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

Quilters' Corner - St. Andrew's UMC At Quilters' Corner, every stitch is an act of love. Quilters' Corner began in February 2009 and was founded by Linda Cannan. Our   mission-based group brings together people of all skill levels—from beginners learning their very first quilting steps to seasoned quilters with years of experience—to create beautiful quilts that bless others in need. Working side by side, we share skills, encouragement, creativity, and a whole lot of laughter. Some quilts are lovingly crafted by individuals, while others come together as true community projects, with each person contributing blocks that are pieced into a larger whole. Every quilt reflects not just fabric and thread, but the spirit of cooperation, care, and God’s love stitched throughout. Quilts That Make a Difference Currently, Quilters’ Corner provides 36" quilts to the Brandon NICU—about 40 each year—bringing warmth and comfort to the tiniest patients and their families. We also make lap quilts for organizations such as Family Promise and Mountain Heart Community Services in West Virginia, serving infants and toddlers from families facing poverty. For children in the West Virginia PVK classrooms, quilts are used for naptime throughout the school year and then gifted to each child to take home—a reminder that they are cared for and remembered. These quilts also carry additional impact: their assessed value is matched with funds to support the program. In 2024 alone, Quilters’ Corner provided nearly 200 quilts , resulting in $16,791 in matching funds —a beautiful example of how God multiplies our efforts. Join Us in Stitching Love Quilters' Corner is growing, and there’s always room at the table for new hands and hearts! Our group currently meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center (FLC), Room 305. Whether you are brand new to quilting or eager to share your skills, you’ll find community, connection, friendship, fun, and purpose here. We are also exploring adding an evening or weekend meeting time to make participation easier for those with busy schedules. If that interests you, please email Renae Roberts, Quilters’ Corner Coordinator, at stampwithrenae@verizon.net  to share your contact information. Together, we stitch fabric into quilts—but more importantly, we stitch God’s love into lives. Ready to quilt? Join Quilters' Corner HERE . #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #QuiltersCorner #StitchingWithGod'sLove

United Women in Faith Seekers Circle We invite all women at St. Andrew’s to join the Seekers Circle of United Women in Faith in the Disciples Hall Conference Room for a salad supper at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month to enjoy a time of fellowship and spiritual renewal.  Our Circle was formed for working women and mothers who prefer to go out in the evening.  We have a program from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. that is selected from the theme for the year.  This year we are “Carrying our Faith Forward.”  We also have guest speakers or use a program from Response Magazine which educates us on the mission work of the United Methodist Church through United Women in Faith, both locally and around the world.   Our Reading Program provides education in six categories: Leadership Development, Education for Mission, Spiritual Growth, Nurturing for Community, and Social Action.  These books are selected to enlighten and enrich our minds and souls.  We offer a book club that meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. To participate in this opportunity, please contact julieramga.umw@gmail.com  or text to 813-503-9363.  All of our Circles are devoted to Missions, both local and global. We support Cornerstone Family Ministries, which is a national mission of the United Methodist Church located right here in Tampa. It is one of two national missions in the state of Florida. We are very active in generating donations and awareness with our own team of walkers and themed baskets for the Annual Wonder Walk. We are pleased to say that St. Andrew’s raised the largest amount of money with the most walkers in the entire Tampa Bay area in April 2025 thanks to all of our St. Andrew’s congregation and friends!  Our Circle also sponsors the “Andy’s Café” food for the Annual Fall Craft Fair on the last Saturday in October. Our craft fair is a community event with over 70 vendors providing homemade craft and specialty items, just in time for Christmas shopping.  We participate in Granny’s Attic in August and contribute weekly to St. Andrew’s Food Pantry.  We actively seek ways to support efforts to preserve our environment.   We are very committed to helping our church and community reach goals to bring the light of Christ into the community. We support each other and feel very grateful for the opportunities we are given to pursue these goals.    We always welcome new members and new ideas.  For more information, please contact Sandra Hazzard at shazzard@bestweb.net  or find us on the saumc.net website under the Grow and Serve dropdown menu for United Women in Faith. Quick link HERE . #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #UnitedWomenInFaith #SeekersCircle

The Food Pantry at St. Andrew's UMC Matthew 25:31-40 (NRSV) “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,   and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, "for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ The Food Pantry at St. Andrew's provides a beacon of hope to the Brandon community through weekly distributions of bags of food to those in need. Rooted in love and guided by Jesus' teachings, our goal is to provide nourishment, dignity, and hope to every family we serve. If you have a heart of hospitality and serving others in need, click this LINK  to join the Food Pantry Team. Need more information? Contact Food Pantry Coordinators: Earl Richardson at earlr1488@gmail.com or Carol Menne at mennebc@gmail.com.  Hear from Earl Richardson, Ministry Leader and Food Pantry Co-Coordinator, about how this ministry is making a deep impact—not only for those who are being served, but also for those who volunteer to serve by loving their neighbors. Click the image below to watch the video. Earl Richardson, Ministry Leader/Co-Coordinator at The Food Pantry-St. Andrew's UMC, Brandon, FL #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #foodpantry #loveourneighbor #meetneeds

