St. Andrew Methodist Church is hosting their fourth annual St. Andrew Open Golf Tournament to benefit high school seniors and aspiring seminary students.
The shotgun starts on June 5 at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at The Clubs at Prestonwood.
“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 and 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 is presented by The Methodist Men of St. Andrew, which provides funding and mentorship programming for dozens of students annually. In 2022, the fund provided a total of $100,500 in scholarships to 64 high school seniors from nine area high schools: J.J. Pearce, Lake Highlands, Prosper, Plano East, Plano Senior, Plano West, Richardson, Richardson Berkner and R.L. Turner. The students attended 26 different colleges, mostly in Texas.
“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.”
The golf tournament also helps fund the Charles Stokes Seminary Scholarship Fund in partnership with the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. The scholarship is awarded to those aiming for a future in church leadership. Last year, the fund offered $15,000 scholarships to three seminary students. The scholarship was established by the late St. Andrew Paster Charles Stokes and his wife Louise, who saw a need for new pastors. The scholarship also establishes mentorship between the recipients and the church staff.
“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. to 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.standrewumc.org/standrewopen.
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