Ministries

Weekly Devotions

St. Andrew's is focused on providing opportunities for all to experience the love and grace of Jesus. We offer a variety of ministries that allow everyone to grow closer to God.

"Serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13)

"Be devoted to one another in love; honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10)

"Look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4

Each Wednesday, a devotion is posted here, sent via email to our email list and also posted on our Facebook page. If you would like to be part of our email list please contact the church office. In addition, check out past Devotions on our Facebook page. 

I often receive feedback that the devotions are rich in content and are complex. Reading devotions whether short and concise or longer and complicated should never be read once quickly. All types of devotions should be read multiple times using contemplation, reflection and pausing. In those spaces of contemplation and reflection we experience the Holy Spirit interacting with us. Sometimes, individuals will reach out and provide their thoughts and reflections on their devotion. My intent has always been to create a dialogue. So read these in the way that best works for you to experience the Holy Spirit and create a dialogue with others in our community.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Hi St. Andrew's UMC Community ....

Eastertide season is coming to a close in two weeks. During this time,  how have you encountered Jesus? Today's devotion is about encountering Jesus at breakfast!  

In The Unkown, Jesus Appears: Part 5 - Connect Regardless

John 21:1-14

In this season of Eastertide, this is Part 5 of a 6-part series exploring key scriptures that after Jesus rose, for 40 days he stayed connected to the earth and appeared to his disciples continuing to teach and guide.

I remember being told the story that when I was in kindergarten or first grade the teacher asked what everyone had for breakfast and I said a piece of bread. The school called my parents to make sure all was OK at home. I apparently had a piece of bread with peanut butter. In my toddler years, our next-door neighbor would watch us in the morning. I don’t remember her name but for breakfast before school she would place a piece of white bread on the coil burner of the stove and let the bread be seared. I used to love those breakfasts. Maybe these experiences contributed to my love for going out to breakfast as I love a good omelet, potatoes and bacon.

There’s a lot to John 21:1-14 but let’s focus on verse twelve. Jesus invited the disciples to breakfast. The disciples were managing life in loss and grieve of Jesus being gone. They go back doing what they know to do and Jesus invites them to connect in the middle of their lives. Jesus invited the disciples to breakfast. Jesus invited them to connect with him. Jesus is always inviting everyone to connect with him.

Do you recognize how Jesus is inviting you to connect with him? Or does your own sense of life’s obligations block you from recognizing Jesus’ invitation to connect? What would your life look like if you accepted Jesus’ invitation to connect? What would you have to let go of, give up or not do to accept Jesus’ invitation? Jesus is always inviting everyone to connect with him. What will it take for you to accept the invitation to have breakfast with Jesus?

Dear Jesus, thank you for always inviting me to you. Thank you for never giving up on me and providing the invitation without conditions. I desperately want to say yes to your invitation but this world invites me to so many other things. Help me to say yes to your invitation and no to the worlds. Amen.

(Image: The Miraculous Draught of Fishes, Painting by Jean Jouvenet (1644-1717), Painted circa 1706, Oil on canvas © Louvre Museum, Paris / Alamy. Image from: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-21-1-14-2026/)

by Rev Dave Piltz