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, September 3, 2026

Hi St Andrew’s UMC Community,

September is here. School has started. The weather is all over the place which means allergies are overwhelming. In all of that, it is easy to lose our focus on Jesus. Today we consider how we focus too much on our to-do lists and not Jesus.

Immediate Focus

Mark 1:16-20

What is something for you that right now needs your immediate focus? An illness, a loss, a financial issue, a work task, a family challenge, etc.? What needs your immediate focus? One night, very recently, a queen bee/wasp or a very large flying insect that was not gentle somehow got in my house. As I was working on my computer, it showed up and nothing was more immediate than dealing with it. What is happening in your life right now that needs your immediate focus?

The Gospel of Mark is a fast-paced book with words that keep the action moving. The word "immediately" is used to illustrate the immediacy of knowing and connecting with Jesus. The word is not connected to immediately doing something the world needs. It is focused on immediately focusing on Jesus. And that is it!         

Is your focus on Jesus the same as your focus on what you feel is immediate? Are immediate needs worldly needs?  What would your life be like if your immediate focus was on Jesus and you dropped everything to be with and focus on Jesus? It seems impossible, and yet Jesus is always inviting us to be in immediate focus of Him.

Dear Jesus, thank You for always inviting me to be in immediate focus with You. This world is leading me down a different immediate path and I need to turn and go down Your immediate path and focus solely on You! Amen.

 

 

(Image from: https://synonymover.com/synonyms-for-immediately/.)

 

 

 

by Rev. David Piltz