2424 Rivermont Avenue Lynchburg, VA

Today, as part of my ongoing mission to experience the spiritual journey of Lynchburg by visiting every church in our city, I found myself stepping through the doors of Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church, marking it as the 28th church on my spiritual journey. This visit added a new layer of understanding and connection to my quest.

The moment my daughter and I arrived, we were greeted by Claire Dodd, whose radiant spirit and genuine kindness set the tone for our visit. Claire not only welcomed us but took the time to provide printed information about the intricacies of the church’s liturgical traditions, expository preaching, and the essence of its transcendent worship. Her enthusiasm and willingness to share made us feel not just visitors, but learners and participants in their sacred traditions.

Entering the magnificent sanctuary, we were immediately struck by the angelic sound of the choir practicing. Dressed in vibrant red robes, they were a visual and auditory representation of the church’s dedication to worship. This harmonious welcome was a beautiful prelude to the service and a testament to the congregation’s commitment to glorifying God through music.

While capturing the beauty of the sanctuary by taking photos before service, I had the pleasure of meeting Sandy Rumore and Lerlyne Garcia. Their eagerness to converse and share their experiences at Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church highlighted the close-knit and welcoming nature of their church family. They spoke highly of their four pastors, giving me a glimpse into the strong leadership and pastoral care that forms the backbone of this community.

Another choir member, Betsy Weaver, approached us with an inviting warmth that immediately made us feel included. Betsy shared information about various community events organized by the church, like the upcoming “Neighborhood Christmas On The Corner,” as well as other annual festivities. Her kindness and inclusivity were reflective of the church’s commitment to community engagement and fellowship.

The church thoughtfully provided blue connect cards on the pews, allowing us to leave our contact details and prayer requests. This simple yet meaningful gesture spoke volumes about the church’s desire to engage with and support everyone who walks through its doors.

Behind us, local artist Amy Woods, along with her daughter Daisy and husband, offered friendly conversation and valuable insights about the church. Amy’s observation that the people of the church make it special resonated deeply with us; her act of sharing her hymnal so we could easily follow along was a small but beautiful gesture of the church’s welcoming spirit.

Although many members were hesitant to have their photos taken and some even declined to shake my outstretched hand, I respected their personal boundaries and privacy. These interactions reminded me of the different ways in which people connect with others.

When I was asked if I had “permission” to write about the church, I tried to convey my calling by the Holy Spirit to document and share my experiences. This aspect of my visit was a learning experience in itself, showcasing the varied perspectives within the Christian community and the importance of respectful dialogue and understanding.

The service itself was a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements, with Pastor Ron Cox extending a heartfelt welcome to all in attendance. Singing hymns like “Amazing Grace” and “Nothing But The Blood” alongside the congregation was a spiritually uplifting experience. The printed order of worship provided a helpful guide through the service, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the prayers, affirmations of faith, and choir performances.

Pastor Shane Whelan’s sermon, “What’s the Plan,” was both engaging and thought-provoking. His use of a Mike Tyson boxing match as an analogy for Adam and Eve’s disobedience was a unique and impactful way of conveying the message. The scriptural readings from Genesis 4:1-5 and Hebrews 11:4 were skillfully woven into the sermon, emphasizing the importance of faith in understanding God’s plan for salvation and finding purpose in our lives.

As the service came to a close, Pastor Ron and a few other members graciously agreed to participate in a photo, capturing the moment of our visit.

I certainly recommend a visit to Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church for anyone seeking a church community. The blend of rich tradition, warm fellowship, and dynamic spiritual leadership makes it a unique place within our city’s array of churches.

You can find out more information about the church by visiting: https://www.rivermont.org/

As I eagerly continue my journey, the memories and insights gained from Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church will hold a special place in my heart, enriching my understanding of the diverse and vibrant expressions of faith within our community.