1022 Floyd Street, Lynchburg VA

Continuing my journey to explore every Christian church in our city, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Westminster Presbyterian on Floyd Street, marking it as the 60th church on this spiritual journey guided by the Holy Spirit.

Stepping into this church, I was immediately embraced by a family that made me feel like a long-lost daughter returning home.

This church knows how to love and made sure I knew I was cherished.

Arriving a day early to capture photos of the historic building, I was surprised at the door by a lovely lady named Pix, who welcomed me with a contagious smile and open arms.

Pix took the time to give me a brief history of the church, sharing that she has been attending here for over 40 years.

Westminster Presbyterian Church began in 1830 and has met in their historic building since 1927. The decision to remain in central Lynchburg, while other churches moved to the suburbs, allowed Westminster to play a key role in ministry and missionary work.

From its location at the top of College Hill overlooking downtown Lynchburg, Westminster has launched important programs, including the Lynchburg Literacy Council, the Free Clinic, Camp Timothy, and Churches for Urban Ministry.

Their members also regularly dedicate time to missionary work in Malawi, Haiti, and Austria.

Westminster Presbyterian Church is full of life and welcomes everyone.

Upon entering the church this morning, I was greeted with so many smiles, handshakes, hugs, and an authentic joy that I was there to worship with them.

I became connected to Reverend Shawn Hyska and his beautiful wife, Sarah, through their inspiring work at Haven on Garland.

The mission of Haven on Garland is to provide temporary housing at no or limited cost for missionaries and their families, refugees, and any individual or family in need. A haven is “a place of safety or refuge,” and they aim for all to feel a sense of safety and wholeness.

Shawn and Sarah started Haven on Garland with a mutual desire to live out radical hospitality full of welcome and love.

With their home in the historic Garland Hill neighborhood of Lynchburg, VA, the dream of Haven on Garland gained its name. They have been such an inspiration to me with all their work in the community.

Stepping into the sanctuary, I was overcome with emotion.

The beautiful pipe organ, the reverence, the holiness, and the generations of whispered prayers in the atmosphere were humbling.

I love how the church bells chime on the hour, and the organist moved me to tears as I sat and listened with a heart that God is continuing to heal on this journey.

I experienced love in a new way today that I will always cherish and treasure.

The beautiful choir, dressed in robes, sounded angelic, and I loved singing out of the hymnal, “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty,” “Glory Be to the Father,” and “What Wondrous Love Is This.” There was also a beautiful solo, “Here I Am Lord,” again moving me to tears as I sat in awe.

We had readings and lessons from Psalm 103:1 and Ephesians 3:1.

I loved how the children came up to the front and were engaged and participating in the message today.

One of the children boldly showed off his cool shoes with lights.

Reverend Shawn’s message spoke directly to me and was exactly what I needed to hear.

His beautiful blend of humor and relatable real-world examples, such as the Tree of Heaven and the spotted lanternflies, drove home the message of how we need to be rooted and grounded in Christ’s love.

He spoke of dreams and how we humans have a hard time grasping God’s love, and how even our most beautiful dreams don’t come close to understanding the imagination of God.

When he wove fried chicken and pimento cheese into the message, I had no idea that dream would come true after the service as I was invited to stay for the church’s potluck.

It consisted of Reverend Shawn’s famous pimento cheese, fried chicken, the best collard greens I’ve ever had, mac and cheese, and soooo many wonderful items… too many to mention.

I was blessed to sit with a lovely table of women, including Sarah and Carter, and had a beautiful and humbling conversation. I can’t wait to reconnect with these beautiful women and continue the new friendships made today.

I want to thank everyone at Westminster Presbyterian so very much for your genuine love today.

God knows how much my heart needs that healing and love, and I am so grateful for each and every one of you!

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

I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to visit this Spirit-filled church. I will always carry the love shown here today… in my heart forever.

I can’t wait to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next.