The first Sunday in Lent almost always focuses on Jesus’ being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. And while the wilderness in Judea isn’t known for its edible fruit, Jesus gets through the temptations by drawing on a different kind of fruit entirely—the fruit of the Spirit.
– Pastor Anne
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On this particular Sunday I had the honor of baptizing Susan Caruso’s new great grandson, Lorenzo Michael Vardaro. Methodists call Baptism both a sacrament and a covenant. We call marriage a covenant but not a sacrament and Holy Communion a sacrament but not a covenant. So what’s a covenant anyway?
– Pastor Anne
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In 2021, the New England Conference offered an online study of the book “Faith After Doubt,” by author Brian D. McLaren. In addition to being a prolific author, McLaren is on the faculty of the Center for Action and Contemplation (cac.org) where he recently introduced the center’s 2025 Daily Meditations theme of “Being Salt and Light.” Sound familiar? See and hear McLaren’s thoughts on the scriptures Pastor Anne addressed in her recent sermons, HERE. If you missed Pastor Anne’s recent sermons on salt and light, you can watch or read them on our website (https://crawfordmethodist.org/sermons/).
“The term ‘spiritual practice’ doesn’t usually refer to hiking or painting, but these activities can strengthen our faith. Here are four practices to try when you are yearning to draw close to God…
…People find a deeper connection with God by spending time in spiritual practices that are best for their unique personality and situation. Spiritual practice exploration is an option any day of the year, but adopting something new during a specific season can be helpful. Consider adding a practice during Lent, the 40 days leading to Easter, or Advent, the four weeks leading to Christmas.”
In an article published on umc.org, author Laura Buchanan explores how activities such as making art, hiking, meditating, and listening to or making music can help us find a deeper connection with God. Read the full article HERE.
We’ve talked about Jesus telling us who we already are: Salt and Light. We’ll spend quite a bit longer on the fruit that begins to grow in those who allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in them and how we can participate in nurturing those fruits. Read or watch to learn more.
– Pastor Anne
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