Once again Jesus sets a standard of behavior for those who claim his name and desire his salvation.  Triangulation subverts that grace, because it creates a relationship dynamic that is oppositional rather than focused upon fulfilling the divine call to reconciliation.  When we try to gain others to our side because we are in conflict […]

We begin our Lenten Worship series with one of the most common things Christians do, often without even being aware that we are doing it: using judgment language about other people.  Jesus warns us not to judge, so in doing so, we set a standard by which God will judge us.  If we want grace […]

We conclude our Worship series on inspiring saints this Sunday with a person known as the first Black saint of the Americas: Saint Martin de Porres.  His mother was a freed slave of African and Native descent in Lima, Peru.  As he was not White, Martin was prohibited from joining a religious order, but he […]

The dynamic relationship between religion and art predates Christianity, but the Church has been a longstanding patron of the arts.  While most think immediately of the Renaissance, Christians have been making art to glorify God and reflect their faith long before then.  Catherine of Bologna is considered the Patron of artists and was a gifted […]

Secular culture has embraced the Feast Day of Saint Valentine, choosing to celebrate love on February 14, but the love for which Saint Valentine is celebrated was by no means a romantic one.  Like Jesus, Saint Valentine focused his faith and efforts on loving God and all people.  Perhaps by delving deeper into who Valentine was, […]

Simple and practical are the two words that best describe the approach to faith in Saint Therese, a young Christian woman who died at the age of 24.  Despite her youth, Therese was wise beyond her years, and her brief time on this earth has inspired millions and millions of Christians in acts of kindness and […]

As is the tradition at Crozet UMC on the fifth Sundays to have an opportunity to pray and receive the blessing of anointing, our Saint Worship series will focus upon a saint beloved for his prayers and love of creation: Francis of Assisi.  Join us as we look at how a deep appreciation for God’s […]

The young woman known as Joan of Arc is not just a saint but a historical person who participated in the military repulsion of the army of England’s attempt to conquer France in the Battle of Orleans during the Hundred Years’ War.  She was just thirteen when she began to have visions and step into […]

This week we explore a saint with some popular expressions of veneration that can be confusing.  If you have ever heard someone offer a quick prayer to Saint Anthony to find their lost keys, then perhaps you wondered about the Christian who seems to help those who ask for assistance in recovering their lost possessions.  […]

This Sunday we begin a new Worship series focused on saints, those believers who have become beloved to Christians all over the world and throughout history for their devotion and their service in Christ’s name.  Saints have often been inspiring to everyday Christians and are looked to for help in time of need.  We start with […]