3109 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg VA

From the very moment I entered First Christian Church, I was enveloped in an atmosphere that was both unique and inviting, a feeling that would come to define my entire experience there.

The warmth and genuine kindness of the congregation made me feel immediately at home in this sacred space.

As I approached the entrance, my attention was drawn to a sign that proudly proclaimed the church’s 150 years of “Serving God and Community.”

This simple yet powerful message was accompanied by photographs and prints that chronicled the church’s rich history. These images told the story of a congregation that has stood the test of time, weathered countless changes, and remained steadfast in its mission to serve both God and the community.

The visual history was more than just a collection of memories; it spoke of the enduring faith and dedication of those who have worshiped within these walls for generations.

One thing that I noticed during my visit was the overwhelming sense of love and inclusiveness that permeated every interaction. So many people in the church made a point to come over, introduce themselves, share a conversation, offer a hug, or provide words of encouragement.

It was clear that this congregation is not just a group of people who gather once a week…they are a true community, united by their love for God and for each other.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rev. Dr. Jarrett Banks, who welcomed me warmly to the worship service. His genuine kindness and openness set the tone for the entire experience.

As I spoke with several members of the congregation, some of whom have been attending since the 1980’s, it became evident that the inclusiveness of the church and its outreach to the community are among the qualities they cherish most. This is a place where everyone, regardless of their background, is embraced and valued.

The service itself was a beautiful blend of tradition and heartfelt worship. The sharing of joys and concerns was particularly moving, as it reminded me that standing up for the most vulnerable among us is at the very heart of Jesus’ teachings. The congregation’s compassion and empathy were on full display as they lifted each other up in prayer and support.

The scripture reading from John 6:51-58 set the stage for what would be a powerful sermon. The choir, accompanied by guest violinist Greg Childress, performed a piece of music so beautiful that it moved me to tears.

The sound of the violin intertwined with the voices of the choir created a moment of pure worship that I will not soon forget.

We sang hymns from the hymnal, each word a reminder of the grace and love that God pours into our lives. But it was the sermon titled “A Living Poem” that truly captured my heart.

Rev. Dr. Jarrett Banks spoke eloquently about how our lives should be poetry in motion… a beautiful hymn unto the Lord. He reminded us that we are called to live out a life of selflessness and sacrifice, much like the Good Samaritan, who served God by serving others. This message was a reminder that our faith is not just something we profess with our lips but something we live out in our daily actions.

As the service came to a close, I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the experience I had at First Christian Church. The love and genuine faith of this congregation left a lasting impression on my heart. This church is more than just a place of worship; it is a community where the love of Christ is lived out every single day.

I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to visit and experience this loving congregation for themselves. The beauty of their worship, the depth of their compassion, and the strength of their community are truly something to behold.

As I continue on this humbling journey, I am eager to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next.

Each church I visit is a new chapter in this unfolding story of faith, and I am continually amazed by the grace and love that God reveals to me along the way.

This journey is not just about exploring different churches; it is about healing, growth, and being changed by His grace and love.

I look forward to the next step on this incredible journey, knowing that God has much more in store for me as I seek to experience the fullness of His presence in every corner of our city.