St. Andrew's UMC School Mission Initiatives St. Andrew's UMC had a long tradition of supporting Dover Elementary School for many years, providing tutoring by volunteers and donations of school supplies. In 2024, we expanded our primary support from Dover to a small school, Wilson Elementary, based on the loss of volunteer opportunities at Dover and an opportunity to expand our mission. We also now include Spring Hill Elementary with support on a limited basis. Both schools teach K-5th grades. Their students come from working class families, i.e., the working poor. Their backgrounds and social circumstances vary greatly. Many families experience homelessness, foster care placement, or care provided by grandparents along with students from more traditional backgrounds. To date, our involvement and support at Wilson Elementary has included: Volunteers for all first grades Purchase of an educational rug for a classroom 165 Thanksgiving Food Bags (also shared with Spring Hill) Shoes (also shared with Spring Hill) Fall Festival financial donation Photographed family pictures free of charge Supported clothing drive for hurricane relief Taco lunch for teachers as a show of appreciation for all of their efforts Financed field trips to Dinosaur Land and the Planetarium Experience Supplied 400 computer headsets — one for each student, Kindergarten through 5th grades It is with the sincerest thank you to our congregation for their generous support of these schools. Wilson Elementary, founded in 1927 will celebrate its 100th year anniversary in the next school year, still in the same building no less. Your continued support is needed to help a dedicated staff make a difference in the lives of these children. Leonard Henry, Ministry Leader St. Andrew's UMC-School Mission Initiatives #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #schoolmissions #education #support

Good Grief Support Group Offers Healing Through Community Grief is a strange companion. It shows up uninvited, stays longer than expected, and can feel like a weight too heavy to carry alone. Whether your loss is recent or long past, whether it came suddenly or after a long goodbye, grief doesn’t follow a schedule—and it rarely makes sense. That’s why the Good Grief Support Group exists; to find strength through shared loss and to offer healing through community. Meeting every Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in the St. Andrew's Conference Room—or by Zoom for those who prefer to join from home—Good Grief is a welcoming, open support group for anyone mourning the loss of a loved one. There’s no need to sign up, no timeline you’re expected to follow, and no expectation that you’ve “moved on.” Each session stands on its own, and participants are welcome to join at any time they feel ready. Led by Gary Uremovich and Viveca Yoshikawa, a married couple and members of St. Andrew's, the group brings both compassion and personal experience to the table. Both have walked through widowhood and now draw from six years of experience facilitating grief groups. They’ve also co-authored a book titled "Good Grief," which explores how grieving—done intentionally and in community—can lead to healing, connection, and even unexpected growth. “Grief is painful,” Gary explains, “but how we grieve matters. Done well, grief can lead us back to wholeness. That’s what we mean by Good Grief.” Each group session is interactive, creating space for honest sharing, listening, and support. Whether you prefer to talk, listen, or be present, the atmosphere is respectful and kind. No pressure. No judgment. In addition to the Sunday group, Gary and Viveca also host a Thursday Night Together dinner at their home in Brandon from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. It’s a casual, welcoming space to share a meal with others—no cost, no agenda, just community. Feel free to bring family or friends and come as you are. An RSVP is appreciated. For more information or to RSVP, contact Gary Uremovich at 813-727-7078. Gary Uremovich and Viveca Yoshikawa Leaders, Good Grief Support Group #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #goodgriefsupportgroup #loss #grief #healing #hope

United Women in Faith at St. Andrew's United Women in Faith is a 156-year-old national organization begun by eight women in 1869. At St. Andrew’s, it is a community of women who are driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood. With a focus on women, children and youth, we act for justice and transform communities. We inspire, influence, and impact the world with our love in action. St. Andrew’s has three circles that meet monthly: Friendship Circle: Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month @ 10am Seekers Circle: Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month @ 6:30pm Wesleyan Circle: Meets the 3rd Monday of the month @ 2pm We come together quarterly as a whole unit. We sponsor Wonder Walk, Granny’s Attic, and the Fall Craft Fair. These fundraisers help support our local, national and international focus on women, children and youth. The Florida Conference of United Women in Faith has just had their Annual Mission u at the Westin Hotel in Lake Mary, FL. It is VBS/Summer Camp for United Women in Faith throughout the state of Florida. We had six members from St. Andrew’s in attendance. The Mission u photo (below) is Communion on Sunday, July 20. The theme this year was "Practicing Hope" with an 8-hour Bible study, three elective activities about Hope, and a Spiritual Speaker during plenary. Seek & Find Worship band inspired us through the three days. We had great fellowship with our “sisters” from across the state…a fun sleepover! State of Florida United Women in Faith at Mission u, Communion Service (Westin Hotel, July 20, 2025).. All women from youth to beautifully wise are welcome. Join us because love in action can change the world. If you are interested, contact Shari Gillis, Wesleyan Circle Leader of United Women in Faith-St. Andrew’s UMC at sharimgillis.umw@gmail.com . Click HERE to learn more about the world changing work of United Women in Faith. Shari Gillis Wesleyan Circle Leader-United Women in Faith St. Andrew's United Methodist Church #saumcbrandon #reachcreateserve #unitedwomeninfaith