About Calvary
Calvary’s Mission
To be a church where faith is fostered, community is cherished and Christ’s love thrives.
Calvary’s vision
God’s grace, love and hope are embodied here and in the world.
Calvary’s Story: 100 Years of Faith and Fellowship
Calvary United Methodist Church officially launched in 1923 in what is now Crystal City in Arlington, VA. In 1917, an ecumenical group of Christians gathered for Bible study and prayer and inquired if there would be a church or denomination that would provide a permanent presence and building for worship.
At that time, the Methodist Protestant Church, one of several churches that became the United Methodist, stepped forward. Since then, Calvary has had a powerful impact on the community and sent people forth in ministry and mission around the world. Our first pastor became a missionary in India for the twenty-years of his life following his time at Calvary. Today, Calvary continues to offer a sacred space and a rich sense of community to those who grace us with their presence.
Whether you’re in the Arlington/DC area for just a couple of weeks or a local resident, we welcome you to become part of this dynamic faith community.
Pastries with the Pastor
Coming Soon: an opportunity to connect with the Pastor about Membership.
Office Hours
Monday-Friday
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion is one of the main sacraments of the Methodist Church. We are currently serving Communion every Sunday during the 9 a.m. worship and the first Sunday of the month at both the 9 a.m. and the 11 a.m. service. After the pastor officiates the sacrament, we offer multiple ways to receive the elements to accommodate different levels of comfort. Methodist practice an Open Table, which means that "all who love God, who earnestly repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another" are invitied to take Communion.
Baptism
Through baptism, we are born anew by the free gift of God and placed within this family called church. As with most families, we inherit a narrative, in this case God's mighty acts narrated in scripture. The narrative we inherit is not only one of the past, but one into which we are now invited and the Spirit empowers us to embody it in our own lives, here and now. Calvary upholds the UMC's belief in one baptism and offers baptismal services for families and new members. To learn more about baptism in the UMC click here.