Benefiting the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the concert featured songs of solidarity from some of the finest orchestral musicians across the area as well as St. Andrew’s Chancel Choir
The stormy North Texas weather of March 21 did not deter the support and fundraising success of St. Andrew United Methodist Church’s “United with Ukraine: A Benefit Concert,” at 7 p.m. that evening in the sanctuary. St. Andrew United Methodist Church announces that it raised a total of $57,137 with 100 percent going to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which is actively serving internally displaced people and refugees within and from Ukraine with food, water, shelter, and other needs.
“It has been said ‘when words fail, music speaks,’ and this conflict in Ukraine has us all speechless,” said Taylor Davis, Director of Music and Worship Arts, St. Andrew UMC. “My involuntary response, as director of music, is to gather musician friends and create unity and peace through art. Individually, we can’t change the world, but music can help change the molecules in the room, which can change hearts and minds across lines of division.”
Davis began making calls to his musician contacts to see if any benefit of this nature had been planned, and upon learning that it had not, he immediately began to move forward, orchestrating this event in a brief two-week period. The concert featured songs of solidarity from some of the finest orchestral musicians across Dallas and Fort Worth, including members of the Dallas and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras, as well as St. Andrew’s Chancel Choir.
“The musicians, passionate about the cause, were excited to be a part of this program, expressing that they felt this was important and exactly what the church should be doing during this time,” added Davis. “One of our musicians, Ordabek Duissen, concertmaster, violin I, of the Fort Worth Symphony, had a personal connection to the war, expressing that he was concerned for his family living in Kazakhstan because he felt if the invasion progresses, his country would be the type of country that would be pursued. It was powerful to see the event come together so quickly with each talented musician and our choir uniting to share their gifts to make an impact.”
Fox 4’s “Good Day” Host Lauren Przybyl served as emcee for the evening, encouraging additional fundraising throughout the evening and providing updates during the concert.
“I am honored to be your host this evening as we create beauty in the shadows of war and raise funds for those who need it most,” said Przybyl. “This community is generous beyond measure when it rallies around a cause, and I know tonight will be no exception.”
Opening with an orchestral performance of “The Great Gate of Kiev,” the concert included music selections from Dmitri Shostakovich, Myroslav Skoryk, John Williams, John Rutter, and more. In between pieces were meaningful readings and poetry. St. Andrew’s Rev. Kim Meyers provided a prayer for the many children affected by this conflict followed by “Hush,” sung by choir member Megan Gackle. This was followed by “What a Wonderful World” and a powerful performance by choir member Jimmy Robertson and the choir ensemble. The event concluded with “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” sung by choir member Sarah Brammer.
“We are so happy that we were able to host this event for the community and thank our supporters for their incredible generosity,” said Sr. Pastor Arthur Jones, St. Andrew United Methodist Church. “In the United Methodist Church, one of the things we do best is care for people – whether locally or globally – we care deeply about loving our neighbor. We have churches everywhere including in Ukraine and its border countries, and 100 percent of this money will go to relief efforts through the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which is actively working with churches and pastors in Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova.”
“Additionally, St. Andrew would also like to thank the concert sponsors who were touched by this cause and helped to make this program possible: Ovation Health & Life Services, the LaBroad Family, and the Nancy Seaberry Frost Arts Endowment,” added Rev. Jones.
For anyone wishing to donate, visit https://onrealm.org/standrewumc/-/form/give/Ukraine.
(Photos by Jenny Skinner)
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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.