offer encouragement and fellowship, because support is often needed between meetings, not just during them. Gary and Viveca also host Thursday Night Together at their home in Brandon from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. It’s a relaxed, welcoming dinner with no cost and no agenda, just community. Feel free to bring a friend or family member. For questions, Zoom details, or to RSVP, contact Gary at 813-727-7078. #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #GoodGriefSupportGroup #grief #loss #community

The Prayer Ministry at St. Andrew's is here to serve our church, our community, and the world. This ministry is a structured way for people in a faith community to support each other through focused, intentional prayer for individual needs, church activities, and broader community upliftment. Our Prayer Ministry helps to foster deeper spiritual connection, wholeness, and empowers people to experience God's presence and work in their lives. Prayer Ministry involves intercessory prayer, teaching people to pray, utilizing established prayer groups, and provides a dedicated space by the sanctuary or times for prayer, acting as the "backbone" for other ministries. We do not have a dedicated time to meet as prayer needs for the church are on an as needed basis. The members of the prayer team handle all requests with sacred confidentiality. Join our Prayer Team! Members commit to pray for the concerns of the church on a regular basis on their own time. Prayer concerns will be emailed to you. If you need more information, please contact ministry leaders Kathy Eckdahl at kathy_eckdahl@yahoo.com and Gary Rideout at gary.rideout@saumc.com #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #PrayerMinistry

When neighbors gather to share their stories, something powerful happens. Pain is witnessed. Isolation gives way to solidarity. And from that sacred space, justice work begins. The Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE) is a coalition of 29 church congregations, including St. Andrews, united by a shared conviction: faith calls us to act. Together, we give voice to the voiceless and build people power for dignity, fairness, and hope—turning concern into meaningful change. We Listen, Discern, and Act HOPE begins with listening. We sit with neighbors, families, seniors, and people with disabilities, honoring lived experience and allowing real stories to guide our work. Through prayerful discernment, HOPE’s leaders, team leaders, and network members vote on the issues we will address together. This year, HOPE adopted youth and education as a priority issue. A committee was formed and chose to focus on special education ,  seeking to better understand the challenges faced by students, families, and educators—and to advocate for systems that truly serve all children. The Housing Crisis: A Moral Issue More than 103,000 families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in our region spend over one-third of their income on housing, leaving many one emergency away from crisis. And yet, there is hope. After more than a decade of advocacy, the HOPE Affordable Housing Fund has helped make possible 1,100 safe, affordable homes. In the past year alone, 386 new homes opened at Casa Di Francesco, Baytown, Fulham Terrace, and Casa Bel Mar—creating stability, dignity, and opportunity. We give thanks for what faith and persistence have accomplished and continue to hold in prayer our county commissioners, partners, and all those most impacted by the housing crisis. Your Participation Matters Justice work is not spectator work. Your presence, your voice, and your reflection matter. As you engage with HOPE, we invite you to consider what moved you, where you saw hope, and how this work connects to your faith. Investing in What We Value The HOPE Investment Drive sustains and grows this work—developing leaders, engaging congregations, and strengthening people power. Investment is an opportunity, not a requirement. The return is measured in transformed lives, stronger communities, and opportunity made real.   Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 7:00 PM is a significant date for HOPE. The Nehemiah Action event is taking place at the Bible-Based Fellowship Church. This year, we aim to gather 1,500 individuals to hold our leaders accountable and inspire them to take action.  Sherree Ento, Justice Ministry Leader St. Andrew's United Methodist Church   For more information on St. Andrew's Justice Ministry and their work with HOPE, or to join the Justice Ministry, please visit their website at Justice Ministry | St. Andrew's United Methodist Church or their Facebook page here . #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #JusticeMinistry #HOPE #communityorganizing

In 44 years, our preschool has grown from a group of 25 children in a temporary trailer into a Gold Seal Academy with over 100 students. We now serve 2-year-olds and Kindergarteners which means children can stay with us for four years instead of two. We are transforming two classrooms in the Family Life Center (FLC) for kindergarten children. For years our school families have been asking for more time with us, where their children feel safe and loved. Our local community clearly supports us. Most of our families come to us by word of mouth; they hear about St. Andrew’s Academy via social media, playground conversations, neighbors, friends, other churches, the gym, grocery store, the library. We teach the principles of Jesus, share God’s love and Word with a new generation of parents and children, and invite them into the life of the church, making a difference in the lives of those we serve. They are the future. OUR future. How can you help? Glad you asked! In the next several years the school and church will explore the possibility of building a new school facility to allow us to grow, reach, and serve our community more effectively. For more than 56 years, our facility has been a place of learning, growth, and community. As times change, we are prayerfully considering how to best steward our space, so it continues to serve our students safely and effectively. Maintenance costs have increased over time, prompting important conversations about long-term stewardship. We invite you to pray with us and consider how you might join us as we gather teams, explore feasibility studies, and discern together what God is calling us into next. Pray about the additional ministries that a new facility could enhance: Children's Ministry, Youth, Christian Education, and Nursery. We are coming to a crossroads. Pray for God’s leading and our human discernment. Our relationship with our church is stronger than ever, and that is very important to us. Together we have greater influence and presence in the community. Join us in this future! Kathy Grant Director, St. Andrew's Academy Web: St. Andrew's Academy | Web: St. Andrew's Academy-Kindergarten   #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #StAndrew'sAcademy #ChristianEducation #children

