2805 Old Forest Road, Lynchburg VA

Today marked a significant milestone in my journey to visit every Christian church in our city as I had the honor and privilege of visiting Forest Road United Methodist Church, the 51st stop on my sacred quest.

Accompanied by my daughter, we were greeted with warmth and kindness by Owen Tomlinson, a longstanding member of the church, who graciously allowed us to capture a photograph for this article.

Stepping into the sanctuary, we were enveloped in a sea of friendly smiles and heartfelt handshakes, instantly feeling a sense of belonging within the community.

As we mingled with members before the service, we were captivated by the rich history of Forest Road UMC, established in 1915.

Bill, a dedicated member since 1964, shared anecdotes of his decades-long journey with the church, underscoring the deep-rooted connection shared by its members.

Reflecting on her childhood memories, one kind lady recounted fondly pulling down the shades over the stained glass windows, a cherished tradition that brought back a sense of nostalgia and reverence.

Despite its smaller congregation, Forest Road UMC boasts a mighty spirit, placing a strong emphasis on community outreach and service.

Their commitment to embodying the teachings of Christ is evident in their proactive approach to meeting the needs of the community.

Learning about their support for local organizations such as Interfaith Outreach and Park View Missions, and their recent donation drives for essential supplies, deeply touched my heart, reaffirming the church’s dedication to serving those most vulnerable in our city.

The worship experience was a soul-stirring journey consisting of familiar hymns that that filled our hearts with joy. Songs like “Stand Up and Bless The Lord” and “I Need Thee Every Hour” served as a beautiful reminder of our dependence on God’s grace and mercy.

It was heartwarming to see the prayer list prominently displayed in the church bulletin, along with opportunities for congregants to share their prayer concerns during the service, allowing us to pray immediately for those requests.

Pastor Liz Ecklund delivered a powerful sermon titled “The Jesus Connection,” using analogies and inspiring stories to convey the profound message of Christ’s love and grace.

Her emphasis on working on our spiritual gardens and abiding in Jesus as the True Vine resonated deeply, touching our hearts and prompting deep thought.

One particularly moving part of the message recounted the impact of a humble shoe shiner… shining the light of Jesus, serving as a reminder of the power of love to illuminate even the darkest corners of our world…and leading others to Jesus.

Despite being the youngest attendees in the sanctuary, my daughter and I were warmly welcomed and embraced by every member of the congregation.

Their genuine expressions of love and hospitality made us feel truly cherished and valued, and we were truly blessed to be part of this wonderful service.

I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to visit Forest Road United Methodist Church and experience the love and fellowship of this remarkable congregation firsthand.

You can find out more about this church by visiting their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/forestroadunitedmethodistchurch

I will always cherish the warm welcome, and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter of this journey, guided by the ever-present leading of the Holy Spirit.