122 Fleetwood Drive, Lynchburg VA

Today, despite the forecast of cold temperatures and the potential for snow and ice accumulation, I was determined not to let the weather deter me from visiting the 89th church on my journey to experience every church in my city.

And what a joy and privilege it was to join the beautiful faith community of All Saints Church in worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on this 12th day of Christmas.

All Saints Church is a community of faith located on the campus of New Covenant Schools.

It is a parish of the Diocese of the Central States of the Reformed Episcopal Church. Sunday services are held at 9 a.m. in the recently reconstructed and stunning Marie Macdonald Chapel, an exquisite chapel.

The ministers, the Rev’d Davidson Morse, Rector, and the Rev’d John Heaton, Associate Priest, serve not only the church but also the school as Chaplain and Headmaster, respectively.

Their dual roles reflect a commitment to both education and spiritual leadership, enriching the broader Lynchburg area through their ministry at All Saints. And, they are both so incredibly kind.

All Saints is truly a welcoming and faithful body of believers, perfectly living up to its name.

This congregation is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds who come together in worship around a shared tradition that unites Christians of all walks of life.

If you’re seeking a faith community, I encourage you to experience the blessing of traditional liturgy and discipleship in the Anglican way at All Saints Church.

Today’s service was especially meaningful as it celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany, a time to reflect on the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world.

This sacred day commemorates moments in Jesus’ life. The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning “manifestation,” a new insight I learned during the service.

The celebration was both spiritually enriching and deeply moving, beautifully honoring these moments that reveal Jesus’ divinity.

From the moment I stepped into the chapel, I was embraced by the warmth and kindness of this congregation.

Each person I encountered made a point to say hello and welcome me with a genuine and loving spirit.

Their friendliness extended beyond words, as some recognized that I might have some difficulty following along with the traditional liturgy.

A kind woman went out of her way to help me with the Book of Common Prayer, graciously sharing her copy and guiding me through parts of the service.

Among the many wonderful people I met, Elaine Curtis stood out as an incredible blessing.

She took the time to answer my many questions with patience and joy, making me feel not only welcomed but truly valued.

I also had the privilege of connecting with three women in the narthex after the service. They listened to my story with compassion, and we shared a heartfelt moment that I will always cherish.

The sense of community and the genuine care of this congregation touched me deeply and left a lasting impression on my heart.

The sermon today was unlike any I’ve heard before.

It tied together scripture in a way that “connected the dots” for me, providing clarity and insight that illuminated the significance of the Epiphany in a profound and meaningful way.

The message resonated deeply, offering new wisdom that I will carry with me.

And then, there was the choir.

Words hardly do justice to describe the beauty and reverence of their music.

It was easily one of the best choirs I’ve ever had the privilege of hearing, their voices lifting in harmony to create a sacred atmosphere that moved me to tears more than once.

Speaking of the chapel, the Marie Macdonald Chapel is absolutely breathtaking.

Its design and atmosphere inspire awe, creating a space that draws you closer to God.

Every detail reflects beauty and reverence, making it the perfect setting for such a meaningful service.

Today was a day I will always hold close to my heart.

The worship, the music, the kindness of the congregation, and the beauty of the chapel made this visit to All Saints Church an unforgettable experience.

I am grateful for the love and joy I encountered today and for the ways this church reflected Christ’s light so clearly.

I cannot wait to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next on this incredible journey.