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The Christian custom of foot-washing is well known as an annual event at some churches the week before Easter. Another ritual, anointing with oil, is practiced four times a year at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta.

The Rev. Gary Scheidt, the parish's pastor, said the anointing ceremony is open to the public, and one needn't have even been baptized to participate.

"This is a special time of worship and prayer," Scheidt said. "Prayers may be offered for any situation or circumstance, be it of mind, body or spirit."

At Trinity Ecumenical, a parish affiliated with three denominations -- Lutheran, Presbyterian and Episcopal -- the oil is applied sparingly with a finger to the forehead making the sign of a cross, similar to the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday.

"In this case it's just the sign of a blessing," Scheidt said.

He uses olive oil "since that was probably the most common kind of oil in biblical times." He said oil was applied by the Hebrews for consecration, and there are also biblical references to oil being applied externally to the sick and wounded.

Trinity Ecumenical's next anointing service is scheduled for 3 p.m. June 29. The church is located at 40 Lakemount Drive in Moneta. For more information call 721-4330.

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The three-denomination blend at Trinity Ecumenical Parish is one of several Roanoke-area congregations that underscore the national blurring of labels among Protestants that was reported in a study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in February.

The study of 35,000 Americans 18 and older found that roughly 44 percent of adults have either switched religious affiliation, moved from being unaffiliated to identifying with a particular faith, or dropped any connection to a specific worship tradition altogether.

Separately, a survey by the Presbyterian Church's headquarters in Louisville, Ky., in 2006 found that six in 10 congregants said they're willing to try new things with their church affiliation. And one in three members have been involved in their churches for fewer than five years -- a mobility rate that makes ongoing institutional adaptation essential.

Embodying the trend toward flexibility is Roanoke's Church of St. Peter & St. Paul at 4909 North Lake Drive, which was formed in early 2007 from two groups: some former Episcopalians and others previously Evangelical Lutherans.

How do they get along? The Rev. Philip Bottomley said, "When asked what denomination we are, we sometimes respond that we are both 'Anglerans' and 'Luthicans.' "

The combination seems to be working: During the church's first year and a half, active membership has increased to about 75 from 55.

If you know of other Roanoke area congregations that are successful affiliations, or are considering such a transition, please notify this column. Let us know either why this strategy appeals to you, or doesn't. And if your congregation tried a combination that hasn't worked, we'd like to share that with readers too.

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West End United Methodist Church will host a music program by Nashville, Tenn.-based gospel singer Grant Randolph at its 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Randolph has performed with famed gospel songwriter and singer Bill Gaither; he has also sung at the Grand Ole Opry.

You're encouraged to comment about religion-related issues on Roanoke.com's blog version of this column, "Focus on Faith."