205 Elmwood Ave, Lynchburg VA 24503

On my heartfelt journey, guided by the Holy Spirit to visit every church in our city, I reached a significant milestone at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

This visit was special, it was the 40th church I’ve stepped into, a number that carries deep biblical significance, often associated with periods of testing, trial, and faith.

From the biblical floods that lasted 40 days and nights to Moses’ 40 years in the desert and Jesus’ 40 days of temptation, the number 40 has always symbolized a time of spiritual significance and preparation.

So, stepping into St. John’s today, was a divinely appointed moment, especially meaningful as it coincided with the first Sunday of Lent, a time of reflection and renewal.

Warmly welcomed by the community from the moment my daughter and I arrived, we felt an immediate sense of belonging. We will never be able to fully share how your love has touched us in ways that we will always carry with us.

Our friend Scott Fogleman, a kind-hearted soul from EXP Realty, and his wife, Nannette Turner, who leads a vibrant group known as Lynchburg Girlfriends, invited me to this beautiful church this week for a special Sunday called “Pack The Church”.

Their invitation was a beacon of friendship and fellowship in my journey.

The compassion and warmth we experienced upon entering St. John’s was deeply moving.

The Reverend Chris Roussell, with his welcoming spirit and friendly smile, took the time to share a moment with us, enriching our visit with his kindness and graciously agreeing to a photo that captured the essence of our warm reception.

His kindness and compassion was a gesture that made us feel not just welcomed but truly seen and valued.

Scott and Nannette, ever so thoughtful, introduced us to the Good News Cafe, a place of communal gathering and joy. The entire room was filled with the kindest people welcoming us, and making sure that we felt loved.

Here, we were treated to a delicious breakfast buffet, a feast of eggs, hash browns, grits, sausage, donuts, and an array of delicious treats.

Scott’s generosity in purchasing breakfast for us was a touching act of kindness that we will always remember, symbolizing the fellowship and shared moments at the heart of this church’s community.

As we moved into the sanctuary, filled with a sense of prayer and reverence, the atmosphere was electric with faith and anticipation.

The sanctuary, alive and PACKED with people, was a testament to the vibrant spirit of St. John’s.

The choir and the organ music that filled the air moved me to tears, reminding me of the profound beauty and depth of our worship and the shared expressions of love for our Lord and Savior.

St. John’s Episcopal Church shattered any notions of quiet reverence with its loud, joyful expression of faith! This is a church that SHOWS LOVE.

My daughter and I were embraced with open arms, hugged, and made to feel incredibly valued—a reflection of the church’s commitment to love loudly and wholeheartedly.

The Reverend Chris Roussell delivered a powerful sermon that spoke to recognizing our weaknesses and embracing evangelism, complemented by a compelling Bible study lesson before the service. We were even given a book to deepen our engagement, this truly meant a lot and showed the church’s dedication to spiritual growth and community outreach in a personal way.

The programs and outreach efforts we learned about, aimed at supporting the most vulnerable in the community, resonated deeply with me, highlighting the church’s profound impact on the lives of its members and our broader community.

To find out just how many organizations St John’s supports filled my heart with an overwhelming joy… just a few include: Lynchburg Grows Greenhouse, Lynchburg Daily Bread, Habitat for Humanity, Lynchburg Boys Home, Miriam’s House, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, Meals on Wheels and so many more.

Meeting individuals like Clay Coleman of the “No Walls” ministry and Jane Kreger, who was baptized in this very church in 1948, and so many other members that I don’t have the ability to mention each by name, added personal stories to help me understand more about this church family.

The members of St. John’s shared what makes this church special to them… from its impactful community outreach and spiritual nourishment to the genuine care and education provided, and even the small, personal touches like Reverend Chris’s quirky and “crazy” socks.

This is a church that prays for the entire world…and our very own Lynchburg community.

Thank you to each and every person at St. John’s for making us feel so LOVED!

You can find out more information about this church by visiting their website at: https://www.stjohnslynchburg.org/

I wholeheartedly encourage anyone reading this to PLEASE visit St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Here, in this Spirit-filled place of love, community, and faith, you will feel the embrace of a family that extends beyond its beautiful doors.

My visit to St. John’s has filled me with a sense of peace, belonging, and inspiration, leaving me eager to discover where the Holy Spirit will guide me next on this incredible journey.