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, November 11, 2026

Hi St. Andrew’s UMC Community....

The winter chill is starting and getting out of a warm bed can be more challenging than in the summer months! What alarm do you use to get you up? Today we explore the alarms that God gave the Israelites before they began their wilderness journey.

The Alarm Goes Off

Numbers 10:1-10

What is the sound and volume of your alarm clock? Are you one who uses the snooze function until the last possible minute? Or are you one who wakes up right on time and hops out of bed ready to go?

Before the Israelites began their wilderness journey of many places, God provided them a means to engage God as a way to be remembered by Him. Two silver trumpets were to be used to communicate with the people and to connect with God. What do you use to connect with God? What do you do ritually for God?

The use of the trumpets is a reminder that rituals with God keep us in constant connection with God. What is your ritual with God daily, monthly, yearly? For many, their yearly ritual is to go to Christmas Eve and Easter service. For some, their monthly ritual is to have communion, and for others, theirs is daily reading and reflecting on a devotion.

The trumpets remind us that without a consistent ritual to connect with God, it is easy to let the world seep into our lives and disconnect us from God. For me, I know that on the days I skip my morning prayers of thanksgiving, that day seems to be challenging to manage. But when I intentionally make my morning prayers of thanksgiving a priority, my day seems better! Have you experienced that?

So, what makes me not be consistent with my morning prayers? It is a lack of ritual and a sound to remind me for morning prayer. Maybe having two alarms is something to consider. One wakes me up and one sounds it is time for morning prayer! What reminder do you use to ritually connect with God daily?

Dear God, thank You for always being ready to connect with me. Thank You for reminding me that I need reminders to engage You. I pledge that I will create a ritual to connect with You daily. Amen.

  

 

(Image from: https://bible.art/p/I4zAGr66G5VM4O7AJfEM/blowing-of-the-2-silver-trumpets-of)

 

by Rev Dave Piltz