STAR Ministry Shines Bright in Cooke County

One of the most impactful and enduring ministries of First UMC Gainesville is Second Time Around Resale (STAR)—a vibrant resale shop founded more than 40 years ago. More than just a thrift store, STAR is a mission-driven space where volunteers become the hands and feet of Christ, and every customer is treated with dignity.

Since its founding, STAR has offered gently used clothing and basic household goods at affordable prices, always with the understanding that everyone deserves access to quality items that stretch limited budgets. All donations are thoughtfully sorted and priced with care, guided by compassion rather than profit.

Operated entirely by volunteers, STAR keeps overhead costs low. After covering essentials like utilities and transaction software, all remaining proceeds are poured back into the community. In 2024 alone, STAR disbursed $80,000 to local nonprofits, service organizations, and ministries—including DASH (Delivering and Serving the Homebound), Visto, Noah’s Ark, Stanford House, 4-H, Project Transformation North Texas, Camp Sweeney, the Texas Ramp Project and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Red River Battalion—making a tangible difference in the lives of Cooke County neighbors. This generosity was celebrated with joy and gratitude during a congregational potluck following worship on April 27, 2025.

The spirit of STAR is rooted in relationships. Volunteers—both from First UMC Gainesville and other local churches—begin each day in prayer and often share meals together during lunch breaks. The shop is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and regular customers are welcomed by name, creating a sense of community that transcends transactions.

Those who donate, shop, or serve at STAR describe it as the Church beyond the sanctuary walls—a place where faith is lived out in the everyday, and the love of Christ is not just spoken, but shown.