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, April 8, 2025

Hi St. Andrew’s UMC Community …

For the next 40 days, we are in what is known as Eastertide! The time Jesus didn’t completely leave the earth but appeared to teach and show his love. Today we consider Jesus telling his disciples to go and make disciples!

In The Unknown, Jesus Appears: Part 1 - Go Regardless

Matthew 28:16-20

After Jesus rose, for 40 days he stayed connected to the earth and appeared to his disciples continuing to teach and guide. This 6-part series explores key biblical scriptures during that time.

Today’s devotion centers around Jesus reminding the disciples that it is now time for them to go and live and teach love regardless of the world! It’s time to go! Words echoed every day, whether it is for an appointment or leaving for the dinner or leaving to go home. Everyone at one point in their lives have said, it’s time to go! Sometimes they said it with dread or joy. Sometimes there is relief and other times worry and concern.

The disciples just lost Jesus and were grieving and directionless. And Jesus shows up and says, it's time to go! It’s time to go and live and teach love. How scary would that feel? How exciting would it seem? Where in your life have you heard Jesus say to you to go and live and teach love? Have you heard Jesus say for you to pray or be present or to share your faith or to serve others or to provide for others? Where has Jesus called you? Did you go? What caused you to go and what caused you to stay?

It’s time to go and live and teach love, is what Jesus told the disciples they were ready to do. Are you ready to live and teach love? What gets in the way for you to fully embrace Jesus’s command? For me, some are harder to love than others. Can you relate? In those situations, how do you live and teach love?

Dear Jesus, I am often afraid to go, and yet You call me because You know me. Thank You for teaching me how to live and teach love. Help me to go wherever You call me in prayer, presence, witness, service and gifts. Amen.

  

 (Image from: https://thegreatcommissionart.com/)

 

By Rev Dave Piltz