Visitation: St. Andrew's in Farmers Branch
Bishop Rob Price visited St. Andrew's in Farmers Branch on Palm Sunday leading about 50 parishioners in procession from the Parish Hall to the church as they held palm branches and sang hymns. Later Bishop Price remarked about the wonderful diversity of the parish where there are people of all ages and races.
The church is led by the Rev. Roy Thomas, priest-in-charge. Thomas said when he was first called to the church he prayed to do God's will for the parish and has since been blessed with many good gifts.
One such gift was a rebuilt Parish Hall paid for by insurance money after a Covid-days storm blew the roof off. Other gifts came with parishioner Guadalupe Bueno, a horticulturalist, who procured a top Dallas area landscaper to construct five garden beds at the Church. The gardens consist of mostly native plants including Texas Mountain Laurel, salvia, yarrow, bulbine, aster, columbine and much more. These plants require less maintenance and brings softness and beauty to the church grounds.
Another gift comes from longtime parishioner and senior warden Jerry Kelly who said he became depressed after a leadership transition when there were more people serving as acolytes than those sitting in the pews. He offered intercessory prayers over the parish and was answered with a financial boon that made funds available to contribute to the church helping it become more vibrant and welcoming.
The congregation has since grown with believers that clearly love each other which is obvious during the pass-the-peace with many embraces and warm wishes. After the service the church welcomed the bishop, and his wife, Kate to a wonderful potluck reception with beans, cornbread, lasagna, brownies, salads and other dishes. After lunch, Bishop Price met with the clergy and vestry as part of the visitation.