Wilson Elementary School - St. Andrew's UMC Ministry | 2025-2026 We expanded our school ministry in 2024 to include Wilson Elementary  School.  Wilson is a small school with approximately 400 students, grades kindergarten through fifth grade. The students come from working class families, i.e., “The Working Poor”; employed but earn minimum wage or have two or more jobs.  Backgrounds and social circumstances of the children vary greatly.  Many of the children experience foster care, a single parent home, care provided by default to a much older relative, or homelessness. Most parents are poorly educated and/or work more than one job, making it difficult to help their children with the daily homework.     Our ministry has had volunteers assigned to the first grades since 2023.  Volunteers are especially needed, not only to assist teachers and aides with daily classroom work, but to provide individual instruction and encouragement for those needing extra help.      Our support for Wilson Elementary this year has been focused on events and funding for unbudgeted projects that encourage family involvement in school activities. Our support has included:   Mission Day donations funded special needs projects Collected items for Christmas shop and assisted children buy gifts for their family Supplied emergency underwear for all sizes as needed  Sponsored Fall Festival: organized, cooked, and served Fall Festival concession Medicated treatment lice kits purchased for clinic   Teacher Lounge/Bulletin Boards are decorated seasonally/school   curriculum based  *Other projects are scheduled for later in the year.   “On behalf of Wilson Elementary School and our clinic we want to extend our   heartfelt thanks for your generous support. Because of your kindness, we are better equipped to care for children who need medical attention, comfort, and encouragement during the school day. Your partnership reflects a true spirit of compassion and community.  Please know that your generosity is seen, appreciated and deeply valued by both staff and our students.”  -Clinic Nursing Staff, Wilson Elementary School  Wilson celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year! It is with our sincerest thank you for your generous support for Wilson Elementary.  Your continuing support is needed to help a very dedicated staff make a difference in the lives of these children.  Ginny Henry Ministry Coordinator, Wilson Elementary School #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #WilsonElementarySchool #SAUMCMinistry #education #students #families #teachers #community

Frazzled Females is a welcoming group for women of all ages who are a little frazzled, to create space to gather with other women for fellowship, food, and FUN! Each month, Frazzled Females enjoys a variety of activities such as game nights, dinners out, paint nights, Bunco, theatre shows, movies, concerts, and more.  The group typically meets on the second Saturday of each month, though meeting times may vary when special events are planned. In addition to monthly gatherings, Frazzled Females coordinates the church’s Christmas Closet outreach each December, serving our community in a meaningful and generous way. New members are always welcome! Some women attend every month, while others join when their schedules allow, there is no commitment required. Simply come when you can and enjoy the time together. If you’re looking for a low-pressure, relaxed way to connect with other women, Frazzled Females would love to have you! Click to join Frazzled Female Fun group through Facebook  or Church Center. #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #FrazzledFemales #womensministry #lifegroup #fun #friendship #faith

Glorifying God Together is a Bible study group designed for couples who desire to grow deeper in their faith through scripture, community, and shared life experiences. Our meetings coincide with SPARK Kids Ministry programming (nursery care available), giving busy parents the opportunity to focus on spiritual growth while their children are doing the same. Gathering on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, we study God's Word, share in fellowship, and encourage one another in our walk with Christ. Class topics vary but are accessible at all levels of experience. Class materials are delivered in multiple formats (videos, scripture reading, podcasts) and open discussion in class is encouraged. In addition to our regular meetings, GGT participates in family-friendly service projects to give children a tangible way to experience and demonstrate Christ’s love in the world. We also enjoy occasional family fellowship events outside the church to strengthen our bonds as a faith community. Our goal is simple yet profound— to glorify God together as couples, parents, and families, leading by example in faith, service, and love within our group, our church, and our homes. Join us! Glorifying God Together Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Disciples Hall. Click HERE for more information. #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #GlorifyingGodTogether #marriage #family #ministry #community #biblestudy #smallgroup

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