582 Leesville Road, Lynchburg VA

Today marked the 80th stop on my journey to visit every church in my city, and what an incredible milestone it was to spend the morning at Heritage United Methodist Church.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, this journey has been one of healing, discovery, and deep connection, and my experience at Heritage UMC was nothing short of a profound blessing.

From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in warmth, love, and a welcoming spirit that made me feel like part of the family.

As soon as I walked through the doors, I was greeted with smiles, hugs, and handshakes from members of the congregation, each one genuinely happy to see a new face among them.

There was an undeniable sense of community here, a unity that radiated kindness and compassion. I was immediately reminded of the beautiful ways God connects us through His people. It felt like stepping into a sanctuary not just of physical beauty, but of hearts united in love.

One of the first things that captured my attention was the stunning sanctuary itself. Heritage UMC’s sanctuary is truly breathtaking, with its architecture and beautiful decor.

It was a joy to meet Pastor Jim, whose warm presence and genuine kindness instantly made me feel at ease.

With a few gentle words, he emphasized what Heritage UMC is all about… a place where love overflows, a community dedicated to supporting one another and growing in faith.

Pastor Jim’s words were more than a greeting; they were an invitation to experience the love of God in a new way, and that set the tone for the entire morning.

The theme of love was beautifully shown through the service, in every hymn, every prayer, and every interaction.

I was particularly touched by a special section of the sanctuary set aside for children, complete with toys and activities to engage them in a space that felt like home.

Seeing how thoughtfully the church had prepared for the youngest members of the congregation, even decorating a space for an upcoming “Friendsgiving” for the children, filled my heart with joy. It was clear that this is a church that treasures its children, and that invests in making worship accessible and meaningful for all ages.

One of the most touching moments of the morning came when the children were invited to the front of the sanctuary to learn the story of the widow’s mite. Each child was given two pennies as they listened to the story of the widow who gave everything she had to God, a gift that may have seemed small in worldly terms but was monumental in the eyes of faith.

Watching the little ones take in this story, with wonder in their eyes and pennies clutched in their hands, reminded me of the purity and simplicity of giving from the heart.

Throughout the service, the church’s emphasis on prayer was deeply moving. Prayers were offered for the nation, for current and future leaders, and for each other.

There was a collective spirit of intercession, a powerful moment of unity as we lifted up our voices together in faith. It was a reminder that we are called to support one another, to pray without ceasing, and to seek God’s guidance for our communities and our country.

The choir added a stunning layer of worship to the service, their harmonies soaring through the sanctuary like a chorus of angels. Their rendition of “All Creatures of Our God and King” and “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” brought tears to my eyes.

The beauty of their voices created an atmosphere that felt sacred and wonderful. I was especially touched to see Pastor Jim join in with the choir, a beautiful example of a leader worshipping alongside his congregation.

Pastor Jim delivered a powerful sermon on “Worshipful Giving,” focusing on the themes of radical faith, gratitude, and vision. His message shed new light on the story of the widow’s mite, reminding us that true generosity comes from the heart. It’s not about the amount we give, but the spirit in which we give it. Today, I heard this familiar story in a fresh and inspiring way, and I felt deeply moved by the reminder that every act of giving, no matter how small, is an opportunity to express our love for God.

I had the pleasure of speaking with several congregation members who have been following my journey to visit every church in the city. Their words of encouragement, their genuine interest in my story, and their heartfelt support touched me more than I can say. Many shared personal stories of how Heritage UMC has impacted their lives, creating a space where they feel loved, supported, and uplifted.

One of the highlights of the morning was a humorous story shared by Pastor Jim about a moment of joyful praise while he was in his car. As he recounted his spontaneous outburst of praise, the entire congregation erupted in laughter, a moment of shared joy that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of this loving community. Be sure to ask him about it when you visit…it’s a story that will bring a smile to your face!

I left Heritage United Methodist Church with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit uplifted by the love I encountered. This church, filled with beautiful people who truly love the Lord and each other, has left such a beautiful mark on my journey. I know that God is using this experience to piece together the fragments of my heart, and with each church I visit, He is revealing new dimensions of His grace and love.

I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Heritage UMC. Whether you are looking for a place of worship, a community of support, or simply a moment of peace, you will find it here.

I cannot wait to see where the Holy Spirit will lead me next on this journey of healing, hope, and discovery. Thank you, Heritage United Methodist Church, for the love, laughter, and inspiration you shared with me today!