2420 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg VA

In the unfolding chapters of my journey, today’s narrative gracefully emerged at Hill City Community Church, becoming the 55th sanctuary on my quest to explore every Christian church in Lynchburg.

Guided by the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit, I stepped through the inviting doors of this sacred space with my heart open to the experience that awaited me.

From the very moment I arrived, it was heartwarming to see the warmth and friendliness of the congregation.

A few kind gentlemen directed me to the Sanctuary, where I was greeted by welcoming smiles and heartfelt “hellos” along with a few hugs.

The Sanctuary itself was a beautiful sight to behold, filled with a sense of serenity and reverence.

Even though I arrived early, it was already beginning to fill with people, speaking volumes about the vibrant community that gathers here each week.

To my surprise and delight, I recognized some of my neighbors among the attendees…

Not realizing they attended this church, I was deeply moved when they invited me to sit with them.

They shared with me their journey, revealing that they have been attending Hill City Community Church for years. It was heartwarming to learn that Pastor Wes and his wife, Marie, lead the City Groups, building close-knit connections within the congregation.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Pastor James Hobson and his beautiful wife, Sarah.

I truly appreciated how they each individually took a moment to talk with me, eager to understand more about my journey and what I am learning from this calling.

I explained that my intention is not to “rate” churches, but to write about my experiences as led by the Holy Spirit.

With each visit, God shows me love in ways I never knew I needed, healing the most broken parts of myself—parts I never imagined could be mended.

Sharing my story with Pastor James and Sarah, I felt a deep connection and support that reinforced my belief that God is doing something miraculous through this journey.

Hill City Community Church is a special place, marked by its love, inclusivity, and diversity.

Everyone I encountered was kind and friendly, making me feel like part of their church family from the moment I arrived.

The congregation was genuinely full of joy and on fire for the Lord, creating an atmosphere that was both uplifting and comforting.

The worship team was incredibly gifted, leading us in beautiful praise songs that moved me to the verge of tears as we sang in unison.

Today’s service was particularly special as the church was celebrating Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month (AAPI).

A beautiful woman named Mele sang a song, teaching us words in Fijian, and it was such a moving experience to hear and participate in this celebration of culture.

I loved how this church involved children in the worship.

Some of the kids and adults played a delightful game called “Are You Stronger Than a 5th Grader,” which was both adorable and entertaining.

The children were having such a great time, and it was heartwarming to see their joy and engagement.

Pastor James delivered a powerful sermon, using Ephesians 6:10 as a guide.

He spoke about the importance of taking up the whole armor of God and how we must be strong in the Lord, emphasizing that it takes effort to withstand the challenges we face.

Pastor James has a beautiful way of teaching and preaching, using slides, movie quotes, and relatable stories to convey the message effectively.

His sermon was both inspiring and thought-provoking, reminding us of the strength we need to draw from our faith.

When I asked several members what makes this church special, they all had the same answers: they love being part of a multi-ethnic church that celebrates different cultures and embraces everyone as family.

This sense of unity and love was evident in every part of the service and interactions I had.

Hill City Community Church is a place where people genuinely care for one another and are committed to serving the community hands-on, which touched my heart deeply.

I wholeheartedly recommend visiting this Spirit-filled church. The love, inclusivity, and vibrant worship at Hill City Community Church make it a truly special place.

You can find out more information about this church by visiting their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/hc3.life

I look forward to the forever connections I made there today and am excited to see where the Holy Spirit will lead me next on this incredible journey.